Cape Clawless Otter (Aonyx capensis)

Genus: Aonyx
Species: A. Capensis
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Family:Mustelidae

Habitat

The Cape clawless otter lives in a variety of habitat from Senegal to Ethiopia and South Africa. Their only requirement is that they live near a body of water, usually a small pond or stream. Where they live near the coast they have been seen foraging equally in the sea as well as the freshwater marshes.

Appearance

The Cape clawless otter is one of three "clawless" otters. They look very similar in appearance to other related otters, having a long, thin body set on short legs; the front legs being shorter than the rear. This clawless otter has an almost complete absence of claws, except for an occasional cuticular growths on the third and fourth digits of their hind limbs, similar to fingernails. Their hands are very dexterous and sensitive. Like the other clawless otter species and the sea otter, they rely on their hands to capture prey. They almost completely lack webbing between their toes. Their molars are large and flat, designed to crush the shells of crustaceans and mollusks.

The Cape clawless is generally a dark brown in color, with lighter undersides and sometimes a white streak on the throat. The hair is very soft and velvet-like in texture. Guard hairs are 9-10 mm in length, with the undercoat being 5-6 mm. These guard hairs keep the undercoat dry when the animal is wet, keeping the animal warm and insulated. Unlike other aquatic mammals like seals, otters lack an insulating layer of body fat, so they rely solely on their fur to keep them warm and dry.

Like other otter species, they are capable of completely closing their nostrils and ears when diving underwater.

Social Behaviour

The Cape clawless otter lives in loose social groups, with related animals having joined and overlapping home ranges that are defended by all animals in that area. Home ranges are about 17 km for males, and 14 for females, and they spend most of their time in an area about half the size of the total range. Otters from adjoining home ranges have been seen foraging together. Females raise the cubs alone, but the males may maintain a loose association with the females near his home range.

This otter spends most of its time in the water. They stay near the surface, diving only to capture food. They are very playful, and enjoy manipulating stones and sticks. They are mainly nocturnal, but have been seen active occasionally during the daytime.