Mammals · Carnivora · Mustelidae

Spotted-necked Otter

Hydrictis maculicollis

Near Threatened

It could become endangered in the near future if current threats go unchecked. See full glossary

The spotted-necked otter is one of the two African otters and the more aquatic of the pair. It owes its name to an irregular cream mottling on the throat and chest, different in every individual. Unlike the African clawless otter, which gropes with its hands, this one chases fish by swimming and depends on clean, clear, permanent water, which makes it a good indicator of river condition. It lives in small groups and is mainly diurnal.

Weight

3 kg – 6.5 kg

Size

57 cm – 76 cm

Lifespan

12 years

Diet

Carnivore

Feeds mainly on other animals.

Activity

Diurnal

Active mainly during the day.

Sighting difficulty

Moderate

FreshwaterCarnivore Diurnal Near Threatened Freshwater Mammal

14countries 51parks28same family

Fun facts

The mottling on its throat is unique to each individual, like a fingerprint, and researchers photograph it to identify animals without catching them.
It is highly demanding about water quality: it disappears from turbid or polluted rivers even where fish remain, so its presence certifies a clean, well-preserved river.

Life cycle & biology

Skeleton type: Vertebrate - internal bony skeleton (mammal)
Habitat & environment: Rivers, lakes and wetlands of clean, permanent water in sub-Saharan Africa
Sexual maturity: 2.3 years
Gestation / incubation: 2 months
Litter / clutch size: 2

Sources consulted: https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrictis_maculicollis