Cape+Clawless+Otter

Aonyx capensis, or the Cape clawless otter, is a semi-aquatic carnivorous mammal that lives throughout Africa. These otters can be as long as 4 1/2 feet, and can weigh up to about 46 pounds. Males are usually slightly larger than females. On their back, they have a light brown fur that is silky. On their bellies they have an off white colored fur.

Cape clawless otters usually live in grasslands or savannas scattered around Africa. They live by ponds, streams or rivers. They sleep under rocks, in burrows, and under trees. These otters are nocturnal and spend most of their waking lives at night. Their packs consist of 4-6 otters, adults usually spend most of their awakened time hunting. Young pups will play with one another.

Although little is known about the Cape clawless otter, breeding occurs once a year and litters range from one to five offspring. They leave their shelters sixteen to thirty days after birth and mothers raise their pups till the pups are about a year old. They also become sexually mature at this age. Cape clawless otter's diets consists of small aquatic creatures such as worms, crabs, and fish. They also hunt on land and have been spotted eating birds, bugs, mollusks, and reptiles.

Although they don't have many predators, they are sometimes hunted by native python. We do not intentionally try to hurt these otters, but humans have a greater impact on //A. Capensis// than any type predation. Fishing takes away the food supplies for most of the otters. They may get caught in fishing net if getting too close to modern civilization. But some humans are not so friendly, some poach them for their fur.