The ears are small and rounded. African (Cape) clawless otter (Aonyx capensis): The African clawless otter is one of four species of otters found in Africa. [5][6] Despite being closely related to the oriental small-clawed otter, the African clawless otter is often twice as massive as that relatively diminutive mustelid. 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. LENGTH. Finger-like digits. In the False Bay area of the Cape Peninsula, they have been observed scavenging along beaches and rocks and hunting in shallow surf for mullet. Aonyx specimens will often forage in man-made fisheries and may be hunted or become entangled in nets. See Details. More aquatic than other otters from Africa, its fully webbed paws have sharp, well-developed claws. Their fore paws come in handy as searching devices and are great tools for digging on the muddy bottoms of ponds and rivers, picking up rocks and looking under logs. To stay warm, on the other hand, the otters depend solely on their thick fur. African clawless otters are found near permanent bodies of water in savannah and lowland forest areas. Weaning takes place after 45 to 60 days old. Using random encounter models, we estimated that the transformed area had the highest density of African clawless otters (8.2 ± 2.3 km−2), compared to otter densities at Verloren Vallei and Cobham Nature Reserve, South Africa, (natural areas) with estimated densities of 0.7 ± 0.2 km−2 and 2.1 ± 0.6 km−2 respectively. Extremely sensitive whiskers (vibrissae) are used as sensors in the water to pick up the movements of potential prey. Learn how and when to remove this template message, 10.1644/1545-1410(2001)671<0001:ac>2.0.co;2, Habitat selection by the Cape clawless otter (, http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&aid=61069&fileId=S0952836900000236, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=African_clawless_otter&oldid=992321496, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles needing additional references from August 2010, All articles needing additional references, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 4 December 2020, at 17:35. The second largest out of all freshwater species, the African clawless otter is well known for its luxurious hair, very silky in appearance and to the touch. It is very silky in appearance as well as to the touch. African claw­less ot­ters are the largest Old World otter species and 3rd largest species of otter over­all. African clawless otters can be found anywhere from open coastal plains, to semiarid regions, to densely forested areas. Sometimes otters drown when they become tangled in fishing nets. It is the third largest species of otter. Breeding Copulation may occur during December, but births have been reported in most months, with a … The African Clawless Otter is the second largest of all freshwater species. They are independent and reproductively mature from the age of 1 year. It occurs in any large area of suitable habitat to the south of the Sahara, except the Congo Basin. They spend most of their lives in the water, and they are made for it! An African clawless otter does most of its hunting in water. Common Name: African Clawless Otter Binomial Name: Aonyx capensis Identification: Quite large size.Dark-brown coat (appears black when wet). African clawless otter (Aonyx capensis)Altitude range: 1900 m Main habitats: Water and water-edge vegetation. All lack claws except for digits 2, 3, and 4 of the hind feet. These animals are acrobatic, curious and clever, and are perfectly adapted to the aquatic environment in which they live. Otters have been a favorite at the Zoo for years, and now they have new and upgraded habitat. Though mostly solitary animals, African clawless otters will live in neighboring territories of family groups of up to five individuals. Only the giant otter and sea otter are larger. Free Returns High Quality Printing Fast Shipping. Shop African Clawless Otter Dark T-Shirt designed by Wildlife Arts by Roger Hall. The diet of Aonyx capensis primarily includes water-dwelling animals, such as crabs, fish, frogs and worms. Chestnut in color, they are characterized by white facial markings that extend downward towards their throat and chest areas. Each still having its own range within that territory, they mostly keep to themselves unless seeking a mate. size: 110-150 cm (body 79-95 cm, tail 50-56 cm) weight: 12-17 kg. 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. Their large skulls are broad and flat, with relatively small orbits and short rostra. This species may also be affected in some areas by loss or degradation of its habitat. It is widely-distributed across South Africa and the second largest freshwater otter species in the world, reaching between 113 and 163 cm in … They dive after prey to catch it, then swim to shore again, where they eat. The Otter Trail is a hiking trail in South Africa named after the African clawless otter, which is found in this area. An African clawless otter makes complex vocalizations, including grunts, low and high-pitched whistles, squeals, moans and mews, as well as “hah” sounds that are thought to express anxiety. Tshepiso L Majelantle, Andre Ganswindt, Rowan K Jordaan, David J Slip, Robert Harcourt, Trevor McIntyre, Increased population density and behavioural flexibility of African clawless otters (Aonyx capensis) in specific anthropogenic environments, Urban … African clawless otters dry and groom themselves by rolling in grass and rubbing themselves against rocks and soil and basking in the sun. They are sometimes hunted for their thick, soft pelts, which humans use in forms of clothing. The African clawless otter (Aonyx capensis), also known as the Cape clawless otter or groot otter, is the second-largest freshwater species of otter. Mammal Species of the World lists six subspecies of Aonyx capensis:[1], Until recently the Congo clawless otter was considered a subspecies as well, but recent authorities treat it as a separate species A. Percentage of Lolldaiga used: ca. Male otters are slightly larger than females on average. They dive for fish, with dives lasting 6 to 49 