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