Abundance estimates of the Cape clawless otter Aonyx capensis (Schinz 1821) and the spotted- necked otter Lutra maculicollis (Lichtenstein 1835) in the KwaZulu-Natal Drakensberg, South Africa

摘要

Animal signs were used to estimate the abundance of two co-occurring species of otter in a catchment in the KwaZulu-Natal Drakensberg, South Africa. In recent years, the numbers of Cape clawless otters appear to have declined locally, whereas those ofthe syntopic spotted-necked otter may have increased. Such results are necessary for the formulation of an action plan to conserve the otters.