seconds, with an average of 18 seconds per dive. Ad… African clawless otters are mainly carnivores. Afterwards, both males and females go their separate ways and return to their solitary lives once more. Using the lowest density estimate for Only the giant otter and sea otter are larger. [4] Aonyx is closely related to the extinct giant Sardinian otter, Megalenhydris. The word aonyx means "clawless", derived from the prefix a- ("without") and onyx ("claw/hoof"). The largest otter is the giant otter. Quick in the water and burrowing on land, A. capensis does not have many predators. In 29 of the 35 countries where these otters are present, their populations are stable. Cape clawless otter (Aonyx capensis), captive. This species inhabits a wide variety of freshwater habitats, such as streams, rivers, lakes and estuaries, as well as marine habitats, including rocky seashores, as long as freshwater can be accessed, which is essential for washing and drinking. These otters have a bigger body-to-brain ratio than all other carnivores in southern Africa, which could be the reason for their cleverness and dexterity. Although usually found in water, these otters can also travel long distances overland. The majority of their time awake is spent swimming, foraging, hunting, playing, and sunbathing. 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. In contrast, the much smaller clawless otter (Aonyx capensis) eats mainly fish, but also crab, abalone and Cape rock lobsters as well as birds, molluscs, amphibians and rodents. This may well be a far greater threat to otters than hunting. According to the MPALA LIVE resource, the total number of African clawless otters in South Africa is around 21,500 individuals. They will use their front feet to extract food hidden under logs or rocks or in the mud. This and the fact that young are raised solely by the females may suggest that African clawless otters exhibit a polygynous mating system. An African clawless otter is a solitary animal. African clawless otters have thick, smooth fur with almost silky underbellies. Their large skulls are broad and flat, with relatively small orbits and short rostra. Female African Clawless Otters have an average body mass of 12kg (Lariviere 2001). Surviving mostly in southern Africa, the otters live in areas surrounding permanent bodies of water, usually surrounded by some form of foliage. Its long hairy tail ends in a point and is flattened horizontally. 1. They sometimes will eat ducks, geese, coots, swans, mollusks, dragonfly larvae, reptiles, shrews, and small birds. Silver tips to the end of hairs on the neck and head and dark patches of fur between the eyes and nostrils. Otters also have long, slightly flattened tails that move sideways to propel them through the water while their back feet act like rudders to steer. Little is known about the mating system of African clawless otters. congicus.[2][4]. 1. Otters along the trail are protected, as it falls within the Tsitsikamma National Park. They return to burrows (holts) for safety, cooling or a rubdown using grasses and leaves. After bouts of hunting they may leave the water to dry off or to play. Young are raised solely by the females. African Clawless Otter Wikipedia article -, 2. Paws are partially webbed with five fingers, and no opposable thumbs. Hybridisation of Asian small-clawed otter females with smooth-coated otter males occurred in Singapore. The exhibit is called Otter Cove and is five times the size of the previous home and features a 12,000-gallon pool. The African clawless otter has been reported as living in family Dark-brown coat (appears black when wet). 73-95 cm. African clawless otter. Its greatest threat comes from the python, which will often lie in wait near or in the water. These animals are acrobatic, curious and clever, and are perfectly adapted to the aquatic environment in which they live. Straight after eating, an otter will clean its face with its forefeet. As predators, they may have an influence on the numbers of their prey species: crabs, fish, frogs, and insects. They are well known for the luxurious hair that they have. Groups of 4 to 6, consisting of 2 to 3 adults with 2 to 3 young, are sometimes seen, and larger groups sometimes form to forage. Although it is born with tiny claws it loses these on all toes except the middle three on the hind feet. The Cape clawless otter, also known as the African clawless otter, is one of two otter species to occur in South Africa. 1% Group size: 1 – 3 Abundance as of May 2015: 3 individuals . African claw­less ot­ters are the largest Old World otter species and 3rd largest species of otter over­all. Development, deforestation, overgrazing, wetlands being drained, and water extraction all impact negatively on the quality of the aquatic habitat and surrounding vegetation on which these animals depend. Group of three camera trapped. Mating takes place in short periods throughout the rainy season in December. All lack claws except for digits 2, 3, and 4 of the hind feet. Their sensitive whiskers help them to find food in the water by detecting the movement of aquatic animals. African clawless otters are found near permanent bodies of water in savannah and lowland forest areas. Bronx Zoo zoologist observing Sam, the African clawless otter, soaking in ice water, Wayne, New Jersey, April 1971 Get premium, high resolution news photos at Getty Images Gestation lasts around two months (63 days). Molars are large and flat, used for crushing of prey. Their tail mea­sures 465 mm to 515 mm long and is typ­i­cally stout and ta­pered. African (Cape) clawless otter (Aonyx capensis): The African clawless otter is one of four species of otters found in Africa. Living in Africa, environments can become very hot. Exclusions Apply. Other predators would include the crocodile and fish eagles. It is believed to spend much more time on land than other otters. Up to 35% off T-shirts, Mugs, Tote bags and More! The second largest out of all freshwater species, the African clawless otter is well known for its luxurious hair, very silky in appearance and to the touch. Adults range in size from 1.15-1.5m (3.8-5ft), and weigh from 16 … Molars are large and flat, used for crushing of prey. Weaning takes place between 45 and 60 days, with the young reaching full maturity around one year of age. front feet are not. Disclaimer: The Animal Diversity Web is an educational resource written largely by and for college students.ADW doesn't cover all species in the world, nor does it include all the latest scientific information about organisms we describe. Aonyx capensis - The African Clawless Otter. In forested areas, logging may be a major threat, since erosion leads to greatly increased turbidity in rivers which can in turn greatly reduce the populations of fish on which the otters depend. The African clawless otter is the most abundant otter species in Africa. This species is named for its webless front feet. Cape clawless otters grow to a maximum of 2m (with the tail) in length and can weigh 18kg in weight. Clawless otters have slender, serpentine bodies with dense, luxuriou… Weights can range from 10–36 kg (22-80 lbs), with most otters averaging between 12 and 21 kg (26-46 lbs). The biggest threat to African clawless otters comes from humans. It is the third largest species of otter. Inside its short, broad muzzle are relatively small teeth, which are adapted for catching fish instead of the crustaceans that the clawless otters eat. This species is most active at dawn and dusk (known as crepuscular). Breeding occurs mostly during the dry season, though it may take place at any time of the year. However, what is known is that after mating, males and females go separate ways, returning to their solitary lives. Paws are partially webbed with five fingers, and no opposable thumbs. As the name suggests, these Otters don’t have claws. Their head and body length ranges from 762 mm to 880 mm. 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. Females give birth to litters containing two to five young around early spring. If threatened, a high-pitched scream is emitted to warn neighboring otters and confuse a predator. Currently this species is classified as Near Threatened (NT) on the IUCN Red List and its numbers today are decreasing. The African Clawless Otter is similar in appearance to the Congo Clawless otter. It is the third largest species of otter. The otter, Siamogale melilutra, weighed about 110 pounds — bigger than any living otter. Logs, branches, and loose foliage greatly appeal to the otter as this provides shelter, shade, and great rolling opportunities. It is a robust, strong animal; the second-largest freshwater otter species in Africa and the third-largest in the world. size: 115-160 cm (body 72-95 cm; tail 40-60 cm) weight: 12-19 kg 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. 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. They have light to dark brown fur on their backs with a white face, throat, belly and ears. The diet in marine habitats is mainly fish, but also crab, abalone and Cape rock lobsters. Named after their clawless feet, this otter is also known as the Cape Clawless Otter. Slow and rather clumsy on land, they build burrows in banks near water, allowing for easier food access and a quick escape from predators. Male African Clawless Otters have an average body mass of 13.4kg. SIZE: Length (including tail) 1,3 m, mass 14 kg. Territories are marked using a pair of anal glands which secrete a particular scent. This exhibit, called Otter Cove, is more than 5 times the size of their previous home and it features a 12,000 gallon pool of water. The African Clawless otters at the Metro Richmond Zoo have a new home! White lips, chin, throat and upper chest. Other otters have fully webbed feet and strong, well-developed claws. Lots of different size and color combinations to choose from. African clawless otters have thick, smooth fur with almost silky underbellies. The Asian small-clawed otter groups with the African clawless otter and the smooth-coated otter into a sister clade to the genus Lutra. They range through most of sub-Saharan Africa, except for the Congo River basin and arid areas, where they are replaced by the related Congo clawless otter (Aonyx congicus). Litters can number 1 to 3 pups, but up to 5 per litter have been known for animals in captivity. size: 115-160 cm (body 72-95 cm, tail 40-60 cm) weight: 12-19 kg The third largest species in the world, the African clawless otter ( Aonyx capensis ) is highly versatile and can be found in unpolluted rivers, lakes, dams, swamps and marshes: wherever freshwater crabs, its main food, are present. They are also used for balance when walking or sitting upright. Otters are the only serious swimmers in the weasel family. “We started our study with the idea that this otter was just a larger version of a sea otter or an African clawless otter in terms of chewing ability, that it would just be able to eat much larger things. During the day they sleep in burrows or dens. Fine art decal of an African Clawless Otter. South Africa, which has an abundant crab population, is home to an estimated 21,500 African clawless otters. Its feet are webbed to enable the best swimming conditions. The earliest known species of otter, Potamotherium valetoni, occurred in the upper Oligocene of Europe: A. capensis first appears in the fossil record during the Pleistocene. Adults are 113–163 cm (45–64 in) in length, including their tails that comprised about a third of their length. The African clawless otter spends its days swimming and catching food. GESTATION: Unknown: OFFSPRING: Number of cubs born is unknown: HOME RANGE: Unknown: PHYSICAL FEATURES: Closely related to African Clawless Otter and very similar. The Cape clawless otter, also known as the African clawless otter, is one of two otter species to occur in South Africa. They weigh be­tween 10 and 22 kg. In freshwater habitats, they eat primarily crabs, and they also eat insects, frogs, and various species of fish. The Cape clawless otter is the second-largest freshwater species of otter. Abalone and Cape rock lobsters personalities, especially once they have eat primarily crabs, mud dwelling.! 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