Locomotion of the Spotted-Necked Otter

In Water

This species is generally agreed to be the most proficient swimmers of all the non-Enhydra otters. In the water, Rowe-Rowe, in Otters: Proceedings of the First Working Meeting of the Otter Specialist Group (1977), tells us that they progress in a series of dives, about 15' (5m) at a time, surfacing briefly to breathe, and dive again. Harris (1968) records their maximum swimming speed as 5.5 mph (about 2m/sec), though Chanin (1985) says the normal swimming speed is about half that.

On Land

On land, this otter normally walks slowly, with an awkward, seal-like gait (Kwa-Zulu Natal Wildlife Management Services); however, Harris (1968) says they can run at 7mph (3m/sec) and gallop at 9.6mph (4m/sec) which is a very good speed for an otter. As soon as possible, however, they will make for the water, which is their preferred medium.

Carrying Objects

This species carries things in its mouth, despite displaying a surprising amount of dexterity of paw for such a well-webbed otter (Rowe-Rowe, in Otters: Proceedings of the First Working Meeting of the Otter Specialist Group, 1977).

Spotted-Necked Otter