Volume 10 Pages 1 - 56 (October 1994)

Citation: Somers, M.J. (1994) Otter Work in the Western Cape Province, South Africa . IUCN Otter Spec. Group Bull. 10: 26

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Otter Work in the Western Cape Province, South Africa

Michael J. Somers

Department of Zoology, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X5018, 7500 - Stellenbosch, South Africa

The work being done by the University of Stellenbosch investigating otters as biological indicators of freshwater ecosystem in South Africa is progressing well. The first aim of the project is to assess the role of both species of otter (spotted-necked otters Lutra maculicollis and Cape clawless otters Aonyx capensis) in freshwater ecosystems, and the factors and mechanisms responisble for limiting their populations (their role as biological indicators will be inferred from these results) and secondly, to contribute to our understanding of carnivore behavioural ecology.

The first stage in determining the distribution and status of spotted-necked otters and Cape clawless otters, in South Africa, and possible effects of environmental variants have, is almost complete. A detailed autecological study of Cape clawless otters in two rivers is now the main focus of the project. Six otters have had radio transmitters implanted: MP/300/L, implantable transmitter, 40g 80 x 20 mm diameter cylinder (Telonics Inc., Arizona, USA). Since implanting, one male has died of unknown causes. A post mortem revealed total healing from the operation. Much new behavioural and ecological information has been gained by the use of the radio tracking. One adult male has a home range of at least 45 km, much more than first expected for the species. Work has also been done in the Eastern Cape Province determining the diet of three coexisting carnivores, spotted-necked otters, Cape clawless otters and water mongoose (Atilax paludinosus). This work is about to be submitted for publication. We thank the Southern African Nature Foundation (WWF), for providing funds, and Mazda Wildlife Fund for providing a vehicle for the project.

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