The Spotted-Necked Otter (Hydrictis maculicollis) is a freshwater semi-aquatic mammal. It lives on water and on land.
The Spotted-Necked Otter has a long, slender body with short, chocolate-brown to reddish-brown water-repellent fur, with white spots on its chest, neck, and throat. It has a short nose, round ears, and a nose pad (like a dog). It has short legs with webbed feet for swimming, but it also walks on land. It has long whiskers, called vibrissae. It has a long, tapered tail.
The Spotted-Necked Otter measures 71-76 centimetres (28-30 inches) long.
It is found in freshwater lakes across Africa, particularly in Lake Victoria.
It has sharp teeth, suitable for eating fish, but it also eats frogs and crabs. It is diurnal, eating during the day. Predators that eat otters include crocodiles and eagles.
The female Spotted-Necked Otter has 1-3 young, called pups, after a gestation period of about 60 days. The young are born blind and helpless, which is called altricial. Their mother cares for them for almost a year.
Spotted-Necked Otter
Spotted-Necked Otter
Spotted-Necked Otter
Spotted-Necked Otter
Spotted-Necked Otter
Photographer: Martina Nicolls
Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM