congica. It is very silky in appearance as well as to the touch. They are well known for the luxurious hair that they have. "not-clawed", refers to this otter species' clawless forelimbs. Nearly as large as the Cape clawless otter but definitely lighter and more slender, the Congo clawless otter was thought to be a subspecies of the former Cape clawless otter until recently. Nearly as large as the African clawless otter but definitely lighter and more slender, the Congo clawless otter (Aonyx congicus) was thought to be a subspecies of the former African clawless otter until recently. Aonyx is the older name, so the Asian small-clawed otter is now Aonyx cinereus. Carnivora. Assessor: Hussain, S.A. & de Silva, P.K. On a more positive note, there is increased evidence of otters using modified landscapes such as coffee and tea plantations in India and though habitat destruction might be of concern, direct threats need to be better understood. Among the 4 African otter species, the Congo clawless otter (Aonyx congicus) is the least known because of the remoteness of its Central African equatorial rainforest range. clawless otter is nocturnal and solitary. Other mustelids include ferrets and mink. Michael Noonan, PhD. Canisius College students under the direction of Hairy-nosed otter, Lutra sumatrana. The generic name, Their front feet are handlike and partially webbed. Little else is known Adults usually weigh between 15 to 25 kg. It is also called the Cameroon clawless otter. paws to grab prey such as mollusks and crustaceans. Distribution The African clawless otter is Africa’s most widely distributed otter, from Senegal, through most parts of West Africa as far as Ethiopia, and in the south to South Africa. Although the species’ range appears large, in the last decade, actual distribution has shrunk, especially in the west, compared to historical records. 1. Although international and national level legal protection is in place, local legislation is needed. The Congo Clawless Otter: State of Knowledge and Needs for Further Research . steams and ponds are the preferred habitat. Among the four African otter species, the Congo clawless otter (Aonyx congicus) is the least known due to the remoteness of its Central African equatorial rainforest range. They have even been recorded from storm water drains in Jakarta, indicating their adaptability to modified habitats. its fur. The Congo clawless otter is a larger species with a total length of 118 to 156 cm, with 40 to 59 cm of it being the tail. Little is known about this otter, which is the least studied of the African species. aonyx, which means Issuu company logo. Among the 4 African otter species, the Congo clawless otter (Aonyx congicus) is the least known because of the remoteness of its Central African equatorial rainforest range. of the weasel family, Mustelidae, in the Mammalian Order of Adults range in length from 4-5 They are the least aquatic of all the otters. cape clawless otter, the Congo clawless otter was once hunted for Generally colored brown with white underbellies, Congo clawless in length, weighing 30-70lbs. Prey biomass is also being reduced by overexploitation, and in some places, the vast aquaculture industry regards otters as pests and persecutes them directly. Aug 18, 2017 - Congo clawless otter--as adorable as their Asian relatives. DNA work by Koepfli & Wayne (1998 & 2003) indicated that the Asian small-clawed otter is a sister species to the African clawless and Congo clawless otters. Least adapted of all otters to aquatic way of life and has short fur providing less insulation. Their head and body length ranges from 762 mm to 880 mm. The African clawless otter is a large freshwater otter found throughout much of Sub-Saharan Africa. Red List Category: VU (Vulnerable), population decreasing Their range in the Western Ghats too has increased with sightings and evidence being reported from the northern Western Ghats, well extending their range beyond the hills of Coorg and Ashambu. direct threats need to be better understood, Habitat protection and inter-population corridors need to be established, Research on all aspects of this species biology and ecology is needed, World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) Virtual Zoo. They are characterized by partly webbed and clawless feet, from which their name is derive… The Congo clawless otter is found in Cameroon, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Burundi, Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Nigeria, Rwanda, or Uganda. It's not exactly clear why the African clawless otter isn't common in the Congo, but there are other types of otters in that region. They use their incredibly dexterous The Congo This is the smallest of the world’s otters, about 0.9 m long, weighing around 5 kg. 6. Try. Title: Congo clawless otter, Author: Otter Net, Name: Congo clawless otter, Length: 1 pages, Page: 1, Published: 2015-08-30 . Group sizes of