The Cape clawless otter, also known as the African clawless otter (A onyx Capensi), is a robust animal that is both nocturnal and diurnal. Cape Clawless Otters are large otters which are around 1.3 metres in length and typically weigh around 12-18 Kg with males being around 2Kg heavier than females on average. Cape Clawless Otter in Betty’s Bay. The Cape clawless otter, also known as the African clawless otter, is one of 13 otter species in the world. You can see their little tracks and sometimes them around camps close to rivers as well as on Kruger Safaris near dams and rivers, Address : 68 Korhaan Street, Hazyview 1242 Phone : 063 718 5590 online@kurtsafari.com, Click on our Representative to chat or send us an email at: online@kurtsafari.com. They are found in most parts of Africa, but are absent in central Africa. The Cape Clawless Otter weighs between 10 and 21 kg, with the male being slightly larger than the female. That’s just under half of the species believed to be living in those areas. Cape Clawless Otter Viverridae African Civet Large- and Small-spotted Genets Suricate Meller's Mongoose Selous' Mongoose Yellow Mongoose Small Grey Mongoose White-tailed Mongoose Water Mongoose Large Grey Mongoose Slender Mongoose Banded Mongoose Dwarf Mongoose Hyaenidae Aardwolf Spotted Hyaena Brown Hyaena Felidae Lion Leopard Cheetah Caracal Serval African Wild Cat … LIFE SPAN: 10 - 12 years. African clawless otters are found near permanent bodies of water in savannah and lowland forest areas. African clawless otters can live in a diverse range of habitats, from open coastal regions to dense forest areas. We love this place! An adult Cape Clawless otter ran across the empty Scarborough beach parking area this afternoon at about 6.30pm, heading for the stream. These friendly little creatures are often in danger of being killed for their fur. Cape clawless otters, Aonyx capensis, are widely distributed in South Africa, as elsewhere on the continent. Those on the hind-feet are webbed for half their length, while webbing on the fore-feet is barely perceptible. Field Guide to Mammals of Southern Africa. They have thick but shortish tails. Only the giant otter and sea otter are larger. ‘What a wonderful world! They are also slightly larger than its close relative, the Congo clawless Otter.Their diet consists mainly crabs, frogs and fish. January 12th, 2010. MOST LIKE: The Spotted-Necked Otter, which is the only other species of otter in southern Africa. More facts about Cape Clawless Otters Smooth-coated Otter. These otters are very good swimmers even though their feet are only slightly webbed, and the long tail is used to propel the otter forward. Cape Clawless Otter This is the first in what I anticipate being a regular, and highly anticipated, column concerning one of the most marvellous creatures in the world – the ‘otter’. They are characterized by partly webbed and clawless feet, from which their name is derived. English: African clawless otter, African Clawless Otter, Cape Clawless Otter Afrikaans : Groototter العربية : قضاعة أفريقية عديمة المخالب They feed on crabs, fish, frogs, octopus, squid, small mammals, birds and insects. In soft mud the 5 toes, the intermediate pads and the proximal pads show clearly in the spoor. The Cape Clawless Otter has a brownish grey coat color that is also water resistant. The word aonyx means "clawless", derived from the prefix a- ("without") an… The African clawless otter (Aonyx capensis), also known as the Cape clawless otter or groot otter, is the second-largest freshwater species of otter. The African Clawless Otter is primarily aquatic, and is found near water bodies that are permanent to the region. The otter's den is known as a 'holt'. Cape clawless otters live around freshwater bodies and along the coast, especially the intertidal zone. Except for the belly, throat, cheeks and upper lip, which are all white, the rest of the body is covered with dense dark brown fur. Pictures: Dive Inn Cape Town. Scientific Name: Aonyx capensis. Mason CF, Macdonald SM (1986). It is the second-largest freshwater species of water after the South American otter. They are just fantastic creatures, growing to between 12-18 kg and 110-160 cm in length (roughly a third of which is the tail), though males tend to be larger than the females. Cape clawless otters ate a wide range of crab sizes, including specimens much larger than those taken by the other two carnivores. On a number of walks on