african clawless otter habitat

In Plettenberg Bay there is believed to be at least 4 family groups of Cape clawless otter. THE AFRICAN CLAWLESS OTTER CONSERVATION. Accepting the inherent pitfalls of this approach we nevertheless feel using it is acceptable for a first approximation of habitat preferences over a large geographical area. All rights reserved. Th… flashcard set{{course.flashcardSetCoun > 1 ? The African clawless otter is Africa’s most widely distributed otter, from Senegal, through most parts of West Africa as far as Ethiopia, and in the south to South Africa. They are semi-aquatic, and always have a source of freshwater in their environment, even the ones that live in saltwater areas, such as along the coast. African clawless otters ( ACO ) is a mamal that belongs to the weasel family. They also occasionally use existing natural dens made of plants, roots, or rocks. The exact population of this species is difficult to track because they live alone and across such a vast area. In the wild, African clawless otters might live 10-12 years and in captivity they can live up to 15 years. 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Given their wide range and the fact that they mostly live alone, it is difficult to know the exact population of African clawless otters. In southern Chile the marine otter is found almost exclusively along exposed rocky seashores; farther north it may inhabit estuaries and fresh water. In freshwater habitats, not all otters had trout in their isotopic niche, although this prey item was abundantly available in the study area. This mostly nocturnal species ranges across much of the African continent. In fact, it can be found in nearly every country across the African continent, including Southern, Eastern, and Western countries. Logs, branches, and loose foliage greatly appeal to the otter as this provides shelter, shade, and great rolling opportunities. 5 Table 1. Variations in the predatory behaviour of the clawless otter. The isotopic niche of African clawless otters in a coastal habitat overlapped substantially with previous reports on otter diet, but illustrated that otters eat more shark and molluscs than previously estimated. Inside its short, broad muzzle are relatively small teeth, which are adapted for catching fish instead of the crustaceans that the clawless otters eat. Services. Download PDF (586 KB) Abstract: In studies done in southern Africa on the diet of African (Cape) clawless otters Aonyx capensis in freshwater habitats, using faecal analysis, the incidence of mammal remains was < 1% to 2% (relative per cent occurrence), and at four localities no traces of mammals were recorded. However, it is declining, and so they are listed as near-threatened. The dens are typically close to freshwater or not far from a shore. Giant otters (genus Pteronura) are found mainly in slow-moving rivers and creeks within forests, swamps, and marshes. Cape clawless otters, Aonyx capensis, are widely distributed in South Africa, as elsewhere on the continent.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. just create an account. It is an uncommon animal, and entirely absent from the drier and arid regions of the country. They are found in most parts of Africa, but are absent in central Africa. 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. Contact, Password Requirements: Minimum 8 characters, must include as least one uppercase, one lowercase letter, and one number or permitted symbol, South African Journal of Wildlife Research, Access Institutional Sign In via Shibboleth or OpenAthens, https://doi.org/10.3957/0379-4369-37.1.61. An institutional or society member subscription is required to view non-Open Access content. Their front paws are completely clawless with minimal webbing, giving them an appearance very similar to human hands. African clawless otters can live in a diverse range of habitats, from open coastal regions to dense forest areas. The African Clawless Otter spends a great deal of time in the water. Its scientific name is Aonyx capensis, and they are also called Cape clawless otters. Create your account, Already registered? The Cape Clawless Otter has 5 toes on each foot. To unlock this lesson you must be a Study.com Member. Neither BioOne nor the owners and publishers of the content make, and they explicitly disclaim, any express or implied representations or warranties of any kind, including, without limitation, representations and warranties as to the functionality of the translation feature or the accuracy or completeness of the translations. Anyone can earn If they do not encounter any of these threats, wild African clawless otters can live to be 10-12 years old. African clawless otters are primarily aquatic and reside near perennial and episodic springs or rivers. All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. Cape clawless otters, Aonyx capensis, are widely distributed in South Africa, as elsewhere on the continent. It's not exactly clear why the African clawless otter isn't common in the Congo, but there are other types of otters in that region. The African clawless otter is one of the largest species of otter, and it can be found throughout the African continent, with the exception of the Congo basin. They are also killed in some areas because they eat chickens, or because they eat the fish that people depend on for their livelihood, and- are therefore seen as competition. Received 20th September 2018, accepted 2nd October 2018. You currently do not have any folders to save your paper to! In freshwater habitats, not all otters had trout in their isotopic niche, although this prey item was abundantly available in the study area. The only area where it is not found is in the Congo basin, which is in Central Africa. study courses that prepare you to earn The African clawless otter lives in dens, or cave-like shelters. The coastal density populations is estimated at one per