The scars are thought to be a sign of social status.
Female sea otters have nose scars that act as a signal of their social status, according to new research. A study has found that the size and number of scars on the noses of female sea otters is linked to their ability to maintain social relationships with other otters.
While male sea otters are known for having large amounts of body hair, it is rare for females to have much fur at all. They instead use vocalisations and scent marking to communicate with each other. The study found that the nose is an important area for this communication because it contains a large number of scent glands.
“This finding is particularly interesting because it suggests that scarring may not only be used as a signal in mate choice but also in intrasexual competition,” said lead author Dr. Stephanie King from the University of Exeter’s Centre for Ecology and Conservation on the Penryn Campus in Cornwall.
