Mammals
Asian small-clawed otter
Aonyx cinerea
The Asian small-clawed otter is the smallest otter in the world. Lively and social, it stands out for its partly webbed toes and reduced claws, which give it remarkable dexterity.
In short
The asian small-clawed otter (Aonyx cinerea) is a species with IUCN conservation status VU (Vulnerable). It lives along rivers, mangroves, rice paddies and wetlands, in close-knit family groups that communicate with a rich range of calls. Animals in Black offers a fine-art portrait of it on a black background, available as a print on Hahnemühle paper: request the print.
Habitat & conservation
Where does the asian small-clawed otter live?
It lives along rivers, mangroves, rice paddies and wetlands, in close-knit family groups that communicate with a rich range of calls. It uses its forepaws, rather than its mouth, to feel for molluscs, crabs and small fish.
Is the asian small-clawed otter endangered?
The IUCN Red List rates it Vulnerable (VU) with a declining population. Threats are wetland destruction, pollution and capture for the illegal pet trade.
Facts about the asian small-clawed otter
- It is the smallest otter in the world.
- It uses its highly dexterous paws, not its mouth, to find food.
- It lives in very vocal, close-knit family groups.
Data source: IUCN Red List — Aonyx cinereus (Vulnerable)
RED List
Conservation status codes
- EX Extinct No individuals survive.
- EW Extinct in the wild Survives only in captivity.
- CR Critically endangered Extremely high risk of extinction.
- EN Endangered Very high risk of extinction.
- VU Vulnerable High risk of extinction.
- NT Near threatened Likely to become threatened soon.
- LC Least concern Low risk of extinction.
- DD Data deficient Not enough data to assess.
- NE Not evaluated Not yet assessed by the IUCN.