The Cape Clawless Otter, 1 of 4 otter species that lives in both marine and fresh water ecosystems, is the second largest of all freshwater species. They are well known for their luxurious light to dark brown fur on their backs with a white face, throat, belly and ears. It is very silky in appearance as well as to the touch.
As the name suggests, these Otters don’t have claws. They have a head that is larger than the other species of Otters which is a distinguishing characteristic when you see them in photos or books.
Cape Clawless Otters grow to a maximum of 2m (with the tail) in length and can weigh as much as 18kg. The ears are small and rounded. They have long sensitive grey-white whiskers on both the upper and lower jaw that sense and pick up movement of potential prey in the water.
Their front feet are adapted for digging and therefore don’t have claws (giving them their name), while their hind feet are partly webbed with 3 claws on each foot. They have a long tail that is used as support (like a tripod) when they sit on their hind feet and to help propel them through the water when swimming.
They are generally solitary animals that live within a territory with family groups of up to 5 individuals. Each individual will have its own home range in that territory and will keep to itself until the breeding season.
The breeding season is in December and 1-3 pups are born after a 2 month gestation period. The pups have a smoky grey, woolly fur and weigh around 200g. They will be raised solely by their mothers and weaning usually occurs after 60 days. The cubs will stay with her until they reach sexual maturity at 1 year of age.
Cape Clawless Otters are mainly active during dusk and dawn. During the day they stay sheltered in burrows or dense vegetation. They hunt in both fresh and marine water where their prey consists primarily of aquatic species like crabs, fish, frogs and mussels.
Depending on the size of the prey they will either eat while floating on their backs or swim ashore to eat. Unlike most marine mammals they have to drink fresh water to survive. They also have fresh water washing sites to remove salt from their fur to restore their insulation.
In the ocean otters mainly feed within 8m of the shore, while in rivers they remain in shallow waters off the riverbanks where they walk and feel for prey with their front feet.
Cape Clawless Otters have elaborate vocalizations, with 2 types of whistles, a grunt and a variable “Hah”. They normally use the “Hah” to express anxiety, growls and snarls when threatened, and humming when calling each other. They can often be seen carrying objects or prey in one front paw against their chest while hobbling forward on 3 legs. When a female moves her cubs she holds them in both front paws while walking on her back legs.
Otters don’t have many predators since they are quick in the water and have burrows on land making them hard to catch. They are at risk of being poisoned by baits attached to crab traps, are disturbed by dogs, face a reduction in their food supply due to competition with fisheries and deforestation is destroying their habitat.
Scientists have recognised that the Cape Clawless Otter population is dependent on the crab population in most areas. Cape clawless otters are fortunately not threatened in South Africa and have an estimated population size of 21,500 individuals.
There is currently no formal protection for the species outside of national, provincial or private parks.
Kranshoek Coastal Trail
The Kranshoek Trail is a challenging but very beautiful trail. It starts at the Kranshoek picnic site at the top of a tall waterfall, then winds its way through the forest down into the gorge through which the waterfall's stream flows. It follows this stream towards the coast and then leads along the coast before going up the slopes to the plateau and back to the picnic site via the Kranshoek viewpoint.
On this trail you'll get to see a bit of everything our beautiful area has to offer, from indigenous forests to fynbos to breathtaking coastal views.
Distance: 9km, circular. For those who find the full trail a bit strenuous, there is an optional shortcut up to the Kranshoek viewpoint and back to the picnic spot (about 4km) shortly after reaching the coast. [Note: You do not have to complete the trail to find GZ.]
Difficulty: The trail is challenging.
PLEASE EXERCISE GREAT CARE AT GZ. THE CACHE IS LOCATED ABOUT 5 METERS FROM THE HEAD OF THE WATERFALL.
Route markers: 'Feet' painted on rocks or trees.
Permits/Costs: 17 ZAR per person. Obtain a permit from the small office at the boom. If the boom is unmanned a self-issue permit applies, there is a wooden box with permits at the boom. Free for Wild Card members.
Directions: From Knysna, take the N2 towards Plettenberg Bay. At the Sasol petrol station, about 17km out, turn right and follow the gravel road for 1.7km and turn right, follow this road for 4.2km to the Kranshoek Picnic Site. You will need to obtain a permit at the entrance boom.
Cache: The container is a camouflaged honey bottle containing a log sheet [please replace it carefully in the zip lock bag], pencil and sharpener. Please hide the container carefully as found.
There is space for small items of SWAG/trackables.