Amongst our year-round resident riverside mammals at Pamuzinda Safari Lodge are two species. One is much rarer than the other, but both are worthy of attention. The first and rarest are the otters at Serui River and the second are the Monkeys.

Otters at Serui River

Otters found at Serui River are the African or sometimes Cape Clawless Otter – Aonyx capensis. They prefer habitats with bankside vegetation offering them a degree of seclusion. A characteristic which makes the Serui seem ideal to them. We have a pair that frequent the stretch both above and below the lodge. If you are lucky, you can see them either in the early morning or late evening.

Otters are nocturnal but often come out to play or forage in favourite spots along the banks. The best way to spot them is to look out for water disturbances. Such disturbances include their undulating swimming routines producing give-away ripples that can warn you of their approach. Otters enjoy a varied diet including frogs, fish, crabs and worms together with anything else that looks edible. Waterbirds and especially their chicks are much favoured. They also eat a variety of insects which they uncover by overturning stones and small logs. As the world’s second largest otter species, they are well worth looking for.

Common Monkey Species found near The Serui River

The second and far more numerous species is one so commonplace that it scarcely ever seems to warrant page space. The Vervet Monkey – Chlorocebus pygerythrus.

Common and conspicuous and seen by many, especially in agricultural areas, as a pest they are often not spared a second glance. This seems to be something of a shame as on further investigation they boast a highly complex social structure. A social structure which leads to a constant and often entertaining sequence of intra-species behavioural patterns. Pest or not, even the most disparaging of us must admit that the youngsters, playing among themselves, are kind of cute and very photogenic and worth a bit of study if for no other reason than that. Adult males are ostentatiously distinguished by highly colourful blue and red genitalia . A strongly emphasized feature which probably plays an important role in partner selection.

There are 5 subspecies and their area of distribution extends from upper Eastern Africa down through to South Africa. They are normally found in related groups numbering from just a few to over 50. Like many other opportunistic species they are somewhat omnivorous, though basically herbivorous, but taking some insects, birds eggs and chicks and I have seen them here raiding a Weaver Bird colony. They have an extensive range of vocalisations that serve as the main part of communication between individuals but also contain a range of predator warning calls.

If you get the chance just take the time to sit and watch a group at play or foraging and you will find that it was time unexpectedly well spent.