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African clawless otter (Cape clawless otter)
Aonyx capensis
Key identification features
A large otter with no claws or webs on the feet. It has a broad neck and big head. Its cheeks and throat are white and the rest of the body is brown. HB 72-92 cm. Wt 12-34 kg.
Habitat and social behaviour
It lives in permanent water bodies with adequate vegetation around, but sometimes wanders far from water. They are primarily nocturnal and forage singly.
Similar species
The spotted necked otter is much smaller and more slender. It does not have the white neck and cheeks. It has a brown and white blotched throat.
Distribution Map
Photo gallery