Cape Clawless Otter

Afrikaans name: Groototter

Cape Clawless Otter

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Aonyx capensis

The Cape Clawless Otter is a much larger animal than its cousin the Spotted-necked Otter. They reach a length of 1.25 metres and can weigh 12 to 14 kg with females being larger than the males.

These beautiful creatures can be found in fresh or sea water. They can be found in most places with permanent water in South Africa. They are totally absent from the drier areas of the Western Cape and Northern Cape.

The underparts are normally lighter than the upperparts. They are white on the upper chest, throat, and chin. They use their flattened tales to propel themselves in water and they are proficient swimmers.

Unlike the Spotted-necked Otter this species is active at night and in the day. They feed on a variety of prey, but fish and crabs make a significant portion of their diet. Other prey includes octopus, molluscs, frogs, insects, and small reptiles. They catch their prey in the water and then take it to dry land to eat.

Females normally give birth to two young, and this can take place at any time during the year. She gives birth in a burrow near a dam, watercourse, or the ocean.

References and further reading

Wildlife of Southern Africa - Author: Martin Withers and David Hosking - Published: 2011 - Page: 202

Wild Issue 25 - Author: - Published: 2013 - Page: 38

Wild Ways - 2nd Edition - Author: Peter Apps - Published: 2000 - Page: 90

Two Oceans - Author: Branch, Griffiths, Branch and Beckley - Published: 2010 - Page: 362

Tracks and Tracking in Southern Africa - Author: Louis Liebenberg - Published: 2000 - Page: 53

The Rough Guide to Game Parks of South Africa - Author: P. Briggs - Published: 2020 - Page: 328

The Smaller Mammals of the Kruger National Park - Author: U. De V. Pienaar et al - Published: 1980 - Page: 86

The Mammal Guide of Southern Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: Burger Cillie - Published: 2011 - Page: 168

Southern African Wildlife - Author: Readers Digest - Published: 1989 - Page: 85

The Coastal Guide of South Africa - Author: Jacana Media - Published: 2007 - Page: 18

South African Animals in the Wild - Author: Anthony Bannister - Published: 1985 - Page: 104

Signs of the Wild - 5th Edition - Author: Clive Walker - Published: 1996 - Page: 62

Questions and Answers - Mammals of Southern Africa - Author: Deirdre Richards - Published: 1990 - Page: 6

Signs of the Wild - 3rd Edition - Author: Clive Walker - Published: 1986 - Page: 71

Places to Visit in Southern Africa - Author: AA RSA - Published: 1995 - Page: 183

Predators of Southern Africa - A field guide - Author: Grobler, Hall-Martin & Walker - Published: 2012 - Page: 40

Mammals of the Kruger and other National Parks - Author: The National Parks Board - Published: 1980 - Page: 50

Mammals of Southern Africa - Author: Burger Cillie - Published: 1987 - Page: 21

Maberlys Mammals of Southern Africa - Revised edition - Author: Richard Goss - Published: 1986 - Page: 125

Land Mammals of Southern Africa - A field guide - Author: Reay HN Smithers - Published: 1986 - Page: 110

Kruger National Park Questions and Answers - Author: P.F. Fourie - Published: 1987 - Page: 311

Illustrated Guide to the Game Parks and Nature Reserves of SA - 2nd edn - Author: Readers Digest - Published: 1991 - Page: 418

Freshwater Life - Author: C. Griffiths, J. Day & M. Picker - Published: 2015 - Page: 42

First Field Guide to Animal Tracks of Southern Africa - Author: Louis Liebenberg - Published: 2003 - Page: 23

Field Guide to the Mammals of the Kruger National Park - Author: U. de V. Pienaar et al. - Published: 1987 - Page: 72

Field Guide to the Mammals of Southern Africa - 3rd Edition - Author: Chris and Tilde Stuart - Published: 2001 - Page: 128

Field Guide to the Larger Mammals of Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Chris and Tilde Stuart - Published: 1997 - Page: 238

Field Guide to Fynbos Fauna - Author: Cliff & Suretha Dorse - Published: 2023 - Page: 246

Chris and Tilde Stuarts Field Guide to the Mammals of Southern Africa - 1st Edit - Author: Chris and Tilde Stuart - Published: 1988 - Page: 128

Animals of the Kruger National Park - Author: G. de Graaff - Published: 1987 - Page: 43

An Introduction to the Larger Mammals of Southern Africa - Author: Joanna Dalton - Published: 1987 - Page: 61

African Wildlife - Vol 37 No 1 - Author: - Published: 1983 - Page: 1

A Field Guide to the Tracks & Signs of Southern and East African Wildlife - 3rd - Author: Chris and Tilde Stuart - Published: 2000 - Page: 61

A Field Guide to the Eastern Cape Coast - Author: R. Lubke, F. Gess & M. Bruton - Published: 1988 - Page: 310

A Field Guide to the Mammals of Africa including Madagascar - Author: Theodor Haltenorth and Helmut Diller - Published: 1980 - Page: 185

Two Oceans Aquarium

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List of South African Mammals