Spotted necked otter (Lutra maculicollis)

The spotted necked otter is smaller and darker than the Cape clawless otter and has a pale neck with spots.  It is a diurnal otter and likes deep water habitats like lakes, where they dive for fish and amphibians.

It is a social animal and forms distinctive male and female groups.  Occurs only in Africa in all countries south of the Sahara and is absent only from the desert areas.

THE FACTS

Conservation status:

Size: 0.95 to 1.1 m

Weight: About 9kg

Food: fish, amphibians, and crustaceans

Number of young: 1 to 2

Threats: Nylon fishing nets causing the otter to become entangled and drown.

Distribution of the Spotted Necked Otter (Lutra maculicollis)

Data based on Otters and Action Plan for their conservation (IUCN 1990) and world otters (IOSF 2005)