Ontologia
Loutre à joues blanches du Cameroun

Loutre à joues blanches du Cameroun

Aonyx congicus(Lönnberg, 1910)

NTLR Monde (IUCN)
  1. Animal
  2. Chordata
  3. Mammalia
  4. Carnivora
  5. Mustelidae
1 photo · Licences CC (Wikimedia Commons / iNaturalist)Click pour agrandir
Pays · région · aire protégée · écorégion · biome
Chargement du graphe…

Indicateurs du réseau écologique

Comment lire ce graphe

Ce graphe représente les interactions écologiques documentées entre Aonyx congicus et d'autres espèces, à partir de la base GloBI (Global Biotic Interactions, agrégation mondiale de la littérature scientifique) — source principale, complétée par d'autres jeux de données d'interactions agrégés par Ontologia. Il faut le comprendre comme une carte du savoir documenté, pas une carte de la réalité écologique exhaustive.

Limites principales

  • Incomplet. La majorité des interactions écologiques en milieu naturel n'ont jamais été publiées. Une espèce sans liens visibles n'est pas isolée — elle est probablement mal étudiée.
  • Biais publication pharmaco-agronomique. La littérature des interactions est polarisée par les enjeux économiques et sanitaires : parasitism / pathogen sur-pondéré sur les mammifères (recherche zoonoses, vecteurs), herbivory sur-pondéré sur les insectes phytophages (entomologie agronomique). À l'inverse, mutualisms, commensalisms et interactions sol/microbiote sont sous-cités. Conseil de lecture : sur les hubs mammifères ou les insectes ravageurs de culture, lire les arêtes parasitism / herbivory dominantes relativement au contexte de littérature, pas comme une mesure d'intensité écologique brute. Détails §10.1.
  • Biaisé vers les espèces étudiées. Quelques espèces (oiseaux communs, abeille mellifère, espèces modèles) concentrent disproportionnellement plus d'interactions documentées. Notre score composite ajoute un malus aux hubs de littérature pour atténuer cette dominance visuelle.
  • Interactions documentées globalement. Toutes les espèces affichées sont observées en France métropolitaine (les observations sont filtrées sur le territoire métropolitain), mais les interactions entre elles proviennent de la littérature scientifique mondiale. Une interaction documentée à l'étranger peut ne pas se réaliser à l'identique sur votre territoire. Le filtre « restreindre à ma commune » tient compte de la co-occurrence spatiale locale mais ne garantit pas l'interaction effective.
  • Sans dimension temporelle. Les variations saisonnières (migration, floraison, cycle de vie) ne sont pas modélisées.
  • Force d'interaction approximative. L'épaisseur des liens reflète le nombre de fois où l'interaction a été rapportée dans la littérature, pas son importance écologique réelle.

Comment nous sélectionnons les espèces affichées

Le graphe affiche au plus 31 nœuds par fiche (1 centre + 15 bulles depth=1 + 15 partenaires depth=2). Le serveur sélectionne intelligemment :

  • Bulles famille créées si une cascade taxonomique existe ou si ≥3 espèces directement documentées partagent une même famille — les espèces sont absorbées dans la bulle (pas de doublon visuel)
  • Espèces individuelles uniquement quand <3 dans une famille (sans cascade) — relations directes documentées
  • Pas d'espèces inférées affichées en doublon — les cascades sont représentées via les bulles famille uniquement
  • Partenaires depth=2 sélectionnés via algo priorité : candidat partagé par ≥2 docs de la famille (food web central) → reliant entre bulles → top sum_obs en dernier recours
  • Sous-types GloBI traduits en français au survol de la flèche (chasse, parasite, parasitoïde, mycorhize…)

Le toggle Profondeur 1 ↔ 2 client-side cache ou affiche les partenaires depth=2 sans refetch. Filtres règne, type d'interaction, ordres/familles, patrimoniales et commune recalculent côté serveur (slow path live ~1-2 s).

