Asian small-clawed otter facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Asian small-clawed otter |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Aonyx
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| Species: |
cinereus
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| Asian small-clawed otter range | |
| Synonyms | |
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Amblonyx cinereus |
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The Asian small-clawed otter (Aonyx cinereus) is the smallest type of otter in the world. It is also known as the oriental small-clawed otter. These playful animals live in South Asia and Southeast Asia. They enjoy eating molluscs, crabs, and other small water creatures.
Asian small-clawed otters make their homes in mangrove swamps and freshwater wetlands. Sadly, they are a vulnerable species. This means their numbers are decreasing. They are threatened by things like habitat loss, pollution, and sometimes hunting.
Contents
What is an Asian Small-Clawed Otter?
The Asian small-clawed otter is a furry mammal. It belongs to the weasel family. It is the smallest otter species on Earth. It is also the smallest otter found in Asia. These otters have very short claws. Their claws barely stick out from their paw pads. This helps them grab slippery prey.
Where Do Asian Small-Clawed Otters Live?
These otters are native to parts of South Asia and Southeast Asia. They live in countries like India, China, Malaysia, and Singapore. They prefer wet places. You can find them in mangrove swamps. They also live in freshwater wetlands. These areas include rivers, lakes, and rice paddies.
What Do Asian Small-Clawed Otters Eat?
Asian small-clawed otters are carnivores. This means they eat meat. Their favorite foods are molluscs like snails and clams. They also love to eat crabs. Sometimes, they will eat other small aquatic animals. This can include fish, frogs, or insects. They use their sensitive paws to find food.
Why Are Asian Small-Clawed Otters Vulnerable?
The Asian small-clawed otter is listed as a vulnerable species. This means they face a high risk of becoming endangered. Their biggest threat is habitat loss. People are building on or polluting their wetland homes. Pollution from farms and factories also harms them. In some areas, they are hunted. This is often for their fur or for the pet trade. Protecting their homes is very important.
Images for kids
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Closeup of a small-clawed otter's mouth
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Family group of Asian small-clawed otters
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Asian small-clawed otters feeding in Edinburgh Zoo
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Asian small-clawed otter swimming with Indian rhinoceros at Zoo Basel
See also
In Spanish: Nutria enana para niños
