Asian small clawed otter
Aonyx cinerea
Although the Asian small-clawed otter is the world’s smallest of the 13 otter species, they have big personalities and an even bigger appetite. They eat one third of their body weight every single day!
As their name suggests, they have short claws that reach no further than their digits. These allow them to use their paws to effectively feel for food in muddy banks. Extremely dexterous, Asian small-clawed otters catch their prey with their partially-webbed paws instead of with their mouth (unlike other otters).
Although otters have been on the planet for more than 30 million years, they are sadly a vulnerable species due to the increasing threat of habitat destruction, waterway pollution and the fur trade.
We have a family of Asian small-clawed otters here at Edinburgh Zoo – Barry and Luna, and their pups. Barry was born at the Peak Wildlife Project in August 2017, while Luna was born at Newquay Zoo in February 2019. Both arrived here in Edinburgh in July 2020. The pair welcomed three litters of pups in 2021, and a further six pups in May 2023.
Population
Decreasing
Diet
Carnivore
Habitat
Rivers and wetlands
Fact file
Unlike other otters, Asian small-clawed otters have feet that are only partly webbed which gives them more dexterous paws
They form monogamous pairs for life
Asian small-clawed otters generally stand about two foot tall, with around half of that height being their tail
They mainly eat crabs and shellfish, but they will also eat molluscs such as snails, small fish and insects, and occasionally amphibians, snakes and small mammals
Latest Asian small clawed otter news
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How we're helping
Like all the animals in our care our Asian small-clawed otters are amazing ambassadors for their relatives in the wild and help hundreds of thousands of people connect with nature every year. They encourage visitors to learn about the threats facing wildlife and the action they can take to help create a world where nature is protected, valued and loved.
As a wildlife conservation charity, we care for the animals here at the zoo and work to protect species at risk around the world. From providing expertise in genetics and veterinary health, to protecting wild places with local conservation partners, and even restoring threatened species to the wild, we are active where we are needed most.
Find out more about RZSS conservation