FaunaHub
VUVulnerablePartial review

Asian Small-clawed Otter

Aonyx cinereus

Asian small-clawed otter (Aonyx cinereus), the smallest otter species.

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
Last verified

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

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.

Last updated: