Tropical Wings Zoo A World of Wildlife, Family Friendly Zoo in Essex

Otters at Tropical Wings ASIAN SHORT-CLAWED OTTER
Amblonyx cineria

DISTRIBUTION: Indonesia, southern China, southern India, the Philippines, and Southeast Asia

HABITAT: Wetlands, marshes and swamps

STATUS: Near threatened

 


 

 

 

DESCRIPTION:
Asian short-clawed otters are the smallest of all the otter species in the world. They live in social family groups of up to 15 individuals consisting of a breeding pair and their offspring.

They are playful creatures and can often be seen carrying around a favourite pebble or other similar treasure. Their front paws are only partially webbed, making them very dexterous. They use them to rummage for their food which is mainly crabs, snails, crayfish, molluscs, frogs and small fish.

They are one of the most vocal of the otters and have at least 12 different calls.