Facts about the Spotted-Necked Otter -- Lutra maculicollis:

A summary of most interesting statistics (size, gestation...), amazing environmental adaptations & fascinating facts about social habits, etc.

SIZE: Length (including the tail) 1 m, mass (m) 4,5 kg, (f) 3,5 kg.

COLOUR: From rich reddish-brown to chocolate brown. The throat and upper chest are creamy buff and mottled with brown spots.

MOST LIKE: The larger Cape Clawless Otter, but the spotted-necked otter lacks the clawless species white throat and chest, and is distinctively spotted in this area. Has well developed webs between the digits of the feet, and has claws.

HABITAT: Immediate neighbourhood of larger rivers, lakes and swamps, whether on level ground or in the mountains. They require fairly extensive areas of open water.

FOOD:

REPRODUCTION & GESTATION PERIOD:

DISTRIBUTION MAP:

WHERE FOUND:
Kruger National Park (South Africa)
Pilanesberg National Park (South Africa)
Hluhluwe-Umfolozi National Park
Addo Elephant National Park
Kalahari Gemsbok National Park
Tembe Elephant Park