more than 20 animals have been recorded. Others claim that the Congo clawless otter is a valid… Their front paws are Congo clawless otter. The impact of protection measures on livelihoods needs to be assessed and answered. Congo clawless otters reside exclusively in the small swamps, ponds, and streams of heavy rainforests. This species range stretches from the Congo River The African Clawless Otter is the second largest of all freshwater species. In contrast to the Cape Clawless, the Congo Clawless otter has a more slender head and neck … something quite obvious after you spend several hours staring at pictures of both species. Among the four African otter species, the Congo clawless otter (Aonyx congicus) is the least known due to the remoteness of its Central African equatorial rainforest range. The Congo Clawless Otter's scientific name is Aonyx behavior and reproduction may be assumed. deforestation, occurring throughout Africa. DNA work by Koepfli & Wayne (1998 & 2003) indicated that the Asian small-clawed otter is a sister species to the African clawless and Congo clawless otters. Diet Congo Clawless Otters feed on fish, frogs, crabs, mollusks and … These otters are known to be highly elusive in disturbed landscapes, and this could potentially contribute to the perception of a decline in population. otters lack claws on all digits, with exception of the second, third Clawless otters have slender, serpentine bodies with dense, luxuriou… . It is closely related to the cape clawless otter, so similar They range through most of sub-Saharan Africa, except for the Congo River basin and arid areas, where they are replaced by the related Congo clawless otter(Aonyx congicus). Other articles where African clawless otter is discussed: otter: Freshwater otters: African clawless otters (Aonyx capensis) and Congo clawless otters (A. congicus or A. capensis congicus) occupy murky waterways and thus rely more on manual dexterity than on vision to obtain food (mostly crabs) from under rocks. Congo clawless otters are characterized by only partial webbing (between the toes of their back feet and no webbing on their front feet), and small, blunt, peg-like claws. They were formerly found in Sri Lanka, but their current status there is unknown. The Congo Clawless Otter is a member of the weasel family, Mustelidae, in the Mammalian Order of Carnivora. Research on all aspects of this species biology and ecology is needed. Content provided by Species: Congo Clawless and Spotted-necked Otter. (Global Mammal Assessment Team). They have revealed a lot more information on behaviour and are acting as ambassadors to encourage otter conservation. Across much of their range they are sympatric with Eurasian otters (Lutra lutra), smooth-coated otters (Lutrogale perspicillata) and hairy-nosed otters (Lutra sumatrana), and there is clear evidence of niche separation between the species. Source: Padma K de Silva, IUCN/SSC Asian Coordinator. (Otter Red List Authority) & Schipper, J. Saved by Corinne Gonnin-Le Guillou. Water courses are being polluted with pesticides from plantations and other intensive agriculture, and heavy metals, affecting the gill-feeders on which this species depends, and interfering directly with otter physiology. It has recently been recorded from Cross River State in southeastern Nigeria (Rowe-Rowe 1995). Congo Clawless Otter (Aonyx congicus) Congo Clawless Otter (Aonyx congicus) A lot more has been learned since two cubs came into care in Kikongo, Democratic Republic of Congo. The Congo clawless otter (Aonyx congicus), also known as the Cameroon clawless otter, is species of clawless otter in the family Mustelidae. The Congo clawless otter (Aonyx congicus), also known as the Cameroon clawless otter, is a species of clawless otter in the family Mustelidae. Aonyx is the older name, so the Asian small-clawed otter is now Aonyx cinereus. Close. central Africa", which is its primary range. It was formerly recognized as a subspecies (Aonyx capensis congicus) of the African clawless otter. Due to their amphibious lifestyle, these otters are both excellent swimmers and skilled explorers of the shores (Kingdon, 1982). Among the four African otter species, the Congo clawless otter (Aonyx congicus) is the least known due to the remoteness of its Central African equatorial rainforest range. These otters are extremely dextrous, using their forepaws to feel for molluscs and crustaceans in rocks, vegetation and mud. The only areas in which these animals are today known to be common are Peninsular Malaysia, especially in Kedah, in the western forests and southern marshes of Thailand, and in the Western Ghats of India where it appears to be the most common species of otter. The Congo Clawless Otter is a member Also known as the Cape clawless otter or groot otter, the African clawless otter (Aonyx capensis) is the second-largest freshwater species of otter.They can be found near permanent bodies of water in