SummaryThe Spotted‐necked Otter (Lutra maculicollisLichtenstein), locally common in northwestern and south‐western Tanganyika, was not listed in the country's fauna until 1951. There is no previous literature about the otter in Tanganyika, and very little about it in other parts of Africa, although it is widely distributed south of Lat. 10° N., and common in Lake Victoria, where this study was made. It is a typical otter, weighing under 20 lbs., and reaching just over three feet overall. Sexes are rarely distinguishable in the field. The amount of white coloration varies from practically none to nearly the whole underside. Eyesight is poor but scent and hearing are moderately acute. Four kinds of call were noted. It is predominantly a lake‐dweller and spends almost all its waking life in the water, being comparatively clumsy on land. Most otters seen were in parties of four to six individuals and all move about considerably, although there is no true migration. Swimming otters use mainly the hind feet and dives normally last 15 seconds. Urination and defaecation take place on land and much time is spent basking and grooming. The main food is small fish but larger fish and some molluscs and crustaceans are also eaten. Otters are diurnal and the main fishing period is soon after dawn. The breeding cycle may be as follows: July—mating; September—young born; November—young taught to swim and fish; January—family parties moving about. Main enemies are man and probably crocodiles. Otters do not appear to have an adverse effect on the fi
展开▼
