Spotted-Necked Otter (Hydrictis maculicollis) Distribution and Determining Factors of Habitat Occurrence in the Lower Ouémé Valley, Southern Benin

Abstract

Abstract: Spotted-necked otters (Hydrictis maculicollis) are present in several major river systems in southern Benin, and their environmental requirements link them to food and water security issues as the region is so densely populated by humans. The lack of baseline data on their distribution and ecology is another major constraint that the species is facing in Benin. The present study aims to determine otter’s distribution and factors affecting the habitat selection in a highly human impacted environment. We conducted a survey on Spotted-necked otter presence/absence in the localities in the lower Ouémé valley in Southern Benin using the non-probabilistic “snowball” sampling method. We then assess the habitat and environmental requirements of Spotted-necked otter from field observations. The spotted-necked otter has shown a wide distribution in southern Benin with the presence signs confirmed in 89% of recorded sites from local perception. According to variables explaining the presence only habitat characteristics such as vegetation cover was significant. The Spotted-necked otter did show a surprising flexibility in their environmental requirements. Our results demonstrate a high adaptability of a threatened carnivore to altered landscapes and show how this flexible behavior opens opportunities for recovery.