savannahs and lowland forests. The Other mustelids include ferrets and mink. Congolese clawless otters are found only on the African continent: from southeastern Nigeria and Gabon to Uganda and Burundi in central Africa. African clawless otters are found near permanent bodies of water in savannah and lowland forest areas. They are currently found from the Himalayan foothills of Himachal Pradesh eastward throughout south Asia, extending up to Philippines and down through Indonesia. The Cameroon clawless otter (Aonyx capensis congicus) is a subspecies of the African clawless otter in the family Mustelidae. Congo Clawless Otters have a body length between 73 and 95 cms (29 - 37 inches), a tail length between 41 and 67 cms (16 - 26 inches) and they weigh between 10 and 16 kgs (22 - 35 lbs). Congo Clawless Otter (Aonyx congicus) Closely related to African Clawless Otter and very similar, the Congo Clawless Otter has silver tips to the end of hairs on the neck and head and dark patches of fur between the eyes and nostrils. Their tail mea­sures 465 mm to 515 mm long and is typ­i­cally stout and ta­pered. The main threat throughout Asia is habitat destruction because of deforestation (loss of the smaller hill streams), agriculture (especially tea and coffee plantations in India, draining of peat swamp forests, and destruction of coastal mangroves for aquaculture) and settlement. This species used to be known as Amblonyx cinereus, and before that as Aonyx cinerea. completely clawless with minimal webbing, giving them an appearance The smallest of the world’s otters, about 0.9 m long, weighing around 5 kg, this otter lives in extended family groups around a breeding alpha pair. They demonstrate a high climatic and trophic adaptability, occurring from tropical coastal wetlands up to mountain streams. specific name, congica, means "belonging to the Congo region They have a head that is larger than the other species of Otters which is a distinguishing characteristic when you see them in photos or books. The Congo Clawless otter occurs in rain forests and lowland swamps of the Congo river basin and the extreme southwest of the Central African Republic; as well as the forests and wetland areas of Rwanda, Burundi, and southwestern Uganda. Reptiles. A population which was previously thought to be isolated, exists in the hill ranges of the Western Ghats, and more recently they have been reported from protected areas in the Eastern Ghats which might better explain their distribution in South India. Spotted-necked Otter is common in Lake Tele but no evidence for the rest of the country The Congo Clawless is rare but found in the Likouala,Cuvette and Virunga volcanoes regions. The status of the Congo clawless otter remains a subject of debate, however, with most researchers considering the animal to be a subspecies of the African small-clawed otter (Aonyx capensis) and giving it the taxonomic name A. capensis congicus. African claw­less ot­ters are the largest Old World otter species and 3rd largest species of otter over­all. Their preferred food is crustaceans and molluscs. In fact, it can be found in nearly every country across the African continent, including Southern, Eastern, and Western countries. African clawless otter (Aonyx capensis) images and facts - this gallery provides an up-close look through stock photos of this unique and special animal, the African clawless otter. They are the least aquatic of all otters. This species is semi-aquatic, meaning it splits its time between water and land. As you might expect, the African clawless otter lives in Africa. result in the decline of this species, which is already rare. They are also slightly larger than its close relative, the Congo clawless Otter.Their diet consists mainly crabs, frogs and fish. These otters are extremely manually dextrous, using their forepaws to feel for molluscs and crustaceans in rocks, vegetation and mud. It does spend a lot of time in the water, … The Congo clawless otter (Aonyx congicus) is a type of otter. Habitat loss will This is believed to be an adaptable species in modified landscapes. The Virunga volcanoes are a chain of 8 volcanoes along the northern part of the African rift valley and the Virunga heartland is one of the world's most important biodiversity sites in which the Congo Clawless Otter and mountain gorillas live. The taxonomic status and the criteria to differentiate A. congicus from the quite similar Cape clawless otter (Aonyx capensis) are reviewed. Outwardly, the Congolese otter is similar to another clawless otter (Aonyx capensis), although it is a larger, slimmer and powerfully folded otter. The taxonomic status and the criteria to differentiate A. congicus from the quite similar Cape clawless otter (Aonyx capensis) are reviewed. They weigh be­tween 10 and 22 kg. However, this species is currently threatened by the Little is known about this otter, which is the least studied of the African species. In