Natural History

Asian small-clawed otter

The Asian small-clawed otter (Lutra cinerea), also called oriental small-clawed otter and small-clawed otter, is an otter species native to South and Southeast Asia. It is the only species of the subgenus Amblonyx in the genus Lutra. It has short claws that do not extend beyond the pads of its webbed digits. With a total body length of 730 to 960 mm (28.6 to 37.6 in), and a maximum weight of 3.5 kg (7.7 lb), it is the smallest otter species. The Asian small-clawed otter lives in riverine habitats, freshwater wetlands and mangrove swamps. It feeds on molluscs, crabs and other small aquatic animals. It lives in pairs, but also has been observed in family groups with up to 12 individuals. It is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, and is threatened by habitat loss, pollution, and in some areas also by hunting.

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See also

• ▸Diospyros virginiana
• ▸1953 Coronation Honours
• ▸Gugh

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