Aonyx+Capensis


 * __African Clawless Otter - Aonyx Capensis__**

Animal Classification- Aonyx capensis Class- Mammalia Order-Carnivora Family- Mustelidae Endangered Species Act- Year: 2008 -IUCN Red List Justification: The African Clawless Otter is a widespread species. It has most of the sightings have been declared stable, no major threats have been determined. The population appears to be increasing. Habitat- Where: Mostly South Africa Type: These otters have been to known so stay close to a permanent body of water. Otters stay by open costal planes and dense forests. Den Life: Otters spend their time making sure their dens are secure, and protected. Otters make their dens under boulders, driftwood and lush vegetation. Location of Ecosystem- Latitude: 28 degrees South Physical Habitat Features- Currents: South Atlantic current Tides: Semidiurnal tides are two low and two high tides per tidal day thes last approx 24 hours an 50mins. Temperature: The most recent temperature is 29.11 degrees Salinity: The salinity is 37 parts per thousand. Migration- They do not migrate. Population- How many: Exact number is unknown. Increase or Decrease: Increasing Physical Appearance- Size: Adult 23.5 K (51.7 LBS) ; Birth 1.05 KG (2.31 LBS) They grow to be about 5 ft. tall. Color: African clawless otters are a light brown (chestnut) they are known for the white spots t hey have on their neck and throat. Features: Otters have 5 webbed toes and their paws look like fingers, they even have small nails like human fingernails. These otters have the name CLAWLESS for a reason. Otters have a thick tail for paddling in the water. Reproduction- Mating process: These otters are known for their water ballet. They dance around each other in swirls and spirals. Birth takes place in spring. Gestation: Otters gestation period is from 45-63 days long. Litter:The litter size is usually about 3 but ranges from 2 to 5 pups. Parental care- Otter pups stay with their mothers for up to one year. Anatomy & Physiology - 1)Blood vessels are like a dogs. 2)Cheek teeth used for crabs ect. 3) Whiskers are ultra sensitive and are used for hunting. 4)Webbed hind feet. 5) Semi- retractable nails. 6) Ears and nose close when in water. 7) Short legs. 8) Steamlined body. 9)Body fat is stored in the base of the tail. 10)Large spleen. Food Chain & Web- What it eats: Otters main diet is crab and other crustations. Otters also eat turtles, fish, frogs, lizards and marine birds. The otters also consume small marine mammals and worms. What eats it: The otters’ predatory enemies consist of pythons, fish eagles and crocodiles. Economic Usage- Fishing: Otters have soft, thick fur and are killed for their skin and select body parts. They are often caught by fisherman as by catch and die in the nets of drowning. Otters are also caught because fisherman believe they are competition, they are killed because of it. Threats & Endangerment- Threats: Otters have many things working against them. Otters habitats are being dramatically changed and lost also bush clearing and deforestation, draining, siltation and overgrazing. The vegetation and covering they use is also being destroyed. Conservation Efforts: Protection: Groups have been protecting areas the otters inhabit also sates and towns have protected areas. My Solutions: What I would do: I would monitor catch and nets in the seas and breed otters in order to keep numbers up so they don’t get on the high risk list.

Questions:

1) What animals eat this otter? 2) How long it the gestation period? 3) Where do otters store their body fat?