Asian small-clawed otter (Aonyx cinereus); this individual is in a zoo.
Image: Theo Kruse Burgers' Zoo, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
At a glance
- IUCN category
- VU · Vulnerable
- Animal group
- Mammals
- Population trend
- Decreasing
- FaunaHub record reviewed
- Checked against IUCN
- Matches source — IUCN's 2021 global assessment of Aonyx cinereus says VulnerableChecked 2026-10-09 against IUCN's Red List export published 2026-07-28 · assessment
Conservation overview
The Asian small-clawed otter is the smallest otter in the world, a highly social animal of Asian wetlands. It is assessed as Vulnerable.
It uses its dextrous, barely-clawed paws to feel for and handle prey such as crabs and molluscs.
Range & habitat
Wetlands, rivers, and coasts of South and Southeast Asia.
Major threats
Threats below are drawn from the authoritative sources listed on this page. For the current, complete assessment, see the IUCN Red List.
- Habitat loss and wetland drainage
- Pollution
- Capture for the pet trade
Why it matters
A charismatic, social wetland predator, the Asian small-clawed otter is a flagship for South and Southeast Asia's threatened freshwater habitats.
Sources
Sources for Asian Small-clawed Otter
- IUCN Red List — look up Asian Small-clawed Otter (authoritative status)
- Animal Diversity Web
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Asian small-clawed otter unusual?
It is the smallest otter species and has reduced claws and very dextrous front paws, which it uses to feel for and manipulate prey like crabs and shellfish, rather than relying on its mouth alone.
Why is the Asian small-clawed otter Vulnerable?
Published assessments cite habitat loss and wetland drainage, pollution, and capture for the pet trade. See the IUCN Red List for the current assessment.