Asian short clawed otters are the smallest of the 13 species alive today. As its name suggests the most distinguishing feature of the Asian Short Clawed Otter is the size of its feet. They have very little webbing between their toes and they have fleshy pads on their toes which are highly sensitive. This means they are far more dexterous than other otter species using their hands to open crabs and other molluscs.
They also have very powerful teeth and jaws which are specialised for crushing the hard outer shells of crustaceans and highly sensitive whiskers or vibrissae on their cheeks and elbows which help them find their food in often murky rivers and streams.
Asian Short Clawed Otters are a sociable animal living in groups of up to 15 and communicating with over 12 distinct calls, yells and whimpers.
IUCN Red List status: Vulnerable.
This species is on the decline because of habitat loss and exploitation. In the last few decades its range has shrunk particularly in its western portion. Hunting appears to play a major role in its rapid decline in the eastern end of its global range. It is thought the global population of the Asian Small-clawed Otter has declined by more than 30% over the past 30 years.
