Why is the classification of the Congo clawless otter debated?

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Sea otter — otter A sea otter (*Enhydra lutris*) eating a crab.

The classification of the Congo clawless otter (Aonyx congicus) is a subject of scientific debate regarding its taxonomic status within the subfamily Lutrinae.1

The disagreement centers on whether the animal constitutes a distinct species or should be categorized as a subspecies of the African small-clawed otter (Aonyx capensis).1

Subspecies argument: Some researchers classify the animal as a subspecies, assigning it the taxonomic name A. capensis congicus.1
Species argument: Most authorities maintain that it is a valid, separate species and designate it as A. congicus.1

While most experts currently recognize 13 distinct species of otters, this ongoing debate highlights the complexities involved in biological classification when distinguishing between closely related populations.1