Abstract:
Latrine use and behaviour at latrines have been studied in numerous otter species, but not African
clawless otters, Aonyx capensis. We set up trail cameras at two latrines near Dullstroom, South
Africa. On several occasions, we observed Aonyx capensis performing scent marking behaviours
that included body rubbing on a bare patch of ground and deposition of anal secretions while “jiggle
dancing”. Although body rubbing has been documented in this species, it has not been associated
with scent marking, while “dancing” during scent marking has not been reported. Given the context
of these observations, we speculate that the main function of scent marking behaviour in African
clawless otters is likely related to inter-clan territorial marking.
