THE CAPE OR CLAWLESS OTTER 
(Aonyx capensis) 
Syn.: Lutra capensis 
Intini of Swazis and Zulus (Kirby) and Amaxosa (Clete) ; 
Itini of Basutos (Kzrby) 
Tue 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. 
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