Indicateurs avancés (mode expert) : Modularité Q (Newman 2006, PNAS), communautés (Louvain, Blondel et al. 2008, J. Stat. Mech.), nestedness NODF (Almeida-Neto et al. 2008, Oikos).

Source : GloBI · TAXREF v18 (INPN/MNHN) · BDC-Statuts · Wikidata

3 partenaires écologiques documentés directement dans GloBI.

Partenaires
3
Espèces avec interactions documentées
Types d'interactions
2
Prédation, pollinisation, parasitisme…
Connectance
0.238
Densité des liens dans le sous-graphe affiché
Rang animalia
50 %
Percentile vs ensemble des animalia

Liste rouge IUCN

NT · Quasi menacéecritères A3cde↘Décroissante
Évaluation complète
Évaluation
2021 · v3.1
Altitude
0 – 2200 m
Profondeur
0 – 0 m
État de la populationExpert

This is a very poorly known species. It may be common in certain undisturbed rainforest locations, but is otherwise thought to be rare to very rare (Jacques et al. 2009). In certain places, locals attest that they see fewer “big otters” (A. congicus versus H. maculicollis) (Jacques 2002b,c; Jacques et al. 2002a; Jacques 2006; Davenport et al. 2011). A number of documented cases of A. congicus (including mother and cub) being killed by locals in Cameroon, Gabon, Congo and the Democratic Republic of the Congo would suggest that although otters are rarely seen and are difficult to catch, otter populations may suffer from hunting pressure in the Congo Basin (Jacques 2002b). This will likely increase in the future as human population grows and the demand for preferred bushmeat species increases.

Menaces identifiées(12 menaces classées CMP-IUCN)

  • 1_1
    Housing & urban areas
    Rapid DeclinesMajority (50-90%)Ongoing
  • 1_2
    Commercial & industrial areas
    Rapid DeclinesMajority (50-90%)Ongoing
  • 2_1_2
    Small-holder farming
    Rapid DeclinesMajority (50-90%)Ongoing
  • 2_2_1
    Small-holder plantations
    Rapid DeclinesMajority (50-90%)Ongoing
  • 2_2_3
    Scale Unknown/Unrecorded
    Rapid DeclinesMajority (50-90%)Ongoing
  • 5_1_1
    Intentional use (species is the target)
    Rapid DeclinesMinority (<50%)Ongoing
  • 11_2
    Droughts
    UnknownUnknownFuture
  • 9_1_2
    Run-off
    Slow, Significant DeclinesMinority (<50%)Ongoing
  • 4_1
    Roads & railroads
    Minority (<50%)Ongoing
  • 5_3_3
    Unintentional effects: (subsistence/small scale) [harvest]
    Minority (<50%)Ongoing

+ 2 menaces supplémentaires

Description complète des menacesExpert
Aonyx congicus may not be under threat where their habitat is still well preserved (Gabon and parts of Congo). Nevertheless, road opening for wood exploitation could adversely affect the sustainable use of the forest with hunters using these roads for their illegal activities. Deforestation has dramatically increased in Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and will probably be an even bigger problem in future. As a result of the high human density, lakes and rivers are subjected to pollutants from human activities such as washing, agricultural run-off and soil erosion.

Overfishing has become a critical threat to otter populations as fish community structure has been decimated across the central Congo Basin. Fishes contribute from 23 to 50 per cent of the animal protein trade in Central Africa (http://www.fao.org/docrep/t6800e/t6800e03.htm) and studies of morphometric measurements have documented the evidence of widespread overfishing for human consumption.

In addition to the escalation of hunting for bushmeat and skins, habitat loss, habitat degradation, and overfishing, otter populations in Central Africa are also susceptible to pressure from the development of hydro-electric power projects, under-representation of otter habitat in Protected Areas, fishermen using nylon fishing nets, a growing prevalence of arms and munitions, as well as a dramatic decline in other species (such as the Common Hippopotamus) that contribute to the aquatic-ecosystem functioning and which support otter food supplies. Some of these threats are major, but more important is the combined effect of these threats on the otters.

