The first record of Cape Clawless Otters Aonyx capensis predating on African Penguins Spheniscus demersus
Abstract
The African Penguin Spheniscus demersus, a critically endangered seabird endemic to southern Africa, faces substantial threats from terrestrial predators at its mainland colonies. Correct identification of the predator species is essential for effective conservation management. This study provides the first documented evidence of Cape Clawless Otter Aonyx capensis predation on African Penguins. We describe characteristic lesion patterns distinguishing otter predation from other predators, such as Caracal Caracal caracal. These findings underscore the importance of accurate predator identification to guide targeted mitigation strategies and highlight the need for adaptive management to protect vulnerable mainland African Penguin colonies from emerging predation pressures.
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Cites
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The African Penguin <i>Spheniscus demersus</i> should be considered Critically Endangered
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Research works printed but not linked: 4
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- Johnson R, Venter A, Bester M, Oosthuizen W. 2006. Seabird predation by White Shark, Carcharodon carcharias, and Cape Fur Seal, Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus, at Dyer Island. South African Journal of Wildlife Research 36: 23–32.
- Rhoda LK. 2022. The threat of terrestrial predators to mainland penguin colonies: searching for sustainable solutions. MSc thesis University of Cape Town South Africa.
- 10.1080/00306525.1996 · DOI
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- Authors
- Snyman, A., Purves, A., Kock, A., Mashau, M. H., Rodgers, F., & Ludynia, K.
- Affiliations
- Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB)
- City of Cape Town (ZA)
- South African National Parks (ZA)
- University of the Western Cape (ZA)
- Corresponding author
- Snyman, Albert
- Venue
- Ostrich
- Published
- 2025-04-03
- Volume
- 96
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 135-139
- ISSN
- 0030-6525 (ISSN-L)
- 1727-947X
- OpenAlex
- W4411465789
- Semantic Scholar
- 85b3f739e14d0d705b46143fdc7de4a7f6e92a4c
- Cited by
- 0
- References
- 13
- FWCI
- 0.00
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Ostrich (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Ecology › Avian ecology and behavior
- Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Ecology › Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
- Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Ecology › Animal Ecology and Behavior Studies
- Keywords
- Cape clawless otter, Aonyx capensis, African penguin, Spheniscus demersus, interspecific predation, predator detection, lesion patterns, caracal, conservation management, endangered seabirds
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