Namibian conservation status: Near-Threatened - Nature Conservation Ordinance (1974) Schedule 4: Defined as "Protected Game". Threats: Wetland degradation, including clearing and alteration of riparian vegetation; Possibly 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; Lack of information on otters generally.