It’s been exactly four years since I last saw the Cape Clawless otters, at Skulpiestrand, in full view of our home in Hermanus. Here they are emerging from the ocean at dusk, in the company of a small flock of endangered African Oystercatchers. The photos were taken in the Walker Bay Nature Reserve. Presumably they live in the perennial Mussel River, near Kwaaiwater.

African Clawless Otters are predominantly aquatic and seldom found far from water. Fresh water is an essential habitat requirement, and they only occur in marine habitats provided there is access to fresh water. In marine habitats, rocky shores are preferred