Spotted necked otter
Lutra maculicollis
Key identification features
A small sleek otter with webbed toes and short claws. The throat is white to orange with brown blotches and the rest of the body is brown. HB 60-65 cm. Wt 4-6.5 kg.
Habitat and social behaviour
It is always seen near water. It seems to prefers clear water and occurs even in fast flowing streams. Undisturbed it can be seen during the day. It often lives solitary but also forms small family groups.
Similar species
The African clawless otter is bigger and instead of the blotched neck it has a white chest, chin and cheeks.