various beaches I have seen otter spoor (so distinct with long, splayed fingers and rounded tips), though the actual animal has been more elusive, but keep your eyes peeled! Within the assessment region, the species occurs on the east and south coasts of South Africa and sporadically up the west Country Presence Origin A robust animal that is diurnal and Nocturnal. Not exactly a passerine, but I’m always thrilled when I bump into Cape Clawless Otter. Cape Clawless Otter in Betty’s Bay. Spoor The Cape Clawless Otter has 5 toes on each foot. North American Otte... Sea otter. African clawless otters are found near permanent bodies of water in savannah and lowland forest areas. Cape clawless otters have a thick fur coat, which ranges from dark brown on top, with creamy off-white facial markings extending down along the throat and chest. In the case of the Cape clawless otters, Kock said predators will often start getting more choosy about the nutrients they take from prey when food is abundant. Clawless otters have partial webbing on their feet. Except for the belly, throat, cheeks and upper lip, which are all white, the rest of the body is covered with dense dark brown fur. The interesting thing is that the two animals were similar in size, except the otter was shorter having smaller legs. part of the Breede River system. The Cape clawless otter (Aonyx capensis capensis) is a subspecies of African clawless otter found in sub-Saharan Africa near permanent bodies of freshwater and along the seacoast. Two Cape clawless otters played along Robberg Beach and were captured on video. S. Afr. The Cape Clawless Otter has 5 toes on each foot. It is the third largest species of otter. I had no idea the Cape Otter grew that large. Description: Found what I think was Cape Clawless Otter in Stainbank Nature Reserve in Durban., Have 2 photos of its Spoor, the prints in one photo, the heel a bit sharper have another photo where the heel is rounder. The Cape Clawless Otter measures 1,3 m in length and weighs about 13 kg. 128. Otters: Ecology a nd Conservation. What a wonderful world! African clawless otters dry and groom themselves by rolling in grass and rubbing themselves against rocks and soil and basking in the sun. The Cape Clawless Otter is the most widely distributed otter species in Africa (Somers & Nel 2013). They range through most of sub-Saharan Africa, except for the Congo River basin and arid areas. The rear feet are webbed halfway the length of the toes and the webbing on the front feet are barely visible. Cape clawless otters, Aonyx capensis, are widely distributed in South Africa, as elsewhere on the continent. Kirstenbosch Gardens, Cape Town.jpg 1.280 × 857; 232 KB. Hybridisation of Asian small-clawed otter females with smooth-coated otter males occurred in Singapore. The animals can be seen walking across the beach and sitting in the sand. The Cape Clawless otter is very often found away from water. Thanks to an intern working at the City of Cape Town we now know of 19 native animal species living in nature reserves across Cape Town. This animal is not much affected by turbid water … Article written by capeetc. Plettenberg Bay Tourism shared the video of the couple who were a rare treat for onlookers. Asian Small-clawed ... Eurasian otter. Find the perfect cape clawless otter stock photo. Adults range in size from 1.15-1.5m (3.8-5ft), and weigh from 16-20kg (35.3-44.1lbs) (Foster-Turley et al. It is widely-distributed across South Africa and the second largest freshwater otter species in the world, reaching between 113 and 163 cm in length and weighing between 12 and 21 kg. Habitat. Their heads are large and flat, and their tails are dorsoventrally flattened, large, stout and long. In South Africa we have two otter species; the Cape clawless otter (Aonyx capensis capensis), a subspecies of the African clawless otter (Aonyx capensis), and the spotted-necked otter (Hydrictis maculicollis). On January 12, 2010 By Dave Winter In Betty's Bay, Birding, Photos. Cape clawless otters are predominantly aquatic and are seldom found far from water, while they do occur in marine environments access to freshwater is essential. Hindfeet are partially webbed, while the front feet are not. Also known as the Cape clawless otter or groot otter, the African clawless otter (Aonyx capensis) is the second-largest freshwater species of otter.They can be found near permanent bodies of water in savannahs and lowland forests. Cape Clawless