Zoolung Animals

Yeongdeungpo Hanam Dongtan Gyeongju

Small-clawed otter

The small-clawed otter has a body perfectly adapted for swimming. It has valves in its nostrils that close automatically when it dives, and webbed feet that make swimming a breeze. Plus, an otter’s fur doesn’t get wet easily! With a double coat consisting of thick, glossy, water-repellent fur and soft underfur, it’s highly effective at keeping them dry and warm. Have you ever seen an otter rubbing its body against things? There are two reasons for this. It’s either to mark its territory by leaving its scent, or to dry its wet fur.

Category

Order Carnivora Family Mustelidae
Habitat

along the river
Diet

Fish, shellfish, vegetables, etc.

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Species

The smallest otter

It is the smallest species of otter and, with small or no claws, is specialized for catching prey with agility.

Place of discovery

South Asia and Southeast Asia

India, southern China, and Southeast Asia It is widely distributed across several countries (including Indonesia and Malaysia).

Habitat

Freshwater wetlands, mangroves, rice paddies

They prefer freshwater habitats such as rivers, swamps, and mangrove forests, and are sometimes found in artificial environments such as rice paddies.

Diet

Carnivorous (primarily crustaceans)

They are carnivorous, feeding primarily on crustaceans and mollusks such as clams, crabs, and shrimp, as well as small fish and insects.

Action

Social and cooperative hunting

They are highly social animals that live in groups of up to 15 individuals (known as “otter holts”) and often hunt for food cooperatively.

Average size

Length: 45–60 cm

Excluding the tail, its body length is about 45–60 cm, and it weighs approximately 2.7–5 kg, making it very small.

Features

Good with one's hands

Because they have only partial webbing between their toes and small claws, they are exceptionally dexterous at using their feet like hands to touch and manipulate objects.

Lifespan

10–15 years in the wild, 20 years in captivity

In the wild, they live for about 10 to 15 years, and in captivity, they can survive for up to 20 years.