African Clawless Otter

The African clawless otter is the second-largest otter species, widespread across sub-Saharan Africa in rivers, lakes, coastal waters, and even among the kelp forests off South Africa. As its name suggests it lacks claws on most toes, using its bare, sensitive front paws to feel for crabs, frogs, and mollusks in murky water rather than hunting fish it can see. It forages alone or in small family groups and remains fairly widespread, though it is sensitive to habitat disturbance and water pollution.