Otters
Common Name: African Clawless Otter
Binomial Name: Aonyx capensis Identification: Quite large size. Dark-brown coat (appears black when wet). White lips, chin, throat and upper chest. Finger-like digits. Weight: Males +/- 15 kg (33 lbs), females +/- 15 kg (33 lbs) Gestation: 2 months Young: Litters of 2-3 Habitat: Rivers, marshes, dams and lakes; also, dry stream beds if pools of water exist. May wander several kilometres from water. They also utilize the intertidal zone along the coast. Diet: Freshwater crabs, but also fish and frogs. Will also take molluscs, small mammals, birds and insects. Red List Status: Near Threatened |
Common Name: Spotted-necked Otter
Binomial Name: Hydrictis maculicollis Identification: Upperparts uniform brown to dark brown. Underparts lighter with pale blotching on the throat and upper chest. Considerably smaller than the African Clawless Otter. Weight: Males +/- 4 kg (9 lbs), females +/- 4 kg (9 lbs) Gestation: 2 months Young: Litters of 2-3 Habitat: Larger rivers, or those with permanent water pools, as well as lakes, dams and well-watered swamps. Not associated with estuaries or the coastal environment. Diet: Mostly fish, but also crabs, frogs, birds and insects. Red List Status: Vulnerable |