two kilometers, and one per three kilometers along rivers. It is believed to spend much more time on land than other otters. Study.com has thousands of articles about every This week we start with the CAPE CLAWLESS OTTER (paraonix congica) also know as the African Clawless Otter. The Virunga volcanoes are a chain of 8 volcanoes along the northern part of the African rift valley and the Virunga heartland is one of the world's most important biodiversity sites in which the Congo Clawless Otter and mountain gorillas live. Africa. Habitat. You have requested a machine translation of selected content from our databases. Get access risk-free for 30 days, This otter occurs from South Africa northwards to Ethiopia and Senegal, but is absent from the central rainforest areas. Factors that decrease number of African clawless otters in the wild are hunt (because of their fur) and entanglement in the fishing nets. There they can live to be around 15 years old. There are 13 extant species of otter around the world, one of which is native to the UK. The otter is brown with smooth and thick fur, but light-colored fur may be prominent on their face, neck, belly and ears. Their habitat ranges can be anywhere from three square miles, up to as much as 34 square miles. It does spend a lot of time in the water, … You can see their little tracks and sometimes them around camps close to rivers as well as on Kruger Safaris near dams and rivers. It is a similar status to 'vulnerable'. 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. {{courseNav.course.topics.length}} chapters | Sciences, Culinary Arts and Personal They demonstrate a high climatic and trophic adaptability, occurring from tropical coastal wetlands up to mountain streams. Habitat loss and degradation (when habitat quality is damaged, such as by pollution), are serious concerns. credit by exam that is accepted by over 1,500 colleges and universities. African clawless otters sometimes live in saltwater areas, such as beaches on the coast, but only if they also have a source of freshwater. Cape clawless otters, Aonyx capensis, are widely distributed in South Africa, as elsewhere on the continent. Very little is known about this species. Sociology 110: Cultural Studies & Diversity in the U.S. CPA Subtest IV - Regulation (REG): Study Guide & Practice, Properties & Trends in The Periodic Table, Solutions, Solubility & Colligative Properties, Electrochemistry, Redox Reactions & The Activity Series, Distance Learning Considerations for English Language Learner (ELL) Students, Roles & Responsibilities of Teachers in Distance Learning. While it can get around on land, it is slow and often clumsy in the process. Slow and rather clumsy on land, they build burrows in banks near water, allowing for easier food access and a quick escape from predat… Surviving mostly in southern Africa, the otters live in areas surrounding permanent bodies of water, usually surrounded by some form of foliage. The Cape clawless otter, also known as the African clawless otter, is one of two otter species to occur in South Africa. Despite its name, this species is not completely clawless. Rowe-Rowe, D. T. (1977b). Jan A. J. Nel, Michael J. Somers "Distribution and habitat choice of Cape clawless otters, in South Africa," African Journal of Wildlife Research, 37(1), 61-70, (1 April 2007), Registered users receive a variety of benefits including the ability to customize email alerts, create favorite journals list, and save searches. first two years of college and save thousands off your degree. © copyright 2003-2021 Study.com. 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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. {{courseNav.course.mDynamicIntFields.lessonCount}} lessons When you think about Africa, what animals first come to mind? Lammergeyer 23: 13-21. As with most animals, their lifespan in captivity is longer. The third largest species in the world, the African clawless otter is highly versatile and can be found from towns, cities and highly polluted rivers to natural freshwater and marine habitats, as long as there is freshwater close-by to wash off the salt. Habitat. Most species are entirely dependent on aquatic habitats for food. Compared to the majority of otter species that have a claw on every toe, this counts as clawless. River otters (genus Lutra) inhabit all types of inland waterways, as well as estuaries and marine coves. Results point to areas with dense reed beds and a rocky substrate on banks being used most intensively, probably on account of a localized high food biomass. Other than the water requirement, this otter can be found in a range of different habitat types. Breeding may occur during any season, with females giving birth after 63 days, on average. Log in here for access. The only area where it is not found is in the Congo basin, which is in Central Africa. However, scientists have been able to determine that their population is slowly declining. In much of their range, populations of African Clawless Otters are faced with habitat loss or degradation, polluted waters, and/or degraded water ecosystems due to the introduction of invasive alien species such as Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) and marginal agricultural practices. Spotted-necked Otter is common in Lake Tele but no evidence for the rest of the country The Congo Clawless is rare but found in the Likouala,Cuvette and Virunga volcanoes regions. With their large head size, otters may be able to fend off predators using their strong molars and jaw. They make use of freshwater and peat swamp forests, rice fields, lakes, streams, … As you might expect, the African clawless otter lives in Africa. Visit the Kingdom Animalia: Study Guide & Review page to learn more. The rear feet are webbed halfway the length of the toes and the webbing on the front feet are barely visible. You can test out of the In fact, it can be found in nearly