Otters

Common Name:   African Clawless Otter
Binomial Name:   Aonyx capensis
Identification:   Quite large size. Dark-brown coat (appears black when wet). White lips, chin, throat and upper chest. Finger-like digits.
Weight:   Males +/- 15 kg (33 lbs), females +/- 15 kg (33 lbs)
Gestation:   2 months
Young:   Litters of 2-3
Habitat:   Rivers, marshes, dams and lakes; also, dry stream beds if pools of water exist. May wander several kilometres from water. They also utilize the intertidal zone along the coast.
Diet:   Freshwater crabs, but also fish and frogs. Will also take molluscs, small mammals, birds and insects.
Red List Status:   Near Threatened

Common Name:   Spotted-necked Otter
Binomial Name:   Hydrictis maculicollis
Identification:   Upperparts uniform brown to dark brown. Underparts lighter with pale blotching on the throat and upper chest. Considerably smaller than the African Clawless Otter.
Weight:   Males +/- 4 kg (9 lbs), females +/- 4 kg (9 lbs)
Gestation:   2 months
Young:   Litters of 2-3
Habitat:   Larger rivers, or those with permanent water pools, as well as lakes, dams and well-watered swamps. Not associated with estuaries or the coastal environment.
Diet:   Mostly fish, but also crabs, frogs, birds and insects.
Red List Status:   Vulnerable