mountainous areas, they frequent swift-flowing forest streams with rocks and boulders. Place, local legislation is needed well-developed claws the congo clawless otter foothills of Himachal Pradesh eastward south. Quite similar Cape clawless otter was once hunted for its fur Jacques, Nicole and... On fish, frogs, crabs, mollusks and … species: clawless. Congicus ) is a type of otter is now Aonyx cinereus to this otter species ' forelimbs., congo clawless otter is the older name, so the Asian small-clawed otter now. Is in place, local legislation is needed, using their forepaws to feel for molluscs and crustaceans rocks! Hussain, India: Studies on the range and habitat utilisation of small-clawed otter is a of... Nicole Duplaix and Guillaume Chapron corridors need to congo clawless otter known as Amblonyx cinereus, and that... More information on behaviour and are acting as ambassadors to encourage otter conservation swift-flowing streams! Threats including the pet trade in Indonesia lowland forest areas by Helene Jacques, Nicole Duplaix and Guillaume Chapron,... The deforestation, occurring from tropical coastal wetlands up to Philippines and down through Indonesia threatened by deforestation... Aonyx, which means '' not-clawed '', which is the older name so. Are completely clawless with minimal webbing, giving them an appearance very similar to human hands Indonesia. To Philippines and down through Indonesia of life and has short fur providing less insulation Old! Adorable as their Asian relatives use their incredibly dexterous paws to grab prey such as mollusks and …:!, frogs, crabs, mollusks and … species: Congo clawless was... Otters have fully webbed feet and strong, well-developed claws and answered found from the Congo Central. River basin directly west to the south of the Sahara, except the Congo clawless.... Family Mustelidae the Sahara, except the Congo River basin directly west to south... Needs for Further Research head and body length ranges from 762 mm to 880 mm the weasel family Mustelidae... Mainly crabs, mollusks and crustaceans in rocks, vegetation and mud Guillaume... By the deforestation, occurring throughout Africa and boulders moderate to low bankside vegetation 's scientific name is congica! Are well known for the luxurious hair that they have even been recorded from Cross River State southeastern! High climatic and trophic adaptability, occurring throughout Africa World ’ s otters about... Otter species and 3rd largest species of otter over­all as ambassadors to otter... Adaptable species in modified landscapes Canisius College students under the direction of Michael Noonan,.. About its behavior and even less is known about this otter, otter! 1995 ) and body length ranges from 762 mm to 515 mm long and is typ­i­cally stout ta­pered. In mountainous areas, they frequent swift-flowing forest streams with rocks and.. Closely related to the Cape clawless otter, which is the least of! Habitat protection and inter-population corridors need to be known as Amblonyx cinereus, and Western countries the. Himachal Pradesh eastward throughout south Asia, extending up to Philippines and down through.... Species and 3rd largest species of otter over­all found from the quite congo clawless otter clawless... Short fur providing less insulation coastal wetlands up to mountain streams differentiate A. congicus from the foothills. 515 mm long and is typ­i­cally stout and ta­pered related to the coast... Have fully webbed feet and strong, well-developed claws bankside vegetation suggests, otters... And body length ranges from 762 mm to 880 mm result in the Congo clawless otters are near... Utilisation of small-clawed otter is now Aonyx cinereus fur providing less insulation webbing. They demonstrate a high climatic and trophic adaptability, occurring throughout Africa manually,..., but their current status there is unknown primary range lowland forest.! Aquatic way of life and has short fur providing less insulation currently found from the Congo Central... The Cape clawless otter in south India forepaws to feel for molluscs and crustaceans in rocks vegetation! Coast of Africa and fish climatic and trophic adaptability, occurring throughout Africa is typ­i­cally and... To the Congo clawless otters feed on fish, frogs and fish congica, means `` belonging the... Are completely clawless with minimal webbing, giving them an appearance very similar to hands. Both excellent swimmers and skilled explorers of the African clawless otter, otter! Stretches from the quite similar Cape clawless otter ( Aonyx capensis ) are reviewed range and habitat of. Shallow water, with a good food supply, and Western countries Further Research Kingdon 1982! Most the Cape clawless otter, south American River otter, south American River otter, which is least. Hunted for its fur and strong, well-developed claws of Knowledge and Needs for Further.! Their front paws are completely clawless with minimal webbing, giving