Asian small-clawed otter

The Asian small-clawed otter is the smallest of all otter species. It is an excellent swimmer and diver, spending most of its life in and around water. It lives in family groups that forage together and raise their young.

Asian small-clawed otters have sensitive, dexterous front paws that enable them to feel for prey in the water, among stones or in the mud. They use stones to crack hard mussel and snail shells.

Wetlands are among the most threatened habitats on Earth. When rivers are straightened, swamps are drained or mangrove forests are destroyed, this causes habitat loss for the Asian small-clawed otter.

When diving, small-clawed otters deploy special flaps that close off their nostrils and ears to prevent water from entering.