African Clawless Otter
Aonyx capensis
Taxonomy
| Classification | Name |
|---|---|
| Family | Mustelidae |
| Genus | Aonyx |
| Species | Aonyx capensis |
Distribution & Habitat
African clawless otters live across sub-Saharan Africa in rivers, lakes, marshes, mangroves, and some coastal areas. They prefer permanent water with dense vegetation.
Diet
- Crabs and crustaceans
- Fish
- Frogs, molluscs, insects
Behavior
- Mostly solitary
- Use burrows in riverbanks
- Scent-marking
- Tactile hunting with clawless paws
Conservation
| Status | Threats |
|---|---|
| Near Threatened | Water pollution, habitat loss, conflict with fisheries |
Notable Traits
- Nearly clawless dexterous paws
- Up to ~22 kg in size