With webbed feet making trips onto land somewhat awkward, the spot-necked otter, unlike the clawless otters, rarely ventures more than ten metres from water (2) (6). Instead, most of the daytime, when this otter is most active, is spent in shallow waters where fish are abundant. Fish comprise the bulk of the spot-necked otters' prey, with species of cichlid, barbel and catfish being particular favourites. Other prey such as crabs, frogs and insects are only important when fish are scarce, except in South Africa where these groups form a much more significant component of its diet (2). Although spot-necked otters sometimes form large groups of up to 20, individuals normally hunt for food alone (2) (5) (6). Whilst hunting, this otter performs short, agile dives from the surface, twisting and turning energetically to catch prey with its mouth, which is then eaten in the water or taken to the shore (2). The spot-necked otter is not territorial, but like other otter species it tends to urinate and defecate in a regular place, such as a rock just above the waters' surface. During the night, when this species is largely inactive, it will take shelter in concealed places such as dense vegetation, rock cavities or dens dug into the shore bank (2). Breeding takes place at different times of the year across the spot-necked otters' range, with between one and three cubs born after a gestation period of around three months (2) (3). The young are born blind and remain with their mother, who provides all the parental care, for up to a year (2)

The spot-necked otter owes its name to the mottled blotches of creamy-white markings typically visible on its neck and chest (2) (5). Dense, water-repellent fur, ranging in colour from chocolate to reddish brown, covers its long, sinuous body (2) (5) (6). More aquatic than other African otters, this species has fully webbed paws with sharp, well-developed claws. Its short, broad muzzle conceals relatively small teeth, adapted for catching fish rather than the hardy crustaceans favoured by the clawless otters (Aonyx sp.) (2) (5). The long, fully-haired tail tapers to a point and is horizontally flattened (3) (5).

The Spotted-necked Otter ranges from Guinea Bissau, the most westerly recorded range limit (Reuther et al. 2003), eastwards to south-west Ethiopia, and then southwards, in the west, to the northern border of Namibia, north-west Botswana and north-west Zimbabwe, and in the east, through west Kenya and Tanzania, Malawi, part of Mozambique, to eastern South Africa (Rowe-Rowe and Somers 1998; d'Inzillo Carranza and Rowe-Rowe in press). They are absent from Swaziland, and apparently locally extinct in Burundi, Ghana, Togo, and Lesotho (although they may never have occurred in this country) (d'Inzillo Carranza and Rowe-Rowe in press). The distribution of the species in West Africa, and possible presence on Bioko Island, is discussed by d'Inzillo Carranza and Rowe-Rowe (in press).

Hydrictis maculicollis (spotted-necked otter) is found in central Africa south of 10 degrees N latitude. They are abundant in both Lake Victoria and the Lakes Tangangyika, and also may be found in the moister parts of sub-Saharan Africa. They are not found in the far west, southwest, northeast, or east regions of Africa.

Biogeographic Regions: ethiopian (Native )

The spot-necked otter has a sub-Saharan distribution stretching from Guinea Bissau in the west to south-west Ethiopia in the east, and southwards as far as eastern South Africa (1). Although present in most countries within this large geographic area, it is notably absent from large parts of Southern Africa (1) (5).

The spotted-necked otter can be recognized by the brown and white spotting on the throat and underside. The rest of the body color ranges from a reddish brown to a chocolate brown. These otters are sleek and slender. They are characterized by strongly webbed toes (with the webbing going all the way to the tips of the digits), well developed claws, and long tails. Their length ranges from 85-105 cm. Sexual dimorphism is prevalent; females are shorter, lighter, and less muscular than males.

Range mass: 0 to 0 kg.

Average mass: 4 kg.

Habitat and Ecology

Systems

• Terrestrial
• Freshwater

These otters are aquatic and require permanent and continuous waterways. They prefer clear water with rocks. They are found in lakes, swamps, rivers, and may be found in mountain streams at higher elevations. They are absent in turbid rivers and shallow alkaline lakes. They live in dens, which are found near these sources of water.

Aquatic Biomes: lakes and ponds; rivers and streams

Permanent sources of unpolluted freshwater with high densities of fish are necessary to support spot-necked otters. Areas of open water such as large lakes, rivers and swamps are preferred and dense marginal vegetation such as reeds, grass and bushes is important for cover (1) (5).

The preferential feeding time for this otter is either 2 to 3 hours before dusk or after dawn. They have, however, been known to feed at all times of the day. Their main food source is fish, although their diet includes both invertebrates and vertebrates. Frogs, crabs, molluscs, aquatic insects, and larvae are some of the items included in their diets.

Maximum longevity: 22.9 years (captivity) Observations: One captive specimen lived 22.9 years (Richard Weigl 2005).

The spotted-necked otter is thought to breed seasonally. They have a two month gestation period and typically give birth to two to three cubs in September. The females do not begin reproducing until they have reached two years of age.

Barcode of Life Data Systems (BOLDS) Stats
Public Records: 0
Specimens with Barcodes: 1
Species With Barcodes: 1

The spotted-necked otters are in decline due to changes in their environment and human interference. One problem is the increased use of nylon fishing nets, in which the otters get tangled in and die. Erosion of soil near the source of the rivers is also a threat. Fish-farmers and fur-trappers are also playing a part in the decline of the spotted-necked otter.

US Federal List: no special status

CITES: appendix ii

IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: least concern

Classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List (1), and listed on Appendix II of CITES (4).

Population

Population Trend

Major Threats

Unfortunately, throughout its range the population of spot-necked otters is declining as a consequence of a broad range of human activities (1) (5). The foremost of these are pollution and general degradation of freshwater habitats associated with agriculture. In parts of its range the spot-necked otter is also persecuted for food and fur or even just because it is considered a competitor for fish (1) (2) (5). Furthermore, in large water bodies such as Lake Victoria, introduced alien fish may be out-competing the spot-necked otter for the smaller indigenous fish on which it depends (1) (5).

Conservation Actions

Despite current concerns, the spot-necked otter still has a colossal range and the rate of population decline is not considered to be too severe. Furthermore, it is known to be present in a number of protected areas across its range. Consequently, this otter is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List (1). Nonetheless, in order to prevent its conservation status from becoming more critical, existing legislation, which protects the spot-necked otter from exploitation, needs to be enforced and greater awareness needs to be fostered amongst local communities (5).

The otter's fur is highly prized, being used as a cure for eye and/or nose infections.