THE SPOTTED-NECKED OTTER 



small in comparison with the Cape Clawless Otter, 

 which, with the exception of the Brazilian Otter, 

 is the largest of its tribe. A fully-developed male 

 Cape Otter averages three feet in length from nose 

 to root of tail. The form is thickset ; head broad, 

 and jaws armed with strong teeth. The prevail- 

 ing colour is rich chocolate brown, shading to lighter 

 on the under parts. The fur is short, smooth, and 

 glossy ; nose, upper lip, whiskers, cheeks, and 

 throat are white. 



THE SPOTTED-NECKED OTTER 



OR 

 WEB-FOOTED OTTER 



[Lutra maculicollis) 



The Spotted-necked Otter inhabits the rivers 

 of the eastern portion of the Cape Province, and 

 extends through Natal to the Transvaal and 

 Rhodesia, and thence north through Africa from 

 the West to the East Coast as far as Abyssinia. 



Several specimens have been obtained recently 

 from the Zwartkops and Sundays Rivers, in the 

 District of Uitenhage, in the Cape Province. A 

 pair were secured near Bellevue in July 191 3, and 

 are now in the Port Elizabeth Museum. 



This species of otter has its toes fully armed 

 with strong claws^ and all the toes of both fore 

 and hind feet are webbed to the tips. In conse- 



139 



