Namibian conservation status: Near-threatened. Threats: Wetland degradation, Suspected of being persecuted by fishermen who see it as a threat to fish resources; Killed unintentionally and possibly intentionally in fish traps and nets; Killed for bushmeat and possibly for other body parts; Climate change, which will increase human pressure on wetlands, and might reduce continuity of surface pools in ephemeral rivers; Lack of information on otters generally.