The Congo Clawless Otter seems to average one pup in a litter and may abandon any area of occupancy with high human activity.  In one study on the Dji Dji River in Gabon (Davenport et al. 2011), reproductive Congo Clawless Otters disappeared from a site previously observed to harbour high densities of the species (alongside Hydrictis maculicollis which did decline to the same degree). Low rainfall in the previous wet season was thought to be the reason, but nothing is known about the adaptability of otters, their seasonal movements or the whereabouts of Congo Clawless Otters in response to drought conditions. As global climate change is predicted to increase the frequency and severity of droughts, these conditions may impact survival and reproduction of the species in the future.

Habitats préférentiels (classification IUCN)

  • 1_6Forest - Subtropical/Tropical Moist Lowland★
  • 1_7Forest - Subtropical/Tropical Mangrove Vegetation Above High Tide Level★
  • 1_8Forest - Subtropical/Tropical Swamp★
  • 5_1Wetlands (inland) - Permanent Rivers/Streams/Creeks (includes waterfalls)★
  • 5_3Wetlands (inland) - Shrub Dominated Wetlands★
  • 5_4Wetlands (inland) - Bogs, Marshes, Swamps, Fens, Peatlands★
  • 5_5Wetlands (inland) - Permanent Freshwater Lakes (over 8ha)★
  • 5_7Wetlands (inland) - Permanent Freshwater Marshes/Pools (under 8ha)★
  • 5_2Wetlands (inland) - Seasonal/Intermittent/Irregular Rivers/Streams/Creeks
  • 5_6Wetlands (inland) - Seasonal/Intermittent Freshwater Lakes (over 8ha)
  • 5_8Wetlands (inland) - Seasonal/Intermittent Freshwater Marshes/Pools (under 8ha)
  • 15_2Artificial/Aquatic - Ponds (below 8ha)

+ 2 habitats supplémentaires

Mesures de conservation recommandéesExpert

Congo Clawless Otter is present in several protected areas across their range, including Dzanga-Sangha N.P. in Central African Republic, Ivindo Gabon, and Nouabalé-Ndoki and Odzala National Parks in Congo Republic (Jacques et al. 2009). Thus, they are incidentally conserved with other target species. It is listed on CITES Appendix II (as Aonyx capensis). Appendix II lists species that are not necessarily now threatened with extinction but that may become so unless trade is closely controlled. There is a need for a detailed study on the biology, ecology, and distribution of this species.

In addition to threats already cited, the general lack of awareness of the presence of the Congo Clawless Otter and lack of conservation efforts by the institutions in charge of wildlife conservation in most African countries, is further accelerating the decline of the species. The initiative of the Wildlife Conservation Society to include otters in their document ‘Setting conservation and research priorities for larger African carnivores’ (Ray et al. 2005) could aid in greater awareness and promotion of more research on African otters. Otters could be used as symbols of water quality and preservation, and this may contribute to environmental education. The Congo Clawless Otter should be given legal protection status in Gabon, Congo, DRC and Cameroon until more information is collected about its status.

Actions de conservation (5)Expert
  • 1_1Site/area protection
  • 3_2Species recovery
  • 3_4_1Captive breeding/artificial propagation
  • 4_1Formal education
  • 4_3Awareness & communications
Stress écologiques (26)Expert
  • 1_1Ecosystem conversion
  • 1_1Ecosystem conversion
  • 1_1Ecosystem conversion
  • 1_1Ecosystem conversion
  • 1_1Ecosystem conversion
  • 1_1Ecosystem conversion
  • 1_1Ecosystem conversion
  • 1_1Ecosystem conversion
  • 1_2Ecosystem degradation
  • 1_2Ecosystem degradation
  • 1_2Ecosystem degradation
  • 1_2Ecosystem degradation
  • 1_2Ecosystem degradation
  • 1_2Ecosystem degradation
  • 1_2Ecosystem degradation
  • 1_2Ecosystem degradation
  • 1_2Ecosystem degradation
  • 1_2Ecosystem degradation
  • 1_3Indirect ecosystem effects
  • 1_3Indirect ecosystem effects
  • 1_3Indirect ecosystem effects
  • 1_3Indirect ecosystem effects
  • 1_3Indirect ecosystem effects
  • 2_1Species mortality
  • 2_1Species mortality
  • 2_3_8Other
Usage & commerce (4)Expert
  • 1Food - human
    subsistance
  • 10Wearing apparel, accessories
    subsistance
  • 12Handicrafts, jewellery, etc.
    subsistance
  • 3Medicine - human & veterinary
    subsistance
Priorités de recherche (5)Expert
  • 1_1Taxonomy
  • 1_2Population size, distribution & trends
  • 1_3Life history & ecology
  • 1_5Threats
  • 3_1Population trends
Niche IUCN globaleExpert

