Research Paper on:
Illinois' Endangered River Otter Species

Unformatted Sample Text from the Research Paper:
that are considered an endangered species. Once plentiful in numbers, the river otter was an important link in the ecosystem. This paper discusses the impact the ecosystem in  Illinois will feel due to the loss of this playful and beautiful mammal. THE RIVER OTTER: ENDANGERED IN ILLINOIS The river otter is an endangered species in the State  of Illinois, although there are more numbers of them in some other states such as Alaska and Louisiana. After a long absence from the area, river otters were re-introduced  in some parts of Illinois in the mid-1990s in hopes that their numbers would increase (McLean Parks and Recreation 2002, PG). River otters are important to the ecosystem of the  wetlands of Illinois. They locate near clean water, mostly rivers and streams, and they are finding it more and more difficult to find suitable clean rivers. After government  intervention Illinois was able to clean the waterways enough that it was felt wildlife could safely live near and around these rivers and wetlands once more without the pollution dangers  that once were present in abundance (Department of Natural Resources 2002, PG). The re-introduction program of the river otters has been so successful that the State of Illinois discontinued the  program because their numbers were successfully increasing on their own. The river otter is an important predator in the food chain of the natural waterways. When the river  otter is present it is a good indication of the healthiness of the environment. Where there are too many humans and too much pollution the river otter will leave  the area. The presence of the river otter assures that the area is a healthy environment for natural species (Department of Natural Resources 2002, PG). RIVER OTTERS AND