Cameroon Clawless Otter (Nikolina Cargonja)

Help the Cameroon Clawless Otter

The Cameroon Clawless Otter is listed under the Federal Listing Status as an endangered species. This species of otter is a subspecies of the African Clawless otter, part of the mustelidae family, located in Congo basin in Central Africa.

Because of its isolation in the mid part of Africa, very little is known about the species, but what we do know is this; The Clawless Otter lives in a wetland habitat, specifically in the rainforests of the Congo, including some form of a swamp and or rivers, that is commonly surrounded by lakes. You will most likely find these otters resting along cavities along river banks during the day, as they are a nocturnal and solitary species. Living in such a habitat, the clawless otter is a skilled swimmer and preys on a variety of water organisms such as fish and crabs. In addition to the water organisms, judged by their teeth structure, it has been suggested that the clawless otter also prey on terrestrial species such as earthworms and amphibians. It has also been noted that the Clawless otter spends much more time on land than other otters. The Clawless Otter averages a weight of 20kg, fully maturing at the age of 1 years old. Their average head/body length is 150 cm, giving them a lengthy body structure with short limbs and a tapering tail. Their feet are unwebbed and the front toes are clawless, hence giving them their name as the Cameroon Clawless Otter. Contrary to most other otters, the Clawless have a more slender neck/head and smaller teeth. Their fur is dark brown with silvery tips on the head and shoulders.

Although protected by the Convention of International Trade In Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) for trading over their thick, velvety, fur, these otters are still being threatened for a number of reasons. One common threat to the Cameroon Clawless Otter comes from local hunters, hunting for bushmeat, which is believed, by the locals, that their meat provides purported, magical, powers and as a aphrodisiac in traditional medicines. This belief originated from Gabin, where the reputation of the otter has been known to be very difficult to catch, and if one were to wear a piece of their fur, they would become invisible to their opponent, or have the ability to escape their enemies, as otters escape fish traps. This threat is one of the key factors that has caused them to become endangered in such an isolated habitat in Africa. In addition to hunting for bushmeat, fishermen also play a role in the Clawless otter’s endangerment by hunting them down and killing them, not for their meat, but because they perceive the otters as competition over their fish stocks.

Last but not least the otters are threatened due to the deforestation and therefore degradation of their habitat. Due to these threats, the Cameroon Clawless Otter has undergone a severe decline in population. Unfortunately, these otters are only protected at an international level under the CITES treaty, formed in 1973, but because of the ongoing local hunting, local legislation and enforcement will be needed to help protect these otters from eventual extinction. From the information gathered, I believe the Cameroon Clawless Otter is an overlooked species and has not been studied enough by scientists based on the lack of information. This makes it that much more difficult to make any movements to help protect and save these otters. In order to truly help these creatures, the Cameroon Clawless Otter must become more known to the world so that they can get the protection they need.

Bibliography

"Congo Clawless Otter: Aonyx Congicus - ARKive." N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Nov. 2016.

Entertainment, SeaWorld Parks &. "Congo Clawless Otter." MindComet, Inc. - Http://www.mindcomet.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Nov. 2016.

"Aonyx Congicus (Lönnberg, 1910), the Congo Clawless Otter." IUCN OSG - Aonyx Congicus. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Nov. 2016.

"Support the." Aonyx Congicus (Cameroon Clawless Otter, Congo Clawless Otter, Small-clawed Otter, Small-toothed Clawless Otter, Zaire Clawless Otter). N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Nov. 2016.