Asian Small-Clawed Otter

Asian small-clawed otters are the smallest of the world’s thirteen otter species, typically measuring two to three feet long from the tip of their nose to the tip of their tail, and often weighing less than ten pounds. They are dark brown across most of their body with gray, white, or cream-colored fur around their faces and throat. Their front feet don’t have as much webbing between the toes as most other otter species — which gives the toes extra flexibility — but they have short, blunt claws that give the species its name. 

Diet: 
These otters are carnivores and eat a variety of different prey, including fish, mollusks, crustaceans, and amphibians. Large back teeth are perfect for crushing hard shells. Their sensitive front paws allow them to find and catch their food, either while digging in mud and sand, or when searching under rocks and in murky water. Although they are small, they have to eat almost one quarter of their body weight every day because of their high metabolism and activity levels.

In the Wild: 
Small-clawed otters are very social and communicate with a variety of sounds, physical touch, body language, and scents. Family groups, called lodges, are composed of a dominant male and female and their young from multiple litters. Pups from previous litters help their parents care for the newest pups, but everyone hunts by themselves.

Conservation issues/actions: 
As a predator and a species with a range of habitat types, small-clawed otters can be considered an indicator species for the health of their environment because they’re sensitive to change. They are classified as vulnerable due to a number of threats, including habitat loss, prey scarcity, and the illegal pet trade. The range of Asian small-clawed otters has gotten smaller due to habitat destruction, and sources of prey are becoming scarce in some areas as a result of pollution and human overconsumption. Additionally, this otter species is negatively impacted by the illegal wildlife trade and human exploitation. 

Zoos and other conservation organizations worldwide help raise awareness about the threats otters face, and work in otter home range countries to protect habitats and increase populations. By sharing knowledge and working together, we can better protect animals and the places they call home.

At the Zoo: 
The Reid Park Zoo’s male and female Asian small-clawed otters are energetic and use their sensitive front paws to explore and shape their spaces. They are given a wide variety of enrichment throughout their habitat to encourage their natural curiosity and preference for things they can use their paws to investigate.