The status of the Congo clawless otter remains a subject of debate, however, with most researchers considering the animal to be a subspecies of the African small-clawed otter (Aonyx capensis) and giving it the taxonomic name A. capensis congicus.Others claim that the Congo clawless otter is a valid… It can be found in the sub-Saharan Africa (except in the Congo). Breeding After a gestation period of approximately 63 days, African Clawless Otters give birth to a litter of 2 - 3 young. 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. Apr 27, 2016 - African clawless otter - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia African Clawless Otter The African Clawless Otter is the second largest of all freshwater species. The food habits of co-existing otter species were studied in a catchment in the KwaZulu-Natal Drakensberg. These otters are extremely dextrous, using their forepaws to feel for molluscs and crustaceans in rocks, vegetation and mud. Aonyx cinerea: information (1) Aonyx cinerea: pictures (14) To cite this page: Myers, P., R. Espinosa, C. S. Parr, T. Jones, G. S. Hammond, and T. A. Dewey. Although they are, generally, solitary animals, the African Clawless Otters can sometimes be found in clans of between four and six individuals. L. maculicollis showed greater trophic plasticity in different habitats and exhibited a wider trophic niche than A. capensis. According to the report made by IUCN recently on the Red List species, out of the 13 species of otter worldwide, 12 are declining in number (IUCN, 2015). All posts. 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. African clawless otters feed mostly on fish, crabs, fresh water mussels and other protein snacks they can find in or close to their watery homes. Text. The otters will forage in man-made fisheries and are therefore hunted and at risk of becoming entailed in their nets. Although African clawless otters will occupy habitat near saltwater, they need access to freshwater and live primarily along tributaries of major rivers or in seasonal rivers in arid and semiarid areas. A local free diver captured a rare incident earlier this month of a Cape clawless otter feeding on a puff adder and dark shysharks. It is very silky in appearance as well as to the touch. Photo. Unfollow . In this lesson you will learn about its habitat, including geographic range, its population, and lifespan. Socialisation. Common menu items include crabs, fish, rodents, amphibians and even birds. Diet African Clawless Otters mainly feed on fish, frogs, crabs and worms. Ask. Key Information: This is the smallest of the world’s otters, about 0.9 m long, weighing around 5 kg. African clawless otters don’t have many predators since they are quick in the water and have burrows on land making them hard to catch. Filter by post type. Find the perfect african clawless otter stock photo. This species gets its name from the webless front feet. Most popular Most recent. Raven, raccoon, African clawless otter, Chinese water deer, Persian cat, Nile crocodile. The African clawless otter is a large freshwater otter found throughout much of Sub-Saharan Africa. Factors that decrease number of African clawless otters in the wild are hunt (because of their fur) and entanglement in the fishing nets. Their tail measures 465 mm to 515 mm long and is typically stout and tapered. Other articles where African clawless otter is discussed: otter: Freshwater otters: African clawless otters (Aonyx capensis) and Congo clawless otters (A. congicus or A. capensis congicus) occupy murky waterways and thus rely more on manual dexterity than on vision to obtain food (mostly crabs) from under rocks. The African clawless otter lives throughout the tropical and sub-tropical regions of sub-Saharan Africa except the Congo Basin, which is dominated by the Congo clawless otter. The African Clawless Otter hunts day and night and, while it does favour an aquatic environment, it eats prey from both the land and water. Like other otters, African Clawless Otters like to hang out in areas that will provide them with plenty of water, like the savannah. 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 the largest Old World otter species and 3rd largest species of otter overall. Species Aonyx capensis African clawless otter. Cape clawless otters (also known as African clawless otters, or groot otters) are most often elusive, shy and secretive – but every now and then they allow you a glimpse into their going-abouts! African clawless otter definition is - a large African otter (Aonyx capensis) with the claws absent from most toes —called also Cape clawless otter. 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. Otters groom and dry themselves by rolling in the grass and rubbing against rocks and the soil, habits that attract crocodiles. They are the least aquatic of all otters. Grid View List View. The Cape clawless otter, also known as the African clawless otter, is one of two otter species to occur in South Africa. Other otters have fully webbed feet and strong, well-developed claws. African clawless otter (Cape clawless otter)** Aonyx capensis** (SCHINZ, 1821) Photo by: F. Spangenberg : Additional images here: www.biolib.cz: Number of Subspecies: 00: Information Source for Taxanomy: Wilson, Don E. / Mittermeier, Russell A. HANDBOOK OF THE MAMMALS OF THE WORLD; Vol. Their head and body length ranges from 762 mm to 880 mm. Aonyx capensis: information (1) Aonyx capensis: pictures (2) Species Aonyx cinerea Oriental small-clawed otter. They are well known for the luxurious hair that they have. OUR DATA: We use the most recent data from these primary sources: AnAge, UMICH, Max Planck, PanTHERIA, Arkive, UKC, AKC. African clawless otter inhabits lakes, streams and rivers in savannas and lowland forests. Otters are semi-aquatic, which means they live both in and out of water. Discover How Long African clawless otter Lives. The Cape clawless otter, also known as the African clawless otter, is one of two otter species to occur in South Africa. Aonyx capensis (African Clawless Otter) is a species of mammals in the family Mustelidae.It is listed as near threatened by IUCN and in CITES Appendix II.It is associated with freshwater habitat.African Clawless Otter is found in the Afrotropics.It is a solitary omnivore.Individuals are known to live for 132 months and can grow to 19322.22 g. Rubbing against rocks and the soil, habits that attract crocodiles menu items include crabs, fish, frogs fish! And rubbing against rocks and the reduced webbing on its paws gives this species gets name. 3 young habitats in Africa is one of two otter species to occur in Africa... Information: this is the smallest of the world’s otters, about 0.9 m long, weighing around 5.!, except for the luxurious hair that they have also been seen eating snakes,,! 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