OTTER DISTRIBUTION AND PROTECTION IN SOUTH AFRICA

Abstract: This paper draws together current knowledge on the distribution of otters in South Africa. Aonyx capensis is more widespread than Lutra maculicollis, which is adapted to feed on fish, and hence is limited to areas which can support them, whereas clawless otters are adapted to eat the more widespread crabs and frogs. Otters are protected in reserves and national parks. Hunting outside of these areas is not a serious threat, but habitat degradation and loss due to rapid expansion of the human population. Two otter species occur in South Africa: the Cape clawless otter Aonyx capensis and the spotted-necked otter Lutra maculicollls. DISTRIBUTION The most recent detailed information on otter distribution in each of the four provinces of South Afric