Enhydriodon dikikae, sp. nov. (Carnivora: Mammalia), a gigantic otter from the Pliocene of Dikika, Lower Awash, Ethiopia

A new species of gigantic otter, Enhydriodon dikikae, has been discovered from the Pliocene of Dikika, Lower Awash Valley, Ethiopia. This specimen, characterized by its large size and unique dental features such as a broad incisor arch and powerful canine battery, represents the most complete fossil of a large bunodont otter. The study challenges the distinction between Enhydriodon and Sivaonyx, rejecting the hypothesis of distinct African and Asian lineages. Postcranial remains suggest that E. dikikae was primarily terrestrial, though its diet remains uncertain due to insufficient evidence.

Geraads, D., Alemseged, Z., Bobe, R., & Reed, D. (2011). Enhydriodon dikikae, sp. nov. (Carnivora: Mammalia), a gigantic otter from the Pliocene of Dikika, Lower Awash, Ethiopia. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, 31(2), 447–453. https://doi.org/10.1080/02724634.2011.550356