Preliminary report on the behavior of spotted-necked otter (Lutra maculicollis, Lichtenstein, 1835) living in a lentic ecosystem.

Little is known of spotted-necked otter behavior, particularly in lentic ecosystems. In 2005, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) selected this species for management under the Small Carnivore Taxonomic Regional Collection Plan (SCTAG). In 2012, the AZA Otter group recommended this species for Red SSP status. As a result of the paucity of information on natural behaviors and the requirement of thoroughly understanding a species' behavior to properly manage ex-situ populations this study was initiated. Behavioral data was recorded on Rubondo Island National Park, Tanzania between 2006 and 2009. Data was collected on habitat use as well as general behavior. Additionally, a complete catalogue of observed behaviors was maintained for future ethogram construction. Latrines, where scat is deposited, were predominantly located on projections and scattered in 20 m areas. The majority of latrines were located along forest edge habitats. Females routinely used key core areas for denning and extensive intra- and inter-sex overlapping of ranges was evident. Forest-edge habitat was used for denning; foraging and resting occurred along both forest-edge and emergent wetland shorelines. Behavioral results indicate this species is cathemeral on RINP. Average group size recorded was 1.99 with a range of 1-12. Group composition consisted of singletons or females with young. These basic groups often coalesced into packs which occasionally joined to form temporary larger schools. The results of this study will provide valuable information for the design and implementation of ex-situ spotted-necked otter management in the future.