Oriental small-clawed otter
(Aonyx cinereus)
Facts
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IUCN VULNERABLE (VU)
Facts about this animal
The Oriental small-clawed otter has a glossy brown fur with a lighter coloured underside. Their hair is relatively short and very water resistant. The claws of the Oriental small-clawed otter are much smaller than other otters. And also unlike other otters, their paws are very slightly webbed, and they are capable and dexterous when using them. They can close their nostrils and ears to keep water from getting in when they are under water.
Did you know?
that the Oriental small-clawed otter is the smallest of the 13 otter species in the world?
| Factsheet | |
|---|---|
| Class | MAMMALIA |
| Order | CARNIVORA |
| Suborder | FISSIPEDIA |
| Family | MUSTELIDAE |
| Name (Scientific) | Aonyx cinereus |
| Name (English) | Oriental small-clawed otter |
| Name (French) | Loutre cendrée |
| Name (German) | Zwergotter |
| Name (Spanish) | Nutria cenicienta, Nutria inerme asiatica |
| Local names | Malay: memerang kecil Semai: Kebög Tibetan: Saam |
| CITES Status | Appendix II |
| CMS Status | Not listed |
Photo Copyright by
ArtMechanic
Distribution
| Distribution | |
|---|---|
| Range | Indonesia, southern China, southern India, the Philippines and Southeast Asia |
| Habitat | Freshwater and peat swamp forests, rice fields, lakes, streams, reservoirs, canals, mangrove and along the coast (IUCN Red List) |
| Wild population | Unknown (Red List IUCN 2011), but population is threatened by rapid habitat destruction, hunting, and pollution. |
| Zoo population | 666 reported to ISIS (2007) |
In the Zoo
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How this animal should be transported
For air transport, Container Note 82 of the IATA Live Animals Regulations should be followed.
Find this animal on ZooLex
Photo Copyright by
Cfitzart
Why do zoos keep this animal
The Oriental small-clawed otter is rated near-threatened by IUCN and zoos maintain viable ex situ populations under an International studbook and regional conservation breeding programmes. Animals bred under these programme are now kept for educational purposes and serve as ambassadors, lobbying for clean water and the restoration of freshwater courses.
Oriental small-clawed otters have the advantage of being largely diurnal and social animals, making them a very attractive species for the public.
How this animal should be kept
Oriental small-clawed otters are social animals, which should be kept in pairs or groups of up to 15 compatible animals. In temperate and cold climates, they must have both an indoor and an outdoor enclosure. Minimum requirements per pair: indoors and outdoors land surface 15 m², water surface 10 m², for each additional adult animal 20% more. It is recommended, however, that the land part of both enclosures be at least 30 m². The pools should have an average depth of 0.5 m
A variety of substrates should be incorporated into otter exhibits, such as grass, mulch, sand, clay, soil, rocks, boulders, pebbles, leaves, bark. Exhibits with artificial substrates should offer areas of grass, dirt, sand, pebbles, etc. for exploration and adequate grooming. Hard-pack soils, abrasive sands, and sharp rocks should not be used in otter exhibits. Problems with chronically wet surface areas should be addressed immediately to prevent injuries to the animals or health issues from developing.
Bedding material, such as grasses, leaves, hay, straw, wood wool, sedges, pine needles, towels, burlap bags, natural fiber mats, and wood shavings should be provided.
Ideal air temperature is between 22-25°C, but if the animals have access to radiant heat, or a heated indoor facility, they can handle lower temperatures. Water temperature should range from 18-29°C.