Asian Small Clawed Otters
Habitat and Distribution: Found in coastal mangrove swamps, marshes and freshwater streams throughout the southeast part of Asia, southern China, Indonesia, and the Philippines.Size: Up to 2 feet in length; 5–10 pounds
Wild Diet: Crabs, mussels, crayfish, snails, fish, and frogs
Predators: Humans, crocodiles, large snakes, and wild cats
Lifespan: Up to 12 years in the wild; up to 21 years in zoos
Reproduction: Maturity occurs at about 2 years of age. Gestation lasts 60–64 days and litters can have as many as 6 pups. Females can give birth to up to two litters per year. Young are born quite small and helpless and are unable to swim until nine weeks.
Both parents are involved in raising young. The pups may continue to live with their parents in a small group of up to 12 individuals until they are ready to start their own families.Behavior: The Asian small clawed otter is a social animal. They spend more time on land than any other otter. They use their feet to catch prey, rather than their mouths like other otters. The female is dominant over the male. The males will hunt for the females and the pups when they are young.
Conservation
Status: Near Threatened
Although these otters are not listed as endangered, they are threatened by rapid habitat destruction, hunting (for their fur), and pollution.
Although these otters are not listed as endangered, they are threatened by rapid habitat destruction, hunting (for their fur), and pollution.
Interesting Facts
The Asian small clawed otter is the smallest otter in the world. They use their small finger-like claws to help them catch their food. These otters have exceptional vision. They also build burrows along the water with an exit tunnel that leads to about 3 feet under the water’s surface!