spotted-necked otter

Hydrictis maculicollis

The spotted-necked otter is a playful and curious animal that loves to swim! With its beautiful spotted neck, it can often be seen diving and playing in rivers and lakes.

Hábitat: Wetlands

Aspecto

The spotted-necked otter has sleek, dark brown to reddish-brown fur with a paler underside, and distinctive white or cream-colored spots and blotches on its throat and neck. It possesses a short, blunt snout, setting it apart from other longer-snouted otter species. Its overall appearance is streamlined for aquatic life.

ReinoAnimaliaFiloChordataClaseMammaliaOrdenCarnivoraFamiliaMustelidaeGéneroHydrictis

spotted-necked otter

Categoría

Mamíferos

Rareza

Common

Peligro

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Snaps

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Datos interesantes

Sometimes, entire otter families will share a single den, making their homes very cozy!

Spotted-necked otters communicate using chirps, whistles, and growls to chat with each other!

These clever otters often hunt together, working as a team to catch slippery fish prey!

They often slide down muddy banks into water, creating their own natural waterslides for fun!

Habilidades especiales

The spotted-necked otter can navigate murky waters because of its sensitive whiskers that detect prey movement, helping them hunt.

Spotted-necked otters have webbed feet that help them paddle powerfully and swiftly through water, making them excellent hunters.

This otter has dense, insulating fur that traps air, keeping it warm and dry even after long dives in cold water.

Spotted-necked otters can hold their breath for several minutes, thanks to special flaps that seal their ears and nostrils.

Medidas y detalles

Longitud: 100-137 cm
Peso: 3-6.5 kg
Esperanza de vida: 10-15 años
Top Speed: 12 km/h
Tamaño de la camada: 1-6
Gestación: 60-65 días

Dieta y alimentación

These otters are expert hunters, mainly feasting on fish, crabs, and frogs in the water.

Alimentos principales

Fish
Crabs
Frogs
Mollusks
Aquatic insects

Método de búsqueda

Pursuit

Conexiones ecológicas

hunts

Nile Tilapia

Oreochromis niloticus

A primary fish prey in its African freshwater habitats.

eats

African clawed frog

Xenopus laevis

An amphibian commonly eaten when available in its habitat.

eaten by

Nile Crocodile

Crocodylus niloticus

Large crocodiles prey on otters, especially young ones.

eaten by

African Rock Python

Python sebae

These large snakes can ambush and consume otters near water.

Rasgos

Peludo

Peludo describe a los animales que poseen una cubierta densa de pelo o pelaje suave.

Pies palmeados

Se caracteriza por tener los dedos conectados por una membrana, lo que generalmente ayuda a nadar.

Social

Los animales sociales viven en grupos organizados, cooperando para obtener beneficios de supervivencia como la búsqueda de alimento, la defensa y la cría de descendencia.

Piscívoro

Los organismos piscívoros son animales que subsisten principalmente de una dieta a base de peces.

Humedal

Este rasgo de hábitat identifica especies que se encuentran en humedales, que son áreas de tierra saturadas de agua, ya sea permanente o estacionalmente, e incluyen marismas, pantanos y ciénagas.