Title
The conservation status of otters in Southwest Tanzania
Author(s)
De Luca, D.W.;Dewas, M.;Mpunga, N.;Machaga, S.J.;Phillipps, G.P.
Published
2018
Publisher
IUCN/SCC Otter Specialist Group Bulletin
Abstract
Two species of otters are confirmed in Tanzania, the African clawless (Aonyx capensis) and the spot-necked (Hydrictis maculicollis). Both are listed as ‘near-threatened’ in the IUCN Red List, with the main threats linked to pressures exerted on their habitat and food resources by a growing human population. Despite scant details of their Tanzanian distributions, our recent work shows that both species are more widespread than previously believed. We investigated distribution and conservation status in two highly populated areas in southwest Tanzania, Mt. Rungwe and Sao Hill. Rainy and dry season surveys for spraint sites included rivers, lakes and swamps, with data collected on associated dietary items and habitat features. Results indicated that species presence and distribution are not significantly affected by seasonality and that they can thrive as long as retaliatory hunting is prevented. Habitat quality should be monitored to avoid deterioration of escape cover. The nature of threats and the conservation of both species are discussed.
Keywords
clawless otter;spot-necked otter;Tanzania;conservation status;threats
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