Asian Small Clawed Otter

Species: Asian Small Clawed Otter
Habitat: Asian Wetlands/Mangrove Forests
Status: Near Threatened
DAK Locale: Discovery Island

 Asian small clawed otters are the smallest of the 13 otter species found through out the world. Like most otters, they have dark brown fur covering their bodies, except for a white patch on the throat. They have an outer layering of water repellent "guard" hairs on top of a layer of soft, insulating fur.

These species of otters are different from all others in that they only have partial webbing on their feet. This means they can use their claws to capture prey and bring it on shore. They use their "hands" to probe the mud for shellfish and other prey. They have been known to grabs clams and leave them ashore to dry, which makes them easier to crack open. Small clawed otters also have strong teeth, keen eyesight and whiskers that can pick up movement in muddy waters. One favorite type of prey is the crayfish which cause problems for rice farmers. Some rice farmers have taken to training otters to live in their rice fields to keep down the population of the crayfish.

Females dominate the groups, which are called lodges. Most lodges have up to a dozen animals. Lodges are essentially family groups made up of a mated pair and their young. Older pups will stay for some time helping raise their younger siblings. The fathers are partners in raising the young which is not true for all otter species. Asian small clawed otters are the most vocal of the otter species with numerous calls being identified by researchers.
 
Asian small clawed otters are listed as near threatened. The wild population has declined from poaching, pollution, and, most importantly, habitat loss. The wetland are being replaced with tea and coffee plantations. This in turn causes pollution which is killing off the fish populations. The animal is hunted for its pelts as well as its organs which are considered medicinal locally.