African clawless otter is solitary creature that occasionally lives in group composed of 5 to 6 animals. Males are slightly heavier and longer than females. African Clawless Otter (Aonyx capensis) Asian Small-clawed Otter (Aonyx cinereus) Sea Otter ... African Otters ... Otters are top predators using both terrestrial and aquatic environments and their loss has a serious impact on local food webs, biodiversity and habitat relationships. IUCN status: Near Threatened Latin name: Aonyx congicus alias: Cameroon white-cheeked otter, Zaire clawless otter, small-toothed clawless otter predators: leopards and other large carnivores threats: habitat loss, hunting, overfishing, pet trade size: 110-150 cm (body 79-95 cm, tail 50-56 cm) weight: 12-17 kg Nearly as large as the African clawless otter but definitely lighter and… 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. Such habits usually attract crocodiles. The otter, Siamogale melilutra, weighed about 110 pounds — bigger than any living otter. The number of crabs in an area determines how many otters live there. 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. 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. We need you to answer this question! They range through most of sub-Saharan Africa, except for the Congo River basin and arid areas.
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. While it can get around on land, it is slow and often clumsy in the process. Watch Queue Queue They are clawless except for small grooming claws on hind digits 2, 3, and 4. Cape clawless otters, Aonyx capensis, are widely distributed in South Africa, as elsewhere on the continent. They also spend a great deal of time in the water in order to stay cool.
African clawless otters have long white whiskers on their cheeks, chin, and brows, which are used to detect prey in murky waters.
African Clawless Otter The African Clawless Otter is the second largest of all freshwater species. After a gestation period of approximately 63 days, African Clawless Otters give birth to a litter of 2 - 3 young. 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 major threat is pythons that can lay in lure near the water and human activities. The extremely reduced claws and webbing on its paws gives this species incredible dexterity. 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. Main predators of African clawless otter are crocodiles, pythons and eagles.
The otters will forage in man-made fisheries and are therefore hunted and at risk of becoming entailed in their nets. Common menu items include crabs, fish, … That’s why it prefers to burrow into banks that are close to water. “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. In 29 of the 35 countries where these otters are present, their populations are stable. Although their hind feet are partially webbed, they have the least amount of webbing of all otter species. They weigh between 10 and 22 kg. Fun Facts for Kids African clawless otters dry and groom themselves by rolling in grass and rubbing themselves against rocks and soil and basking in the sun. Even when they live in group, each African clawless otter marks piece of its own … African clawless otters are the largest Old World otter species and 3rd largest species of otter overall. 13 species They are weaned at 45 - 60 days and are fully mature at a year old. Their major threats are pythons and crocodiles (that can lay in lure near the water) together with eagles and human activities. As the name suggests, these Otters don’t have claws. It is very silky in appearance as well as to the touch. Their tail measures 465 mm to 515 mm long and is typically stout and tapered. This video is unavailable. This way, they can easily dart in and out to grab food or escape predators.
The otters will forage in man-made fisheries and are therefore hunted and at risk of becoming entangled in their nets. The African clawless otter has large molars adapted to crushing crabs and lobsters, but will also prey on frogs, fish and insects. Their head and body length ranges from 762 mm to 880 mm. They are well known for the luxurious hair that they have. Watch Queue Queue. The African Clawless Otter spends a great deal of time in the water. As predators, they may have an influence on the numbers of their prey species: crabs, fish, frogs, and insects.