The Asian small-clawed otter, recognized as the smallest of the world’s 13 otter species, measures between 730 to 960 millimeters (28.6 to 37.6 inches) in total body length and weighs up to 3.5 kilograms (7.7 pounds). Their name comes from their distinctive short claws, which do not extend beyond the pads of their partially webbed digits, allowing for remarkable manual dexterity. They are also known for their social nature, often living in family groups.
Natural Geographic Distribution
The Asian small-clawed otter’s native range spans across South and Southeast Asia. Their distribution extends from parts of India, including West Bengal, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and coastal Odisha, eastward through Southeast Asia. This includes Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, China (southern and southwestern regions), Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia (Sumatra, Java, Borneo), Brunei, and the Philippines. While widespread, their presence is often fragmented.
Preferred Aquatic Environments
Asian small-clawed otters inhabit freshwater wetlands and riverine systems. They are found in slow-moving rivers, streams, and shallow water bodies. This includes diverse aquatic environments such as rice paddies, marshes, and swamps. Their preference for these areas is linked to the availability of abundant food sources like crustaceans, mollusks, and small fish, which they efficiently forage for using their sensitive forepaws.
Beyond freshwater, these otters also occupy coastal areas, including mangrove forests and estuaries. These habitats provide a blend of fresh and brackish water, offering a variety of prey and shelter. The otters are well-adapted to these aquatic settings, using their streamlined bodies for swimming and their specialized paws to detect prey in murky water or mud. While highly aquatic, they spend time foraging along shorelines and in shallow waters.
Terrestrial Habitat Features
Despite their aquatic adaptations, Asian small-clawed otters use terrestrial features within their habitat for shelter and resting. They seek out areas with dense vegetation along riverbanks and forested sections near water bodies. These land-based features offer cover, which helps them avoid predators and provides secluded spots for raising their young.
Otters construct dens, known as holts, often by digging burrows into muddy riverbanks. These burrows can have entrances located deep underwater for protection. They may also use natural shelters like hollow logs, rock crevices, or areas under tree roots. The undisturbed land surrounding their aquatic environments is important for these resting and breeding sites, ensuring survival and successful rearing of young.