Facts about the Cape Clawless Otter -- Aonyx capensis:

A summary of most interesting statistics (size, gestation...), amazing environmental adaptations & fascinating facts about social habits, etc.

SIZE: Length (including tail) 1,3 m, mass 14 kg.

COLOUR: Light greyish-brown to very dark brown, with a silvery sheen. Cheeks, snout, throat and chest are white and the ears have a whitish edge.

GESTATION PERIOD: 9 weeks

POTENTIAL LONGEVITY: 16 years

MOST LIKE: The Spotted-Necked Otter, which is the only other species of otter in southern Africa. The Cape clawless otter is longer, very much heavier and lacks the neck spots of its cousin.

HABITAT: Grassland, scrub or forest in the vacinity of rivers, streams, lakes, swamps, dams and marine estuaries. Also rock pools along certain parts of the coast. When they occur in coastal waters, a supply of fresh water is an essential habitat requirement.

FOOD:

REPRODUCTION & GESTATION PERIOD:

DISTRIBUTION MAP:

WHERE FOUND:
Kruger National Park (South Africa)
Pilanesberg National Park (South Africa)
Hluhluwe-Umfolozi National Park
Kalahari Gemsbok National Park
Tembe Elephant Park
Tsitsikamma National Park
uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park (South Africa)