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Asian small-clawed otter
"These otters are very playful. One of their favourite pastimes is juggling a small stone."
Discover in real lifeFood:
fish, crustaceans, small mammals and small birds
Lifespan:
12 years on average
Weight:
1 to 5 kilograms
Number of youngsters:
1 to 6 young
Carrying time:
about 2 months
IUCN status:
vulnerable
EEP:
no
Streamlined swimmer
Asian small-clawed otters can often be found in the water. They look for food there. Their bodies are made for moving through the water easily. They can close their eyes, ears and nostrils completely. They also have a streamlined body. And the tail of a small-clawed otter acts like a rudder in the water.
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Thema area: On the Move
You can see the Asian small-clawed otter in the ‘On the Move’ themed area. Here, you’ll discover how animals move around and why moving – or, conversely, staying still – is important for survival.
Habitat and threats
Asian small-clawed otters live in Southeast Asia, near shallow water. They live near both salt and fresh water. There is usually dense vegetation nearby. They use this to hide in case of danger. Asian small-clawed otters dig burrows in the banks to sleep in.
Over the last 60 years, the range of the Asian small-clawed otter has been shrinking. This is mainly due to land use by humans. Coffee and tea plantations are being established and cities and villages are being built. In addition, Asian small-clawed otters suffer from overfishing and pollution. As a result, there is less and less food for the otters. Finally, there is also much hunting of Asian small-clawed otters, both for their fur and for the illegal pet trade.
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Species conservation in Eindhoven Zoo
The status of the Asian small-clawed otter is vulnerable. Unfortunately, many of the animal species you see at the parc are under threat and struggling in their natural habitats. Did you know that over 10,000 animal species worldwide are at risk of extinction? Together, we can help them—through big or small steps. Want to know how?Â