Cape clawless otters are not animals we see often at Londolozi. In fact, for many rangers and trackers, a good sighting of one is a once-in-a-blue-moon event. They are secretive by nature, spend much of their time in thick riverine vegetation, and are usually active when light levels are low. Because of this, we know relatively little about how they go about their day-to-day lives in our waterways.
That has shifted slightly in recent weeks.
Over a two-week period, Londolozi received more than 80% of its average annual rainfall. The effect on the landscape was immediate. Small drainage lines have now become little flowing streams, riverbeds like the Maxabene and Tugwaan that had been silent for months have filled with water, and the Sand River became a constant presence that could be heard throughout the night from our Londolozi village.
As the waters expanded across the reserve, so did animal movement. Catfish and terrapins began pushing upstream, freshwater crabs appeared, frogs and toads started calling from newly formed pools, and aquatic insects emerged in abundance. And with them came species that rely heavily on the life these waterways provide, including Cape clawless otters.
We have since been treated to several unexpected sightings. Rangers, trackers, and guests have seen otters around the causeway and, on a few occasions, from the main decks of the camps. It has been a reminder of how quickly animals respond when conditions allow.
Cape clawless otters (Aonyx capensis) are the largest otter species found in Africa. They are strongly built animals with dense, waterproof fur and long, sensitive whiskers that help them locate prey in murky water. Unlike other otters, they lack prominent claws and instead use their front paws to feel beneath rocks and sift through soft mud. They have very robust teeth designed for crushing, and jaws that are proportionally stronger than both lions and hyenas.
Their diet consists mainly of freshwater crabs in the Sand River, although fish, frogs, and other aquatic animals are also taken. They are generally cautious animals and are most active in the early morning, late afternoon, and at night, which helps explain why they are so rarely seen.
One morning, while returning to camp, we crossed the Maxabene riverbed and noticed a splash just upstream from our vehicle. Tracker Terrence spotted something scuttling off into the grass and said “Wait bhuti, let’s take a good look.”, so we stopped to wait it out. After a few minutes, we saw movement in the long grass on the bank and initially thought it might be a honey badger.
Moments later, to our amazement, two Cape clawless otters emerged, each carrying a freshly caught catfish. What an incredible sight this was for us to see them in the Maxabene! They had clearly heard us approaching and had moved into the cover of the long grass with their food. We remained still, and after some time, they relaxed, returning to the water’s edge where they felt more comfortable feeding. We were able to spend a good 15 minutes or so with them before they finished up their meals and then wandered off.
Encounters like this are a good reminder that you never quite know what you’ll find out there. With the right conditions, even the most elusive animals can suddenly appear.
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