THE CAPE OR CLAWLESS OTTER 



(Aonyx capensis) 

 Syn. : Lutra capensis 



Intini of Swazis and Zulus (Kirby) and Amaxosa (Cloete) ; 

 Itini of Basutos (Kirby) 



THE Cape or Clawless Otter inhabits Africa from 

 the Cape to the Soudan. In South Africa it is 

 widespread, and may be found on the margins of 

 rivers, ponds, and marshes in all parts of the country. 

 It is often met with on the sea coast in places where 

 there are no rivers, or ponds other than the rock 

 pools containing sea water. In these situations it 

 subsists on the crustaceans, small marine fishes, and 

 other creatures left by the outgoing tide in the 

 shallow water amongst the rocks on shore. If such 

 food should not be sufficient for its needs, it ven- 

 tures out short distances from the shore in pursuit 

 of larger fishes, which, when captured, are brought 

 to shore and devoured. 



The Cape Otter is nocturnal, except in secluded 

 districts, where it often ventures forth during the 

 daytime on cloudy days, and early in the morning, 

 and towards sunset. 



