Congo clawless otter (Aonyx congicus)

Nearly as large as the African clawless otter but definitely lighter and more slender, the Congo clawless otter was thought to be a subspecies of the former African clawless otter until recently. Little is known about this otter, which is the least studied of the African species. Its reduced whiskers, absent webbing, tiny claws and generalised dental morphology together with sporadic observations show that this species is mainly terrestrial, exploring marshes and forests. It uses its fingers to dig up molluscs, crabs, earthworms and frogs from the muddy banks. The Congo clawless otter’s head and neck is frosted with a brilliant white, that make its characteristic black markings under the eyes even more evident. Solitary, enigmatic and elusive, the Congo clawless otter still has many mysteries to reveal!