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Region: Africa Class: Mammalia Order: Carnivora Family: Mustelidae Genus: Lutra Scientific Name: Lutra maculicollis
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Description:
The long tapering tail is flattened underneath to assist in swimming and the five webbed digits on the feet are equipped with creamy white sharp claws.
Head and body length: 60 to 65 cm
Tail length: 35 to 40 cm
Weight: Males: 4 to 6 kg
Females: 3 to 4 kg
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Distribution:
Widespread throughout the south-western areas of Africa, from Liberia to Ethiopia.
Some are also found in South Africa.
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Habitat:
Lakes, swamps and rivers in plains and mountains. More closely confined to an aquatic habitat than many other otters and less at home on dry land.
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Food:
Mainly fish but will also eat crabs, molluscs and frogs and occasionally insects and small birds. When fishing, the usual duration of a dive is 15 seconds and sometimes up to 21 but rarely more.
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Reproduction and Development:
Details not known, but pairing has been observed in July with births in September and gestation is therefore estimated to be approximately two months. Litters of one or two cubs are born in a hole or den in a river bank or sometimes in a secluded area in a dense reed bed. The female has two pairs of abdominal mammae. Longevity and sexual maturity not yet known.
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Adaptations:
Active in early morning and late evening except in areas where hunted when movement is mainly at night. Usually exist in family or bachelor groups of six to ten animals. Excellent swimmers and divers, and more at home in the water than on land. On leaving the water, only the head is shaken and the rest of the body is usually squeezed dry by rolling and rubbing on the ground.
Senses: sight fairly sharp up to 3 metres recognizes objects at 10 metres and good at detecting any movement. Both hearing and scent are good and can smell water instantly.
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Threats to Survival:
The crocodile is the only known enemy in the water. When attacked, it lies on its back, squeals and fights with claws and teeth. Believed to be hunted by man. Considered to be fairly common although rarely seen.
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Status:
Common
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Zoo Diet:
Fish, Toronto Zoo carnivore mix,Vitamin/mineral supp. Thiamine.
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