Habitat selection by the Cape clawless otter (Aonyx capensis) in rivers in the Western Cape Province, South Africa

We radio‐tracked seven Cape clawless otters (Aonyx capensis) (Schinz, 1821) in two rivers in the Western Cape Province, South Africa, providing data on their habitat selection. Habitat type was investigated at a scale that enabled us to separate the effects of types of riparian vegetation, geomorphology and anthropogenic influences. Otters selected areas with boulders and/or reed beds, which provided high crab density and shelter. Direct observations showed that they used two foraging modes depending on the habitat selected. Otters could select open water within c. 8 m of the shore, dive and surface with or without prey. Otherwise hunting involved them moving into shallow water (c. 0.2 m deep), and walking along the substrate feeling for prey with their forefeet. Disturbed possible prey items were then caught with the forefeet.