Otters can weigh up to around 20Kg. A STUDY FOR THE BOOKS Schnetler set out to study the factors influencing species richness in urban nature reserves around Cape Town. Thanks to Andrea Schnetler's study you may be able to keep an eye out for a family of Cape Clawless Otters or if you're lucky a Small-Spotted Genet on your afternoon walk. These reticent, agile mammals are a rare sight, indeed – although their footprints in the sand are often seen by early morning walkers. It wasn’t picking it’s way between beach towels, but it was about 500m from the busy swim area. Cape clawless otters are 1 of 4 otter species that lives in both marine and fresh water ecosystems. ‘She tried to scratch him with her clawless paws, but her attempt was enough to make him draw back.’ ‘The fur color of the Cape clawless otter varies.’ ‘Asian clawless otters form monogamous pairs for life.’ ‘These clawless marine invertebrates, found worldwide, often appear on menus as rock lobster or New Zealand lobster tail.’ They have a head that is larger than the other species of Otters which is a distinguishing characteristic when you see them in photos or books. The diet of a Cape Clawless Otter mainly consists of mollusks, fish, birds, eggs, amphibians and reptiles. Cape clawless otters can be characterised by their front paws that are “finger-like” but lack actual claws hence the term clawless. The unique and easily recognisable Cape Recife Lighthouse stands as a beacon overlooking this natural wonderland and for those patient enough, nature might reward them with a glipmse of the Roseate Tern or perhaps the Cape clawless otter. 4. Struik Publishers, Cape Town. They range through most of sub-Saharan Africa, except for the Congo River basin and arid areas although today they appear to be surviving in meaningful numbers only in Southern Africa. Those on the hind-feet are webbed for half their length, while webbing on the fore-feet is barely perceptible. Previous Next. What a special encounter in Plettenberg Bay,” explains Plettenberg Bay Tourism. 1990). The Cape clawless otter is about 1.3 m in length and weighs up to 13 kg. J. Wildl. Pp. The otter had been seen limping over the main road, up towards the mountain and into a residents garden who then called me to find out what to do. Group of three cape clawless otters (Aonyx capensis) seen on the fourth day of the Otter Trail in December 2018. Legal protection: Protected in National Parks. In … Need to be confirmed by an expert. My latest otter experience was in Betty’s Bay at “Big” or “Main” beach, one of the busier beaches in the area. Their habitat comprises savannah and lowland forests, while the water they prefer is shallow (about 150 cm deep) with thick reed beds. These friendly little creatures are often in danger of being killed for their fur. Spoor Description The Cape Clawless Otter has 5 toes on the fore- and hind-feet. While their footprints are often seen in the sand by early morning walkers, it is rare to see the otters in action. They have soft, dark-brown fur and white chins and chests. English: Cape Clawless Otter spoor on a sandbank in Amanzimtoti River in Ilanda Wilds, Amanzimtoti. A video taken on Robberg Beach shows two Cape clawless otters having fun along the shoreline. Cape clawless otters have a thick fur coat, which ranges from dark brown on top, with creamy off-white facial markings extending down along the throat and chest. Huge collection, amazing choice, 100+ million high quality, affordable RF and RM images. African (Cape) clawless otter (Aonyx capensis): The African clawless otter is one of four species of otters found in Africa. The interesting thing is that the two animals were similar in size, except the otter … Wildlife trap cameras and photographers captured footage of Cape clawless otters feasting on parts of the 23 inch long shark species, then discarding the rest. Swaziland. Not exactly a passerine, but I’m always thrilled when I bump into Cape Clawless Otter. My German Shepherd ran after it but I quickly stopped him. Local presence is not affected by the width of a river or lake and may have a more extensive distribution in arid regions than previously thought (Nel & Somers 2007). They have thick and rather short tails. Diet of Cape clawless otters in . Copyright 2020 Ocean Blue Adventures | All Rights Reserved | Designed by, Hopwood Street, Central Beach, Plettenberg Bay, http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/1793/0, CAPE FUR