Details
Aonyx cinereus
The Asian small-clawed otter is a small otter with dexterous forepaws and tiny claws. Family groups forage in shallow wetlands for crabs and shellfish.
Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)
It inhabits Indomalayan freshwater and coastal habitats. Marshes, rivers, ponds, mangroves, and rice-field edges with shallow prey-rich water are typical.
Length 41-64 cm; weight 1-5.4 kg. It is small for an otter, with short claws and sensitive fingers. Dark brown fur contrasts with a paler throat and chest.
Crepuscular and highly social, it lives in family groups. Calls, grooming, and coordinated movement link the group along banks and in water.
A carnivore, it eats crabs, mollusks, shrimps, small fish, and frogs. The forepaws probe under stones and in mud, while teeth crack hard prey.
A breeding pair anchors the group and raises pups in a den. Other group members may help guard and care for the young.
It is listed as Vulnerable. Wetland loss, water pollution, and illegal pet trade are major threats.
