What does the spotted necked otter eat?
Spotted-necked otters’ claws, webbed feet and teeth all make it easier to catch, hold onto and eat their fish prey. They will also eat crabs, mollusks, aquatic insects and frogs, but they prefer fish, allowing them to coexist with clawless otter species that eat primarily crabs.
Where do spotted necked otters live?
central Africa
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.
Does the Toronto Zoo have otters?
We are home to two North American River otters, RJ (or Rascal Jr.) and Talise.
Which species of otters share much of its range with spotted necked otter?
The Spotted Necked Otter is smaller and darker than the African Clawless Otter and has a pale neck with spots. It is a diurnal otter and likes deep water habitats like lakes, where they dive for fish and amphibians….Spotted Necked Otter (Hydrictis maculicollis)
| SIZE | 0.95 to 1.1 m |
|---|---|
| OFFSPRING | 1 to 2 |
| CONSERVATION STATUS: | Near Threatened CITES Appendix II |
Do otters have spots?
The Spotted-necked otter is so-called because of the creamy white mottled blotches on the neck and chest. Its long sinuous body is covered in dense, water-repellent fur, and its color ranges from reddish to chocolate brown.
Where do otters live in Ontario?
Otters live close to water, and prefer lakes, marshes and streams. They never construct houses, but den in the abandoned lodges of beaver and in burrows in banks. Dry vegetation such as sticks, leaves and grass is used to line the dens.
Where can you see otters in Ontario?
Along the southern shore of western Lake Erie, not only have they been seen in Cedar Point, but Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge located just 15 miles east of Toledo, Magee Marsh Wildlife Area and the Toussaint River.
Are otters protected in South Africa?
Cape clawless otters are fortunately not threatened in South Africa and have an estimated population size of 21,500 individuals. There is currently no formal protection for the species outside of national, provincial or private parks.
How long can an otter hold its breath?
How long can a river otter hold its breath? More than 4 minutes, with some estimates reaching as high as 8 minutes.
Are otters in Ohio?
Otters are native to Ohio but were extirpated by the early 1900s. In 1986, the Ohio Division of Wildlife began a seven-year project to reintroduce the species to the state.
Where are river otters in Michigan?
“River otters were quite common in southeast Michigan, including the Detroit River, up through the arrival of European explorers and fur traders,” said Gearld P. Wykes, a historian from the Monroe County Museum System. “During the fur trade era, they were much sought after for their fur, along with beaver.
Do otters live in Egypt?
In Africa, he is confined to a strip under the Mediterranean Sea, the Maghreb countries. The species is missing in Egypt, for example, does not occupy the Nile River.
Do otters have opposable thumbs?
These otters are very social, living in family groups of up to 12 individuals. They have opposable thumbs. They are highly intelligent: some have even been trained to catch fish for people!
How big does a spotted necked otter get?
The spotted-necked otter is a relatively small species, with males measuring 71 to 76 cm (28 to 30 in) from nose to rump, and weighing 5.7 to 6.5 kg (13 to 14 lb), while females are 57 to 61 cm (22 to 24 in) and 3.0 to 4.7 kg (6.6 to 10.4 lb). The tail is long and muscular, measuring 39 to 44 cm (15 to 17 in) in both sexes.
Why is the spotted-necked otter so rare?
In part this is because the spotted-necked otter has very specific habitat requirements. Their rarity is also due to increased pollution and habitat loss in many parts of their range. Spotted-necked otters have very particular habitat requirements. For one, they only live in areas that have abundant fresh water year-round.
What do spotted-necked otters eat?
Spotted-necked otters are carnivores, they eat mainly fish, but also eat frogs, mollusks, crabs, and aquatic insects and their larvae. Little is known about the mating system of Spotted-necked otters.
What is the size of the tail of a Otter?
The tail is long and muscular, measuring 39 to 44 cm (15 to 17 in) in both sexes. Like many other otters, it is sleek and has webbed paws for swimming. Females have two pairs of teats, and while males have a large scrotum, the penis is hidden beneath the skin, to reduce drag while swimming.