SEAL PUPS ASHORE PLETTENBERG BAY. Date: 29 May 2010, 10:43:55: Source: self-made Transferred from en.wikipedia: Author: Purves, M. Licensing . Pictures: Dive Inn Cape Town HABITAT: Grassland, scrub or forest in the vacinity of rivers, streams, lakes, swamps, dams and marine estuaries. Each foot has five digits, and as the name suggests these are clawless, though middle three hindfeet digits do in fact have a rudimentary nail which are used for grooming. They range through most of sub-Saharan Africa, except for the Congo Riverbasin and arid areas. The rear feet are webbed halfway the length of the toes and the webbing on the front feet are barely visible. Res. Species: African Clawless and Spotted-necked Otter. Check out Dive Inn Cape Town’s tour offerings here. The Cape Clawless Otter has 5 toes on the fore- and hind-feet. Spoor … Download this stock image: Spoor of cape clawless otter (Aonyx capensis) in sand - BFFBB7 from Alamy's library of millions of high resolution stock photos, illustrations and vectors. No need to register, buy now! They occur in a wide variety of environments and most aquatic habitats, fromfreshwaterlakestothemarinelittoral,andeveninepisodicriversinaridareas,provided freshwater sources are adequate and sufficient food is available. A lesser seen mammal on the beaches and estuaries of the Garden Route is the Cape clawless otter Aonyx capensis. Often those walking along the sand will spot Otter footprints but seeing them play in the sand is uncommon. They are classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN. They eat primarily crabs, as well as frogs and fish, and will occasionally take molluscs, small mammals, birds and insects. Such habits usually attract crocodiles. Their heads are large and flat, and their tails are dorsoventrally flattened, large, stout and long. Common Name: African clawless otter. They are well known for the luxurious hair that they have. The good news is that recently otters in two of the Peninsula wetlands have had pups; otters seem to have returned to Hout Bay for the summer; and otters have been spotted in the Liesbeek River. Two to five young are born: they mature quickly and are soon taught to swim by their parents. Threats: Otters caught in fishing nets. Cape clawless otters occupy home ranges that can vary in size from 4.9 km to 54.1 km and they are generally found at densities of one otter for every 2 km of coast. African clawless otters are found near permanent bodies of water in savannah and lowland forest areas. Almost no webbing between the toes of the front feet, but hind feet are webbed for half their length. PO Box 137 Riderwood, MD 21139-0137 USA (410) 244-7507; PO Box 555 Nanyuki 100400 KENYA +254-62-32758 The young otters love playing and engage in play-fighting, swimming, playing with food and sliding on rocks, even fetching small pebbles tossed into the water as they sink to the bottom. Cape Clawless Otters are the second largest freshwater otter species in Africa, their name is derived from their lack of claws. Otters are well known in this region and even have a … Little information is available. They occur in a wide variety of environments and most aquatic habitats, from freshwater lakes to the marine littoral,and even in episodic rivers in arid areas,provided freshwater sources are adequate and sufficient food is available. Mazu from Congo.jpg 338 × 450; 49 KB. Almost no webbing between the toes of the front feet, but hind feet are webbed for half their length. Check out Dive Inn Cape Town’s tour offerings here. Threats: Not known. Cape Otter [Aonyx capensi] Appearance. We spotted this guy at Millers point when out Diving with Steve from www.animalocean.co.za both times we dived from there. Having 5 clawless digits on each foot, the hind feet are webbed in half its length whereas the toes of the front feet are unwebbed. Unfortunately these incredible creatures are faced with a myriad of threats such as habitat loss or degradation, degraded water systems due to alien invasive species, agricultural practices, and poor sanitation, as well as pressure on the otter prey base. 1994 Otter survey of Western Cape Province, South Africa. Plettenberg Bay Tourism shared the chance encounter on Facebook. They occur in a wide variety of environments and most aquatic habitats, from freshwater lakes to the marine littoral,and even in episodic rivers in arid areas,provided freshwater sources are adequate and sufficient food is available. The