This otter occurs from South Africa northwards to Ethiopia and Senegal, but is absent from the central rainforest areas. Although it is born with tiny claws it loses these on all toes except the middle three on the hind feet. They have no webbing and can therefore use their fingers more freely than other species. They are active generally during the late afternoon and early evening, and like many otter species have set sprainting points and grooming areas. These otters are usually seen alone or in pairs, but occasionally they can be seen in family groups of up to five animals.
Young otters go through rituals of fighting and romping.
They often pick up an object, juggle with it, throw it in the water and attempt to retrieve it before it falls to the bottom. These games probably help the youngsters to practice skills they will need to capture prey in later life. Increasing human population, farming and overgrazing. This is one of the largest of the carnivores in South America with an overall length of up to 2 meters and weighing 32kg. The fur is a chocolate brown colour with a yellowish throat patch.