Asian Small-Clawed Otter - Five Sisters Zoo

The smallest of all the otter species.  Individuals have a double layer dark brown coat with a lighter colour belly, chest and mouth. Asian Small Clawed Otters can breed year-round, with litters having between 2-7 pups at a time. They live in groups of up to 20 related individuals.

Facts

Diet: Carnivores. Primary diet is molluscs, crabs, and small fish.

Weight: 2-5 kg

Length: 65-94 cm

Habitat: Wide range from India to China, the Phillipines, Bangladesh and extending into multiple island nations. Wetlands, scrub forests, and marine intertidal and intercoastal waterways with robust vegetation are preferred, with otters also being found at freshwater streams, pools and slow-moving rivers.

Life Span: 5 to 10 years.

Adapted to Survive

  • The upper teeth of individuals are more prominent and adapted to crush crabs and other shelled prey.
  • The short claws are designed to dig through the mud and sand to access food.

Threats

  • Poaching
  • Habitat loss
  • Overfishing resulting in loss of prey species for food
  • Illegal wildlife and pet trade

IUCN Conservation Status

Vulnerable

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