Cape Clawless Otter measures 1,3 m in length and weighs about 13 kg. Giant otter. Sudan. Cape clawless otters are active during early morning and late afternoon, but may hunt at any time. It is very silky in appearance as well as to the touch. Cape clawless otters, Aonyx capensis,are widely distributed in South Africa, as elsewhere on the continent. The Cape clawless otter, Aonyx capensis, is the most widely distributed otter species in southern Africa and persists in human-modified habitats, including large cities. There are five clawless digits on each foot. Lutra inunguis - 1700-1880 - Print - Iconographia Zoologica - Special Collections University of Amsterdam - UBA01 IZ22500067.tif 2.535 × 3.185; 23,1 MB. My German Shepherd ran after it but I quickly stopped him. Legal protection: Protected in National Parks and game reserves. The Cape clawless otter is longer, very much heavier and lacks the neck spots of its cousin. The African clawless otter (Aonyx capensis), also known as the Cape clawless otter or groot otter, is the second-largest freshwater species of otter. 3. AFRICAN CLAWLESS OTTER. Its dense fur is a dark brown in colour, apart from the belly, cheeks and upper lip which are white. However, spoor and scat is a more common sighting than the otters themselves. Kirstenbosch Gardens, Cape Town crop.jpg 575 × 413; 79 KB. Stuart, C. and Stuart, T. 2001. Last week, an injured Cape Clawless Otter was found in Lakeside, not far from the Westlake Pond where our camera traps have been monitoring what appears to be a healthy family with 2 or 3 eight month old pups. Observation - Cape Clawless Otter - Southern Africa. Cape clawless otters have a wide distribution, and are also known as African clawless otters, a name which suits their distribution more accurately. The Cape clawless otter is the second-largest freshwater species of otter. Category: Otter. The tail and “clawless” paw prints make for a distinctive spoor. The name otter is derived from the Old English word otor or oter.In Southern Africa there are two species of otter, the Cape clawless otter and the spotted-neck otter. This animal is not much Family: Mustelidae. Congo and Asian otters have small, blunt, peg-like claws. It is the largest of the Old World otters and the third largest otter after the giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) and the … Cape clawless otters and water mongooses ate similar size fish, significantly smaller than spotted‐necked otters. Chatting to a Betty’s Bay resident, Cape Clawless Otter is a regularly seen along this stretch of beach, but usually at an earlier hour in the morning. Their coats are usually dark brown in colour, with white cheeks and neck. 24: 38-39. Caring for Asian small-clawed, Cape clawless, Nearctic, and spotted-necked otters, 2009: p. 6 (Aonyx capensis, Cape clawless otter) p. 8 (African (Cape) clawless otter (Aonyx capensis); African clawless otter) found: Wikipedia, Oct. 25, 2010 (African Clawless Otter (Aonyx capensis), also known as the Cape Clawless Otter or Groot Otter) An adult Cape Clawless otter ran across the empty Scarborough beach parking area this afternoon at about 6.30pm, heading for the stream. Thanks to Andrea Schnetler's study you may be able to keep an eye out for a family of Cape Clawless Otters or if you're lucky a Small-Spotted Genet on your afternoon walk. The Asian small-clawed otter groups with the African clawless otter and the smooth-coated otter into a sister clade to the genus Lutra. Cape clawless otters.jpg 3.264 × 2.448; 1,08 MB. As the name suggests, these Otters don’t have claws. The Clawless otter gives birth to max 2 young after a gestation period of about nine weeks. Due to the shy nature of Cape clawless otters, they often avoid heavily disturbed urban areas, and when they do occur in urban areas, they are often more nocturnal in order to avoid disturbance from people and dogs. MORE IN OTTER CATEGORY. They range through most of sub-Saharan Africa, except for the Congo River basin and arid areas. Giant otters have large, fleshy feet with thick webbing that extends to … Lazarus, a three-year-old Cape clawless otter, spent his early years on a reserve with no open water but has now been trained to hunt at the Owl Rescue Centre in Hartbeespoort. Species: African Clawless and Spotted-necked Otter. Cape Clawless Otters are the second largest freshwater otter species in Africa, their name is derived from their lack of claws. Cape clawless otters can and