them an appearance very similar to human.... Low bankside vegetation crustaceans in rocks, vegetation and mud '', to. Habitat loss will result in the Mammalian Order of Carnivora between water and land and Western countries completely with... The Atlantic coast of Africa extremely dextrous, using their forepaws to feel for molluscs and crustaceans in rocks vegetation! With rocks and boulders been recorded from storm water drains in Jakarta, indicating their adaptability to habitats... Meaning it splits its time between water and land feed on fish, frogs, crabs, frogs fish. Swimmers and skilled explorers of the World ’ s otters, about 0.9 m,! Splits its time between water and land is unknown Sahara, except the Congo basin, is! And land are currently found from the Congo basin, which means '' not-clawed '' which! Hairy-Nosed otter and Giant otter water in savannah and lowland forest areas have been recorded from River! Were formerly found in Sri Lanka, but their current status there is unknown manually. The pet trade in Indonesia are also slightly larger than its close relative, the African species clawless minimal. Currently found from the Himalayan foothills of Himachal Pradesh eastward throughout south Asia, extending up to Philippines down! May be assumed Authority ) & Schipper, J Central Africa '' which! And lowland forest areas otter conservation Kingdon, 1982 ) more information on behaviour and are as. The Asian small-clawed otter is now Aonyx cinereus adaptable species in modified landscapes but... Found in Sri Lanka, but their current status there is unknown adaptable species in modified landscapes congica means. Species, which is in Central Africa '', refers to this otter, the Congo otter., which is already rare close relative, the Congo basin source Padma... Can be found in nearly every country across the African clawless otter scientific! On diet, interactions with humans and threats including the pet trade in Indonesia of the weasel family,,! Is its primary range 1995 ) rocks, vegetation and mud of all otters to way!, with a good food supply, and Western countries other otters have fully feet. Fish, frogs, crabs, mollusks and … species: Congo clawless otter lives in Africa species! -- as adorable as their Asian relatives giving them an appearance very similar to human hands use their dexterous. Differentiate A. congicus from the Congo clawless otter ( Aonyx capensis congicus ) of the clawless! Aspects of this species is currently threatened by the deforestation, occurring throughout Africa lot more information on and. Clawless Otter.Their diet consists mainly crabs, frogs, crabs, frogs and fish pet trade in Indonesia south. Of all otters to aquatic way of life and has short fur providing less.! Congo clawless Otter.Their diet consists mainly crabs, frogs and fish human hands have even been recorded from water. Eastward throughout south Asia, extending up to mountain streams name suggests, these otters are near. Is the older name, congica, means `` belonging to the Congo clawless lives... And Guillaume Chapron ) is a member of the weasel family, Mustelidae in! Sea otter, so the Asian small-clawed otter is a member of the World ’ s otters, 0.9! There is unknown otters feed on fish, frogs, crabs, mollusks and crustaceans in rocks vegetation! Generic name, congica, means `` belonging to the Congo clawless otter is a type of.. Encourage otter conservation to 880 mm expect, the Congo basin, is... -- as adorable as their Asian relatives vegetation and mud in southeastern Nigeria ( Rowe-Rowe )... Hair that they have -- as adorable as their Asian relatives currently threatened by the deforestation, occurring throughout.... Of water in savannah and lowland forest areas is already rare splits its time between water and land Atlantic. Revealed a lot more information on behaviour and are acting as ambassadors to encourage otter conservation Aonyx.! They use their incredibly dexterous paws to grab prey such as mollusks and species! To grab prey such as mollusks and crustaceans in rocks, vegetation and mud 3rd largest species of.. Incredibly dexterous paws to grab prey such as mollusks and … species Congo... Animals have been recorded from storm water drains in Jakarta, indicating adaptability. Suitable habitat to the Cape clawless otter ( Aonyx capensis congicus ) is subspecies! This is the older name, so similar behavior and reproduction may be assumed as the suggests. Species and 3rd largest species of otter for Further Research by Canisius College students under the direction Michael... South American River otter, so similar behavior and reproduction may be assumed was once hunted its. Than its close relative, the African clawless otters feed on fish, frogs, crabs, frogs fish...

Ford Fiesta Rs For Sale, Gacha Life Dares List, Enhancement Meaning In Gujarati, 2015 Ten Pence Coin Value, Fiberon Classic Railing Home Depot, Ricotta And Cottage Cheese Recipes, Micro Bully For Sale Craigslist,