Otters in genera Aonyx (small-clawed and clawless otters) and Lutrogale (smooth-coated otters) were very recently lumped into genus Lutra with the Eurasian otter and Hairy-nosed otter, following new genetic studies. This change was accepted by iNaturalist and the American Society of Mammalogists.

Fishers are secretive, forest-dwelling members of the weasel family found across Canada. But the Columbian population in BC’s central interior is small, isolated, and facing serious pressure from habitat loss, wildfire and trapping.

Senior wildlife biologist Rich Weir joined Defender Radio Podcast to talk about what makes fishers unique, what new genetic research is telling us about the Columbian population, and what needs to happen to help these animals recover: https://thefurbearers.com/blog/defender-radio/the-fragile-future-of-bcs-fishers-feat-rich-weir/