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    Asian small-clawed otter

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    Instead of fully webbed paws like other otters, it has tiny claws that don’t extend beyond the fingertips

    Joachim S. Müller








      Saved In:


    Asian small-clawed otter

    EXEWCRENVUNTLCDDNE

    Instead of fully webbed paws like other otters, it has tiny claws that don’t extend beyond the fingertips

    Population
    >30% decline over the past 30 years

    The tiniest otter in the world, but don’t let its size fool you—it’s also one of the most playful, clever, and endearing mammals on Earth. Native to South and Southeast Asia, from India and southern China to the Philippines and Indonesia, this little otter thrives in wetlands, rivers, and mangroves, where it has carved out a unique niche among its larger otter cousins. It looks like a miniature version of the sleeker river otters, but it has special traits that make it stand out.

    Its dexterous, cute little fingers can precisely manipulate food, picking up crabs, mollusks, and snails, and even prying shells open with impressive skill. Watching one eat is like watching a tiny mechanic at work—delicate, precise, and oddly adorable.

    Socially, these otters are some of the most family-oriented of all carnivores. They live in groups of up to 15 individuals, usually consisting of a breeding pair and their extended family. Both parents, along with older siblings, help raise the pups, teaching them to swim, hunt, and play. Their communication skills are equally remarkable—they have over a dozen different calls, ranging from soft whistles to loud chirps and chatters, making them some of the chattiest otters around.

    And of course, the quirks are what make them truly unforgettable. Asian small-clawed otters are notorious for their playfulness: they slide down muddy banks, juggle pebbles between their paws, and chase each other through the water for sheer fun. Their pebble-juggling habit is one of the cutest in the animal kingdom, with scientists still debating whether it’s practice for food handling or simply a form of play. They also have a knack for teamwork, often working together to catch larger prey or to warn each other of danger with sharp calls.

    Distribution

    Country
    Population est.
    Status
    Year
    Comments
    Bangladesh
    2020
    Bhutan
    2020
    Brunei
    2020
    Cambodia
    2020
    China
    2020
    India
    2020
    Indonesia
    2020
    Sumatera, Jawa, Kalimantan
    Laos
    2020
    Malaysia
    2020
    Myanmar
    2020
    Nepal
    2020
    Philippines
    2020
    Singapore
    2020
    Taiwan
    2020
    Thailand
    2020
    United Kingdom
    2020
    Introduced: Great Britain
    Vietnam
    2020

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    Get to know me

    Terrestrial / Aquatic

    Altricial / Precocial

    Polygamous / Monogamous

    Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic

    Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal

    Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd

    Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore

    Migratory: Yes / No

    Domesticated: Yes / No

    Dangerous: Yes / No

    EXEWCRENVUNTLCDDNE
    Vulnerable(IUCN)
    World Population

    >30% decline over the past 30 years


    Honorary Patron: BioDB
    Become a Patron

    Threats

    Habitat destruction / Climate change / Freshwater pollution / Marine pollution / Deforestation / Farming / Fishing practices / Poaching & wildlife trade / Invasive species / Parasites & diseases / Noise pollution / Light pollution

    My ID

    Scientific name: Aonyx cinereus Other names:

    Oriental small-clawed otter
    Small-clawed otter

    Physical traits

    Length: 730 – 960 mm (29 – 38 in) Weight: 3 – 4 kg (6 – 8 pounds) Lifespan: 11 years Gestation: 60 – 86 days Offspring: 2 – 7 pups
    Habitats: Coastal Marine Forest Fresh water Lakes Marsh Swamp Shrubland Rivers Savannah/Grassland
    Regions: Asia Europe
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