The Asian small-clawed otter dwells in the freshwater wetlands and mangrove swamps of Southeast Asia, southern India, southern China and the Philippines. It is the smallest otter in the world and is known for its energetic nature. This species spends more time on land than any other otter and has been observed sliding on mud banks and chasing one another through the water.

The Asian small-clawed otter is a carnivore and feeds on mollusks, fish and frogs, as well as crabs and other crustaceans. It captures its prey with its front paws not its mouth, making it unique among all otter species

You can enjoy watching these otters scamper about in the River Scout gallery.

• The Asian small-clawed otter is very social and family oriented. Both parents provide care for the young.
• The young are born small and helpless and do not open their eyes until about 40 days after birth.
• These otters communicate to each other using 12 different calls.
• Their whiskers help them to detect changes in water current and pressure.
• Habitat destruction is a threat to the small-clawed otter in much of its range.

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