Otters could also be extraordinarily endearing, however after elevated sightings alongside the Western Cape’s shores and water our bodies, wildlife organisations are sending a robust reminder that these animals are close to threatened, and urge the general public to please maintain their distance.
That is in response to a public announcement from the Humane Society Worldwide/ Africa (HSI), who along with the Two Ocean’s Aquarium, the IUCN, the African Otter Community group amongst others, have been monitoring otters and hope to extend consciousness about how the general public can peacefully coexist with them.
HSI/Africa Director, Audrey Delsink commented: ‘It’s great to see treasured wildlife having fun with our stunning shores, nonetheless, otters are wild animals and we urge the general public to maintain a respectful distance. By no means try to the touch or decide up otters as they could defend themselves and their younger. We will all play an element in defending this endearing species so we encourage the general public to dwell harmoniously alongside them, maintain visits to waterways litter-free, and give these animals area.’
The African clawless otter is certainly one of 13 otter species, extensively distributed all through South Africa. They’re listed as close to threatened on the IUCN pink listing the place their main threats embody lack of habitat, disturbance and air pollution.
Nicci Wright, wildlife specialist for HSI/Africa and member of the African Otter Advisory Group and the IUCN SSC Otter Specialist Group commented warned that attributable to growing improvement, these animals are extra habituated to folks.
‘Nonetheless, otters are apex predators and can defend themselves and their territories in the event that they really feel threatened by folks getting too shut or canines off-leash, particularly if they’re defending dependent pups,’ Wright mentioned. ‘When you’ve got the privilege of seeing otters within the wild, keep in mind to remain again and provides them their area. We will coexist in our shared areas by respecting one another and understanding the otters’ wants.’
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