Royaumes biogéographiques

Afrotropical

Systèmes (terrestre/eau douce/marin)

TerrestrialFreshwater (=Inland waters)
Références bibliographiques (28)Expert
  1. IUCN. 2021. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2021-3. Available at: <a href="www.iucnredlist.org">www.iucnredlist.org</a>. (Accessed: 09 December 2021).
  2. Jacques, H., Parnell, R. and Alary, F. 2013. <i>Aonyx congicus</i>. In: J. Kingdon and M. Hoffmann (eds), <i>The Mammals of Africa. Volume V: Carnivores, Pangolins, Equids and Rhinoceroses</i>, Bloomsbury Publishing, London.
  3. Pacifici, M., Santini, L., Di Marco, M., Baisero, D., Francucci, L., Grottolo Marasini, G., Visconti, P. and Rondinini, C. 2013. Generation length for mammals. <i>Nature Conservation</i> 5: 87–94.
  4. Davenport, L.C., Jacques, H. and Terborgh, J. W. 2011. A Whole Otter World. <i>Gabon Magazine</i>.
  5. Davenport, L., Jacques, H. and Yedi, M. 2011. Rapport sur le projet: “Ecologie et conservation de la loutre à joues blanches du Congo (Aonyx congicus). In: Report to CENAREST (ed.). Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique et Technologique, Libreville, Gabon.
  6. Levi, T., Shepard Jr., G.H., Ohl-Schacherer, J., Peres, C.A. and Yu, D.W. 2009. Modelling the long-term sustainability of indigenous hunting in Manu National park, Peru: landscape-scale management implications for Amazonia. <i>Journal of Applied Ecology</i> 46(4): 804-814.
  7. Jacques, H., Veron, G., Alary, F. and Aulagnier, S. 2009. The Congo Clawless Otter (<i>Aonyx congicus</i>) (<i>Mustelidae: Lutrinae</i>): a review of its systematics, distribution and conservation status. <i>African Zoology </i> 44(2): 159-170. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.3377/004.044.0204.
  8. Jacques, H. 2006. <i>Aonyx congicus</i>, Mission Cameroon. Grenoble.
  9. Wilson, D.E. and Reeder, D.M. (eds). 2005. <i>Mammal Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographical Reference</i>. Third edition. John Hopkins University Press, Baltimore.
  10. Wozencraft, W.C. 2005. Order Carnivora. In: D.E. Wilson and D.M. Reeder (eds), <i>Mammal Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference. Third Edition</i>, pp. 532-628. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore.
  11. Ray, J.C., Hunter, L. and Zigouris, J. 2005. Setting conservation and research priorities for larger African carnivores. Wildlife Conservation Society, New York, USA.
  12. Wilkie, D.S., Starkey, M., Abernethy, K., Effa, E.N., Telfer, P. and Godoy, R. 2005. Role of prices and wealth in consumer demand for bushmeat in Gabon, Central Africa. <i>Conservation Biology</i> 19: 268-274.
  13. Jacques, H. 2002c. <i>Aonyx congicus</i>, Mission Congo. Grenoble.
  14. Jacques, H. 2002b. <i>Aonyx congicus</i>, Mission Gabon. Grenoble.
  15. Jacques, H., Moutou, F. and Alary, F. 2002a. On the tracks of the Congo clawless otter (<i>Aonyx congicus</i>) in Gabon. <i>IUCN Bullettin Otter Specialist Group </i> 19(1).
