Asian Short Clawed Otter
(Aonyx cinereus)
Asian Short Clawed Otters are the smallest of all 13 otter species and are native to Asia. They have thick, insulating fur made from short hairs kept clean and healthy by their constant grooming. Asian Short Clawed Otters have short but very flexible sensitive claws useful for digging, climbing, and grabbing hold of prey.
FUN FACTS
Animal Class: Mammals.
Distribution: North-Western and South-Western India, Southern China, the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Java, Borneo and the Riau Archipelago, and Palawan Island in the Philippines.
Habitat: Forests, shrubland, grassland, wetlands, streams, estuaries, marine coastal.
Diet: Crustaceans, molluscs, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates and fish. They are also partial to a small amount of fruit and veg.
Appearance: Brown fur, small claws, and incomplete webbing between the digits.
Size: Approximately 61 cm. Weigh less than 4.5kg.
Lifespan: Up to 20 years.
CONSERVATION STATUS
Vulnerable
Population Trend
Decreasing
Threats
Habitat destruction.
Population
Approximately 5,000 individuals
Did you know?
These small mustelids can often be seen washing their food in the pond before they eat it.
See our Asian Short Clawed Otters!
There are two Asian Short Clawed Otters at the Zoo. Their names are Ollie and Mr Chips. You can find them next to the zipwire.
Zoo – 01924 235276 / office@ponderosa-centre.co.uk
Lakeside Restaurant – 01924 404604 / lakeside@ponderosa-lakeside.co.uk
Day Care – 01924 404154
Ponderosa Zoo, Off Smithies Lane, Heckmondwike, WF16 0PN
Opening Hours 10am – 4pm on weekdays and 10am – 5pm on weekends.
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