Animals A-Z

Type of Animal: Mammal
Habitat: Freshwater rivers, streams, lakes, wetlands, and coastal mangrove swamps in Southeast Asia, including India, Indonesia, the Philippines, and southern China.
Diet: Omnivorous; feeds on crabs, molluscs, snails, small fish, and insects, using their sensitive paws to dig into mud and sift through water.
Size: Body length of 45-61 cm (18-24 inches), with a tail adding another 25-35 cm (10-14 inches); weighs between 3-5 kg (6.5-11 pounds).
Lifespan: Typically 8-10 years in the wild, but up to 15 years or more in captivity with proper care.

• Fierce Defenders: Despite their small size,  Asian short-clawed otters are fearless and highly protective of their family groups. They have been known to work together to fend off much larger predators, including crocodiles, by mobbing and harassing them as a coordinated team.
• Incredibly Dense Fur: Like other otter species, Asian short-clawed otters have incredibly dense fur, with up to 1,000 hairs per square millimetre. This thick, waterproof coat helps them stay warm and dry, even in cold water, as it traps air close to their skin, providing insulation.
• Tiny But Mighty: As the smallest otter species, they have evolved remarkable dexterity. Their nimble, clawless fingers give them precise control when hunting, allowing them to skillfully handle prey like crabs and molluscs, even using rocks to crack open hard shells.
• Social Hierarchies: These otters live in highly organised family groups with clear social hierarchies. Family members take turns caring for the young, and their cooperative nature extends to hunting and defending their territory.
• Vocal Communicators: Asian short-clawed otters are incredibly vocal, using over 12 different sounds to communicate with one another. These vocalisations, including whistles, chirps, and growls, serve different purposes, from coordinating group activities to warning of danger.