Seasonal variation in the diet of Cape clawless otters (Aonyx capensis) ina marine habitat

Seasonal changes in the diet of Cape clawless otters Aonyx capensis feeding in the surf zone in False Bay, Western Cape Province, South Africa, were i nvestigated by spraint (faecal) analysis. The most common prey species, dur ing all seasons, was the Cape rock crab, Plagusia chabrus. The next most im portant prey species was the Cape rock lobster, Jasus lalandii with the fis h species Clinus superciliosus being equally important in winter. Other pre y were fresh-water crabs, Potamonautes perlatus, octopus, Octopus granulatu s, and 17 other species of fish, frogs and mammals. In winter and autumn th e most important prey category was fish while in spring and summer, crustac eans were the most important. Diversity of prey was lowest in winter, incre asing through the seasons from spring to autumn.