  16. Alary, F., Moutou, F. and Jacques, H. 2001. Still on the tracks of the Congo clawless otter (<i>Aonyx congicus</i>): first mission in Cameroon. <i>IUCN Bullettin Otter Specialist Group </i> 19(1).
  17. Larivière, S. 2001. <i>Aonyx congicus</i>. <i>Mammalian Species</i> 650: 1-3.
  18. Van Bree, P.J.H., Bosscha Erdbrink, D.P. and Roescher, F.J. 1999. A second find of <i>Aonyx antiquus</i> in the Netherlands, and some remarks on <i>Aonyx</i> and allied forms (Mammalia, Carnivora, Mustelida). <i>Deinsea</i> 7: 313-323.
  19. Wozencraft, W.C. 1993. Order Carnivora. In: D.E. Wilson and D.M. Reeder (eds), <i>Mammal Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference. Second Edition</i>, pp. 279-344. Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington, DC, USA.
  20. Rowe-Rowe, D.T. 1990. Recent information on the Congo clawless otter. <i>IUCN Otter Specialist Group Bulletin </i> 5: 27-27.
  21. Carpaneto, G.M. and Germi, F.P. 1989. Mustelidae and Viverridae from north-eastern Zaire: ethnozoological research and convservation. <i>Mustelid & Viverrid Conservation</i> 1: 2-4.
  22. Van Zyll de Jong, C.G. 1987. A phylogenetic study of the <i>Lutrinae</i> (<i>Carnivora; Mustelidae</i>) using morphological data. <i>Canadian Journal of Zoology</i> 65: 2536-2544.
  23. Davis, J.A. 1978. A classification of the otters. In: N. Duplaix (ed.), Otters: proceedings of the First Working Meeting of the Otter Specialist Group, pp. 14-33. Morges, Switzerland.
  24. Rosevear, D.R. 1974. <i>The Carnivores of West Africa</i>. Trustees of the British Museum (Natural History), London, UK.
  25. De Barros Machado, A. 1967. <i>Mamiferos de Angola ainda naô citados ou ponco conhecidos.</i> Museo do Dundo, Lisboa.
  26. Rahm, U. and Christiaensen, A. 1963. Les mammifères de la région occidentale du Lac Kivu. <i>Annales Musée Royal de l'Afrique Centrale, Sciences Zoologiques ser 8</i> 118: 1-183.
  27. Allen, J.A. 1924. Carnivora collected by the American Congo expedition. <i>Bulletin American Museum Natural History</i> 47: 85-108.
  28. Lönnberg, E. 1910. A new species of clawless otter (<i>Aonyx capensis congica</i>) from Lower Congo. <i>Arkiv för Zoologi</i> 7: 1-8.
Évaluateurs & contributeurs (3)Expert
assessor
Jacques, H., Reed-Smith, J., Davenport, L. & Somers, M.J.
contributor
Hoffmann, M.
evaluator
Hussain, S.A. & Duplaix, N.

Jacques, H., Reed-Smith, J., Davenport, L. & Somers, M.J. 2021. Aonyx congicus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2021: e.T1794A164576337. Accessed on 05 May 2026.

Consulter sur les bases externes

Observations & statuts

GBIFiNaturalistIUCN

Cartographie

GBIF Maps

Bibliographie

BHLOpenAlex
Note nomenclaturale & synonymesExpert

Note nomenclaturale

TAXREF v18 — INPN/MNHN

Synonymes (5)— redirigent vers cette page

  • Aonyx capensis congica(Lönnberg, 1910)
  • Aonyx capensis congicus(Lönnberg, 1910)
  • Aonyx congicus congicus(Lönnberg, 1910)
  • Lutra congica(Lönnberg, 1910)
  • Paraonyx congicusLönnberg, 1910

Sources : Catalogue of Life Cross-References (synonymes) · TAXREF v18 INPN/MNHN (commentaires FR).