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
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Near ThreatenedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNear ThreatenedRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Cichlid fish
- Frogs
- Crabs
Predators
- Crocodiles
- Large birds of prey
- Pythons
ThreatsWater pollution, habitat degradation, gillnet entanglement, and decline of fish populations.
HabitatsClear, deep freshwater lakes, large rivers, and swamps with rocky shores.
Life span8 to 11 years in the wild, up to 20 years in captivity.
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyMustelidae
- SpeciesHydrictis maculicollis
Native
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Capable of delivering a painful bite if cornered; observe quietly from a safe distance.
- What to notice
- Look for a slender, dark brown otter with distinct white or cream spots on the throat.
- Support conservation
- Maintain a distance of at least 50 meters and never disturb shorelines where they den.
Responsible observation
- 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.
Competitor Mark Paxton of Shamvura Camp, Namibia, who releases it under the licenses below. JMK (talk) 20:54, 2 November 2013 (UTC) / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative 
Close Relative Bernard Landgraf / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
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