Species · GBIF taxon 2434094
Spotted-necked Otter
Hydrictis maculicollisAlso known as Speckle-throated Otter, Speckled Otter
Spotted-necked otters are highly aquatic carnivores renowned for their playful, energetic behavior and the distinctive white or cream-colored spots decorating their throats. They are exceptionally agile swimmers that rely on clear, deep freshwater lakes and rivers to hunt, using their sensitive whiskers and keen underwater vision to locate prey. Unlike many other African otters, they are primarily active during the day, often seen foraging in small family groups or resting on rocky shorelines.
AquaticDiurnalSocial
Licensed reference(c) Derek Keats, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
- diet
- Carnivorous, primarily feeding on small fish and frogs.
- family
- Mustelidae
- threats
- Water pollution, habitat degradation, gillnet entanglement, and decline of fish populations.
- life Span
- 8 to 11 years in the wild, up to 20 years in captivity.
NT
Capable of delivering a painful bite if cornered; observe quietly from a safe distance.
Listed as Near Threatened due to habitat loss, water pollution, and accidental drowning in fishing nets.
Maintain a distance of at least 50 meters and never disturb shorelines where they den.- Scan rocky shores: Look for them sunning on rocks or playing in shallows during mid-morning.
- Watch for bubbles: A trail of bubbles on the water surface often reveals an active hunter below.
- Keep your distance: Avoid approaching nesting sites or blocking their path to the water.