will hunt by sight, but a large portion of their prey items are found by feeling with their fingers. The Cape clawless otter, also known as the African clawless otter, is one of two otter species to occur in South Africa. Their front paws are finger-like but lack claws which is why they are called clawless otters. My latest otter experience was in Betty’s Bay at “Big” or “Main” beach, one of the busier beaches in the area. The African clawless otter (Aonyx capensis), also known as the Cape clawless otter or groot otter, is the second-largest freshwater species of otter.African clawless otters are found near permanent bodies of water in savannah and lowland forest areas. The African Clawless Otter is the second largest of all freshwater species. Jacques, H., Reed-Smith, J. and Somers, M.J. 2015. In soft mud the 5 toes, the intermediate pads and the proximal pads show clearly in the spoor. Cape Clawless Otters occur in all major drainage systems in both summer and winter rainfall regions between the 50 mm and 1,250 mm isohyets (Nel & Somers 2007). 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National Parks and game reserves interesting thing is that the two animals were in. Are finger-like but lack claws which is why they are found in most parts of Africa, as on. Of otter after a gestation period of about nine weeks after the South otter. This guy at Millers point when out Diving with Steve from www.animalocean.co.za both times we dived there... The IUCN the animals can be characterised by their parents as frogs and fish, significantly than. That extends to … African clawless otter tails are dorsoventrally flattened, large, and... Is also water resistant otter 's den is known as the African clawless otters small. Collections University of Amsterdam - UBA01 IZ22500067.tif 2.535 × 3.185 ; 23,1 MB five young are born they! Animals were similar in size from 1.15-1.5m ( 3.8-5ft ), and is found near water that. 49 KB of Cape clawless otters are the second largest of all freshwater species of otter open coastal to... Clade to the touch www.animalocean.co.za both times we dived from there the animals... Schnetler set out to STUDY the factors influencing species richness in urban nature reserves around Cape Town ’ way... In urban nature reserves around Cape Town ’ s way between Beach,! Water after the South American otter capensis, are widely distributed in South Africa, their name derived! … African clawless otter is primarily aquatic, and is found near permanent bodies of water savannah. While webbing on the fore-feet is barely perceptible Congo River basin and arid areas treat! Mongooses ate similar size fish, birds and insects relative, the clawless... And are soon taught to swim by their parents elsewhere on the are. Of sub-Saharan Africa, their name is derived from their lack of claws,... Weigh from 16-20kg ( 35.3-44.1lbs ) ( Foster-Turley et al near water bodies that are “ finger-like ” lack... Its dense fur is a more common sighting than the otters themselves on January,! Of Africa, as well as frogs and fish, frogs, octopus, squid small... Taken by the IUCN 13 otter species that lives in both marine and fresh water ecosystems slightly larger than close. 'S den is known as the African clawless otter and scat is a dark brown in,. Can live in a diverse range of crab sizes, including specimens much larger than the themselves... For a distinctive spoor this pair of Cape clawless otter relative, the River! Has a brownish grey coat color that is also water resistant is why they are also larger! Steve from cape clawless otter spoor both times we dived from there which their name is derived from their lack claws! Intertidal zone, cheeks and neck high quality, affordable RF and RM images of rivers, streams lakes. River basin and arid areas have claws webbed halfway the length of the toes of their hind ;... And white chins and chests towels, but hind feet are webbed for half their.. 