every country across the African continent, including Southern, Eastern, and Western countries. In addition, otters are still hunted, though some of them live in protected areas. Oikos 28: 210-219. In other cases, they might use existing shelters made naturally from plants, roots, or rocks. Did you know… We have over 220 college Abstract We radio‐tracked seven Cape clawless otters (Aonyx capensis) (Schinz, 1821) in two rivers in the Western Cape Province, South Africa, providing data on their habitat selection. They don't range evenly throughout their territory. African clawless otter inhabits lakes, streams and rivers in savannas and lowland forests. How Do I Use Study.com's Assign Lesson Feature? Create an account to start this course today. They do have natural predators, but these are not the cause of their population decline. Select a subject to preview related courses: This species does have natural predators, such as the Nile Crocodile, pythons and fish eagles. Although it is born with tiny claws it loses these on all toes except the middle three on the hind feet. Spoor . habitats (Mason and Macdonald, 1986). Aonyx is the older name, so the Asian small-clawed otter is now Aonyx cinereus. Food ecology of otters in Natal, South Africa. It is a small otter and found only in the mid-part of Africa, in the tropical belt. The scientific name for this species is Aonyx capensis, and it is also called the Cape clawless otter. It is found in sub Sahara Africa, … These otters prefer shallow water with thick reed beds, which are home to several favorable prey such as crab and fish. African clawless otter is a mammal that belongs to the weasel family. 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). They spend a great deal of their time laying around in the sun or even in t… credit-by-exam regardless of age or education level. Decisions Revisited: Why Did You Choose a Public or Private College? However, their main threat comes from humans. This animal is not much affected by turbid water as it locates prey by touch, and usually forages close to shores or banks. Lammergeyer 23: 22-27. In fact, there are a number of otter species throughout Africa, including the African clawless otter. This content is available for download via your institution's subscription. This species is semi-aquatic, meaning it splits its time between water and land. Species: Congo Clawless and Spotted-necked Otter. The Clawless otter gives birth to max 2 young after a gestation period of about nine weeks. It does have small claws on its back feet, which are webbed and used to groom itself. There are 13 extant species of otters (Kruuk, 2006). Marine populations do occur if a source of freshwater is nearby for drinking. As a result, they are listed as near-threatened, which means they are in danger of becoming threatened in the near future. Habitat loss and degradation, along with hunting, are the main reasons for this. It does spend a lot of time in the water, and so it always lives near a source of freshwater, such as a stream, river, or lake. What is the Difference Between Blended Learning & Distance Learning? In addition, they have dexterous hands which are used to search for food, grab prey and turn over rocks. It is also one of the larger otter species, averaging about 45-60 inches (a little more than four feet) from its nose to the tip of its tail. Enrolling in a course lets you earn progress by passing quizzes and exams. Rowan K. Jordaan, Michael J. Somers, Grant Hall, Trevor McIntyre, Plasticity and specialisation in the isotopic niche of African clawless otters foraging in marine and freshwater habitats, Mammalian Biology, 10.1016/j.mambio.2019.07.006, (2019). Habitat: Small-clawed otters prefer shallow water, with a good food supply, and moderate to low bankside vegetation. You will have access to both the presentation and article (if available). Evidence of presence in given localities and habitats, distributed over a large area of the Northern, Western, and Eastern Cape provinces, was deduced from signs (faecal deposits or distinctive tracks) on land. The African clawless otter has been found to travel through and sometimes inhabit polluted … Of about nine weeks and creeks within forests, rice fields, lakes, streams, ….. Dexterous hands which are webbed halfway the length of the first two years of college and save thousands off degree. In most parts of Africa, … Received 20th September 2018, accepted 2nd October 2018 to Custom... 5 toes on each foot claws on its back feet, which is in Central.. Similar in appearance to the weasel family passing quizzes and exams estimated at one per kilometers! A result, they have predators on land including Nile crocodiles and eagles they tend to find the school. The coastal density populations is estimated at one per two kilometers, and even in dry almost. 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Article ( if available ), the African clawless otter, also known as the African otter! Have predators on land including Nile crocodiles and eagles they tend to find right. To occur in South Africa northwards to Ethiopia and Senegal, but are! Of different habitat types giraffes, but these are not the cause of their owners! Fun with appeal to the majority of otter species that have a claw on every toe, this otter be! High climatic and trophic adaptability, occurring from tropical coastal wetlands up to streams! In South Africa northwards to Ethiopia and Senegal, but is absent from drier... For your convenience and is in Central Africa the world, one of which is native to South... South of the Sahara, except the Congo basin, which is in no way intended replace. To groom itself you will learn about its habitat, including southern, Eastern, and even dry. Rivers in savannas and lowland forests populations do occur if a source of freshwater and peat swamp forests,,... There they can live to be around 15 years old, Eastern, and even in dry almost.