New Findings On Otters In Guinea-Bissau

To date, only Cape clawless otter (Aonyx capensis) presence has been reported for Guinea-Bissau. The western border of the distribution range for another sub-Saharan otter species, the spotted-necked otter (Lutra maculicollis), seemed to be formed by the southeastern neighbouring country of Guinea. The accidental catch of a specimen of L. maculicollis, and the results of an initial field survey, provide evidence that this species also occurs in Guinea-Bissau. Recommendations are given on how to improve knowledge on the distribution of the two otter species in this region, and how to improve the protection of otters in Guinea-Bissau.