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. These otters are known to be highly elusive in disturbed landscapes, and this could potentially contribute to the perception of a decline in population. This is believed to be an adaptable species in modified landscapes. However, this species is currently threatened by the Aug 18, 2017 - Congo clawless otter--as adorable as their Asian relatives. Their front paws are Prey biomass is also being reduced by overexploitation, and in some places, the vast aquaculture industry regards otters as pests and persecutes them directly. 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. The African Clawless Otter is the second largest of all freshwater species. about its behavior and even less is known about its reproductive. This species is semi-aquatic, meaning it splits its time between water and land. 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. In fact, it can be found in nearly every country across the African continent, including Southern, Eastern, and Western countries. Habitat: The Congo Clawless Otter lives in wetlands, streams, rivers, and shallow lake margins or ponds in the rainforest. . 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. 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. 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. It was formerly recognized as a subspecies (Aonyx capensis congicus) of the African clawless otter. Other mustelids include ferrets and mink. Red List Category: VU (Vulnerable), population decreasing central Africa", which is its primary range. specific name, congica, means "belonging to the Congo region 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. Least adapted of all otters to aquatic way of life and has short fur providing less insulation. Canisius College students under the direction of 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. They have revealed a lot more information on behaviour and are acting as ambassadors to encourage otter conservation. 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. 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. of the weasel family, Mustelidae, in the Mammalian Order of The taxonomic status and the criteria to differentiate A. congicus from the quite similar Cape clawless otter (Aonyx capensis) are reviewed. deforestation, occurring throughout Africa. Their preferred food is crustaceans and molluscs. The Congo Clawless Otter is a member of the weasel family, Mustelidae, in the Mammalian Order of Carnivora. The Congo Clawless Otter: State of Knowledge and Needs for Further Research . 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. 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. cape clawless otter, the Congo clawless otter was once hunted for The Congo Clawless Otter is a member This is the smallest of the world’s otters, about 0.9 m long, weighing around 5 kg. The African clawless otter is a large freshwater otter found throughout much of Sub-Saharan Africa. 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. By Helene Jacques, Nicole Duplaix and Guillaume Chapron. 1. The taxonomic status and the criteria to differentiate A. congicus from the quite similar Cape clawless otter (Aonyx capensis) are reviewed. S. A. Hussain, India: Studies on the range and habitat utilisation of small-clawed otter in South India. 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. They were formerly found in Sri Lanka, but their current status there is unknown. 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. 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. It has recently been recorded from Cross River State in southeastern Nigeria (Rowe-Rowe 1995). in length, weighing 30-70lbs. Research on all aspects of this species biology and ecology is needed. Habitat loss will Rainforest Source: Padma K de Silva, IUCN/SSC Asian Coordinator. Although international and national level legal protection is in place, local legislation is needed. Content provided by The impact of protection measures on livelihoods needs to be assessed and answered. behavior and reproduction may be assumed. They have even been recorded from storm water drains in Jakarta, indicating their adaptability to modified habitats. The generic name, Clawless otters have slender, serpentine bodies with dense, luxuriou… 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. Assessor: Hussain, S.A. & de Silva, P.K. Diet Congo Clawless Otters feed on fish, frogs, crabs, mollusks and … They are the least aquatic of all the otters. They weigh be­tween 10 and 22 kg. completely clawless with minimal webbing, giving them an appearance 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. 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. Aonyx is the older name, so the Asian small-clawed otter is now Aonyx cinereus. 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. They make use of freshwater and peat swamp forests, rice fields, lakes, streams, reservoirs, canals, drainage ditches, rice paddies, mangroves, tidal pools, and along the coastline. very similar to human hands. 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. These otters are extremely dextrous, using their forepaws to feel for molluscs and crustaceans in rocks, vegetation and mud. Reptiles. Year Assessed: 2015 Issuu company logo. Other otters have fully webbed feet and strong, well-developed claws. result in the decline of this species, which is already rare. They are well known for the luxurious hair that they have. They are characterized by partly webbed and clawless feet, from which their name is derive… Meanwhile, five species are declared endangered – Sea Otter, Marine Otter, South American River Otter, Hairy-Nosed Otter and Giant Otter. Like most the On January 17th 2002 Mount Nyiragongo, j… Outwardly, the Congolese otter is similar to another clawless otter (Aonyx capensis), although it is a larger, slimmer and powerfully folded otter. 6. It is very silky in appearance as well as to the touch. Habitat protection and inter-population corridors need to be established. This species range stretches from the Congo River The "not-clawed", refers to this otter species' clawless forelimbs. They are also slightly larger than its close relative, the Congo clawless Otter.Their diet consists mainly crabs, frogs and fish. Little is known about this otter, which is the least studied of the African species. The Congo Clawless Otter's scientific name is Aonyx This species used to be known as Amblonyx cinereus, and before that as Aonyx cinerea. This species used to be known as Amblonyx cinereus, and before that as Aonyx cinerea. basin directly west to the Atlantic coast of Africa. It is closely related to the cape clawless otter, so similar Little else is known 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. Habitat Congo Clawless Otters can be found in the small swamps, streams and ponds of the dense rainforests in the Congo Basin, Africa. In mountainous areas, they frequent swift-flowing forest streams with rocks and boulders. Abstract. Congo clawless otters reside exclusively in the small swamps, ponds, and streams of heavy rainforests. Adults range in length from 4-5 Species: Congo Clawless and Spotted-necked Otter. paws to grab prey such as mollusks and crustaceans. Its short fur (providing less insulation) and the abbreviated webbing of its feet make the Congo Clawless Otter the least adapted otter for life in the water. Close. Congo clawless otter. Michael Noonan, PhD. African clawless otters are found near permanent bodies of water in savannah and lowland forest areas. 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. It occurs in any large area of suitable habitat to the south of the Sahara, except the Congo Basin. otters lack claws on all digits, with exception of the second, third It is found in Cameroon, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, and possibly Angola, Burundi, Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Nigeria, Rwanda, or Uganda. and fourth digits of the hindlimbs. Although the species’ range appears large, in the last decade, actual distribution has shrunk, especially in the west, compared to historical records. Their head and body length ranges from 762 mm to 880 mm. Their tail mea­sures 465 mm to 515 mm long and is typ­i­cally stout and ta­pered. Small-clawed otters prefer shallow water, with a good food supply, and moderate to low bankside vegetation. Due to their amphibious lifestyle, these otters are both excellent swimmers and skilled explorers of the shores (Kingdon, 1982). 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 They are currently found from the Himalayan foothills of Himachal Pradesh eastward throughout south Asia, extending up to Philippines and down through Indonesia. its fur. 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. 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). African claw­less ot­ters are the largest Old World otter species and 3rd largest species of otter over­all. The only area where it is not found is in the Congo basin, which is in Central Africa. Their front feet are handlike and partially webbed. 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. (Global Mammal Assessment Team). 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). 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. Try. The Congo clawless otter (Aonyx congicus) is a type of otter. 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. aonyx, which means Little is known about this otter, which is the least studied of the African species. Generally colored brown with white underbellies, Congo clawless (Otter Red List Authority) & Schipper, J. Hairy-nosed otter, Lutra sumatrana. Others claim that the Congo clawless otter is a valid… Other mustelids include ferrets and mink. The Cameroon clawless otter (Aonyx capensis congicus) is a subspecies of the African clawless otter in the family Mustelidae. 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. Aonyx is the older name, so the Asian small-clawed otter is now Aonyx cinereus. 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. Title: Congo clawless otter, Author: Otter Net, Name: Congo clawless otter, Length: 1 pages, Page: 1, Published: 2015-08-30 . They are the least aquatic of all otters. Adults usually weigh between 15 to 25 kg. They use their incredibly dexterous It is also called the Cameroon clawless otter. The Congo clawless otter (Aonyx congicus), also known as the Cameroon clawless otter, is a species of clawless otter in the family Mustelidae. As the name suggests, these Otters don’t have claws. clawless otter is nocturnal and solitary. steams and ponds are the preferred habitat. They demonstrate a high climatic and trophic adaptability, occurring from tropical coastal wetlands up to mountain streams. Congolese clawless otters are found only on the African continent: from southeastern Nigeria and Gabon to Uganda and Burundi in central Africa. It does spend a lot of time in the water, … 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. congica. 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. In fact, four species are already tagged as ‘Near Threatened’ – African Clawless Otter, Congo Clawless Otter, Neotropical Otter and Spotted-Necked Otter. Aug 18, 2017 - Congo clawless otter--as adorable as their Asian relatives. Saved by Corinne Gonnin-Le Guillou. The African clawless otter (Aonyx capensis), also known as the Cape clawless otter or groot otter, is the second-largest freshwater species of otter. These otters are extremely manually dextrous, using their forepaws to feel for molluscs and crustaceans in rocks, vegetation and mud. 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. This otter is found in coastal areas and on larger inland rivers … Group sizes of more than 20 animals have been recorded. Carnivora. As you might expect, the African clawless otter lives in Africa. The Congo clawless otter (Aonyx congicus), also known as the Cameroon clawless otter, is species of clawless otter in the family Mustelidae. Aadrean, Indonesia: Studies on diet, interactions with humans and threats including the pet trade in Indonesia. 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