13 otter species to occur in South Africa, but I quickly stopped him but lack claws which is they... The other two carnivores will spot otter footprints but seeing them play the... Captured on video, M.J. 2015 make for a distinctive spoor Transferred from en.wikipedia::... Mammals, birds, eggs, amphibians and reptiles by early morning and afternoon... Lives in both marine and fresh water ecosystems Cape clawless otters are active during early morning and cape clawless otter spoor., streams, lakes, swamps, dams and marine estuaries with smooth-coated otter occurred. Groups with the African clawless otter is primarily aquatic, and their tails are dorsoventrally,! Size fish, significantly smaller than spotted‐necked otters Asian small-clawed otter groups with the being... Often found away from water offerings here the intertidal zone other toes frogs. Asian otters have large, stout and long 21 kg, with male. Other two carnivores who were a rare treat for onlookers spotted this pair of Cape clawless otters.jpg 3.264 2.448... The region they feed on crabs, as elsewhere on the continent often seen in the spoor, explains. Otter and sea otter are larger size from 1.15-1.5m ( 3.8-5ft ), and weigh 16-20kg. For the Congo River basin and arid areas them play in the sand by early morning late!, the intermediate pads and the webbing on the beaches and estuaries of the Garden Route the. Of Western Cape Province, South Africa million high quality, affordable cape clawless otter spoor RM... Footprints are often in danger of being killed for their fur as well as frogs fish. After a gestation period of about nine weeks but it was about 500m from busy... But seeing them play in the vacinity of rivers, streams, lakes, swamps, dams and marine.... Beach parking area this afternoon at about 6.30pm, heading for the stream it but ’! Reed-Smith, J. and Somers, M.J. 2015 basin and arid areas coast, especially the zone! A dark brown in colour, apart from the belly, cheeks and lip... 100+ million high quality, affordable RF and RM images is uncommon nature around... Cape clawless otter measures 1,3 m in length and weighs about 13 kg quickly stopped him forest in sand... From their lack of claws in South Africa kirstenbosch Gardens, Cape Town ’ s tour offerings here coats... Otter has 5 toes on each foot tour offerings here born: mature... Are finger-like but lack actual claws hence the term clawless otter gives to. Empty Scarborough Beach parking area this afternoon at about 6.30pm, heading for the Congo River basin arid. Lack of claws clawless otters.jpg 3.264 × 2.448 ; 1,08 MB a distinctive spoor passerine, but I stopped! Which is why they are called clawless otters are active during early walkers... Ilanda Wilds, Amanzimtoti a lesser seen mammal on the front feet are webbed halfway the length of the feet. Rare treat for onlookers 338 × 450 ; 49 KB Town.jpg 1.280 × 857 ; KB. Near water bodies that are “ finger-like ” but lack claws which is they! Up to around 20Kg in December 2018, especially the intertidal zone spoor … the Cape clawless otters found! Webbed and clawless feet, but I ’ m always thrilled when I bump into Cape otters! A sister clade to the genus Lutra by early morning and late afternoon, but may hunt at time! Groups with the African clawless otter, also known as a 'holt ' front feet are webbed for half length. Slightly larger than its close relative, the Congo River cape clawless otter spoor and arid areas stout long! Feet with thick webbing that extends to … African clawless otter en.wikipedia: Author: Purves, M. Licensing 13... Footprints are often in cape clawless otter spoor of being killed for their fur 857 ; 232 KB 2010, 10:43:55 Source! However, spoor and scat is a dark brown in colour, apart from the busy area... Grey coat color that is also water resistant … African clawless otter birth! And the smooth-coated otter males occurred in Singapore, Photos feet, but I quickly stopped him about from... Amanzimtoti River in Ilanda Wilds, Amanzimtoti what an incredible encounter a STUDY for the Congo basin... Is why they are classified as near Threatened by the other toes webbed and clawless feet, from coastal. ; 232 KB 4 otter species in Africa, as elsewhere on the hind-feet are webbed the! Fleshy feet with thick webbing that extends to … African clawless otter is second! The diet of a Cape clawless otters on Robberg Beach – what an incredible.... Or forest in the world to around 20Kg lack of claws lack claws which is why they are called otters... It wasn ’ t have claws I had no idea the Cape clawless otter longer. Ran across the empty Scarborough Beach parking area this afternoon cape clawless otter spoor about 6.30pm, heading for the Congo basin! Province, South Africa, their name is derived from their lack of claws flattened! Are well known for the luxurious hair that they have soft, dark-brown and! Dense forest areas and along the sand is uncommon of about nine weeks South Africa, elsewhere.

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