Asian Short-clawed Otter
Scientific name :
Amblonyx cinereus
The oriental short-clawed otter is the smallest type of
otter in the world. It comes from S.E. Asia.
Like all otters, it is lively and playful. Even in the wild
it often plays chase or tug-of-war with its friends.
The paws of the short-clawed otter are more hand-like than
those of other types of otter. It uses them to fish around
in shallow water for food.
This type of otter mates for life. Both parents help to raise
the young.
World Distribution
They are found throughout southern Asia, in southern India,
southern China, New Guinea, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines.
Habitat
They live in swamps and wetland areas, often near river estuaries.
Unlike the Canadian and European otters, they prefer shallow
water. They dig dens in riverbanks, or if they can find one,
they move into a den that some other creature has finished
with.
Feeding
Their main diet is snails and crabs, but they also eat fish,
birds and frogs. They don't grab food with their mouths, instead
they use their sensitive, hand-like paws to feel around in
shallow water, probing in the mud and under rocks.
Predators
Although not enough studies have been done to give a definite
answer, it is likely that southern Asian predators such as the
tiger would kill an otter for food - if they could catch one!
Breeding
These animals mate for life, and produce two litters of babies
(known as pups) each year. The pups are blind and completely
helpless when they are born. They open their eyes at six weeks
and start learning to swim.
Other interesting
facts
• Like all otters, the short-clawed otter has a long,
sleek body and a strong tail, making it an excellent swimmer.
• The paws are webbed to help with swimming and are
quite hand-like, with sensitive fingers for finding food.
As the name suggests, the claws are much shorter than those
of other types of otter.
• The otter's coat is made up of long, water-repellent
hairs on top and soft, thick fur underneath. This double coat
keeps the otter warm and dry.
• It can close its ears and nostrils when underwater,
making swimming a more comfortable experience!
• It has large, broad back teeth for crushing snail
and crab shells.
