Asian Small-Clawed Otter

Asian Small-Clawed Otter

Aonyx cinerea

Eats

Their diet consists mainly of small aquatic prey, including fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and amphibians. They are skilled hunters and use their dexterous paws to catch prey.

Lives

These otters are native to various countries in South and Southeast Asia, including India, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. They prefer freshwater streams, rivers, and swamps.

Behavior

Asian small-clawed otters are known for their social behavior and live in extended family groups of up to 12 individuals. They are highly vocal and communicate with each other through a variety of vocalizations, including whistles, chirps, and squeaks, each with its own specific meaning. They are known for their playful nature, often engaging in activities like sliding down muddy banks and playing with objects in the water.

Description

Asian small-clawed otters are the smallest of the 13 otter species. They have a sleek, thin body with dark brown fur on the top of their body and a lighter tan on their underside. They have small, partially webbed claws on their front paws, which give them their name. These claws are used for tasks such as grooming and manipulating food. They have excellent vision both underwater and on land.

Did you Know?

Otters are very playful and are often seen sliding down muddy banks!

How can I Help?

They face threats due to poaching and habitat loss. The Asian Small-Clawed Otter is sadly taken from the wild and sold into the pet trade, helping to protect this species by fighting to get them protected by the government.

Least Concern
Least Concern
Near Threatened
Near Threatened
Vulnerable
Vulnerable
Endangered
Endangered
Critically Endangered
Critically Endangered
Extinct in the Wild
Extinct in the Wild
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