AsIan ShOrt ClAweD OtTeR

Aonyx cinerus

StATus

pOpUlAtiOn: DecReAsIng

hAbItAT

DiEt

•Native to South and Southeast Asia.

•Smallest of the 13 otter species.

•Lives in family groups.

•Feeds on molluscs, crabs and other small aquatic animals.

•Inhabit mangrove swamps and freshwater wetlands.

•Tail is about one third of it’s total body length.

•Ears have a valve like structure that enables them to be closed when swimming underwater.

•Their muzzle has vibrissae on either side, which are sensitive to touch and underwater vibrations, and are important in detecting movements of prey.

Inhabit mangrove swamps and freshwater wetlands.

Carnivorous, mainly fish, crustaceans and small mammals.

ThReAts

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•Habitat destruction – Conversion of land and developmental activity. E.g Tea and coffee plantations in India, increased human settlement. Reclamation of peat swamps and mangrove forests.

•Poaching – Mainly for pelts and to supply the pet trade.

•Pollution – Water quality affected by pesticides that flow in to rivers etc. This also has a knock on effect with reduction in prey species for otters to feed on.