Planning a trip to Rietvlei Nature Reserve? Download opspoor to see recent sightings in the park and log your own.
Your chances of seeing Cape Clawless Otter in Rietvlei Nature Reserve
Trophy sighting. Cape Clawless Otter are one of the trophy sightings of Rietvlei Nature Reserve: hard, but never impossible. Drive early and late, and open opspoor before you head out to see where they've been spotted recently.
When to see Cape Clawless Otter in Rietvlei Nature Reserve
Cape Clawless Otter are most active during the day (06:00 to 18:00) and late afternoon into dusk (17:00 to 20:00).
This is Cape Clawless Otter's general behavior. Once enough sightings are logged in Rietvlei Nature Reserve, this page also shows when they're actually seen here.
Where to look for Cape Clawless Otter in Rietvlei Nature Reserve: waterholes
Wait at water
Cape Clawless Otter are drawn to water, so waiting at a waterhole is one of the best ways to see them.
About the Cape Clawless Otter
The Cape clawless otter is a medium-sized, mostly freshwater otter found across much of sub-Saharan Africa. It has dense brown fur, a pale throat and chest, partially webbed feet and claws that are greatly reduced compared with those of other otters. It is an excellent swimmer and feeds mainly on crabs, frogs, fish, insects and other aquatic prey, often using its sensitive forepaws to search underwater. It is generally solitary or found in small family groups and is strongly associated with rivers, wetlands and other permanent water.
How to identify the Cape Clawless Otter
Medium-sized otter with a dark brown coat, pale throat and underside, broad head and distinctive clawless front feet. Commonly found around rivers, dams, lakes and wetlands.
Other species to look for in Rietvlei Nature Reserve
Other parks where you can see Cape Clawless Otter
Heading to Rietvlei Nature Reserve? opspoor shows where Cape Clawless Otter have been logged recently and lets you log your own, even with no signal.