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Asian small-clawed otter facts for kids

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Asian small-clawed otter
Zwergotter-Porträt.jpg
Conservation status
Scientific classification
Genus:
Aonyx
Species:
cinereus
Oriental Small-clawed Otter area.png
Asian small-clawed otter range
Synonyms

Amblonyx cinereus
Aonyx cinerea

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.

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.

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See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Nutria enana para niños

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