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Name || Oriental Small Clawed Otter

Scientific Name || Amblonyx cinereus previously Aonyx cinereus

Conservation Status || Near threatened

Habitat || Otters are found throughout most of Asia in the freshwater wetlands and mangrove swamps.

Unique Features || The Asian small-clawed otter is the smallest of all the otter species and one of the most attractive, sporting a velvety, burnt umber coat, white chin and neck, and pink nose. Their streamlined, sinuous bodies make them superb aquatic hunters, enabling them to swim much faster and farther than chunky aquatic rodents like the beaver. Social Behaviour || They are one of the few species of otter that live in social groups. The Asian small-clawed otter prefers quiet pools and sluggish streams for fishing and taking a quick dip. Both parents stay together after breeding and help raise the litter of the pups. Diet || The Asian Small Clawed Otter eats crustaceans, molluscs, small mammals. Reptiles, birds, eels snails and fish. Reproduction || Not a lot is known about breeding in the wild but in captivity Asian small clawed otters don't seem to have a breeding season. They are mature enough to mate at two years of age and the male courts the female, which involves a lot of playing and chasing before mating. Gestation is about 63 days with a litter of four or five being normal. The cubs are born blind and helpless weighing only 40 or 50 grams and they are quite slow to develop even though otter milk is exceptionally rich. Life Cycle || 12-14 years in the wild, but in captivity, otters have lived up to 20 years Relatives || Otters belong to the family Mustalidae, which includes weasels, badgers and skunks. The family comprises the smallest of mammal carnivores. The nine species of otter are all well adapted to seeking their food in water but are still very similar to other mustalids in many ways. These nine species are divided into three groups with the Asian small clawed otter belonging to the group Aonychini which are found in a wide range of habitats and are more social than other groups. Interesting Facts : The numerous stiff whiskers around the nose and snout--and in tufts on their elbows--are sensitive to water turbulence and aid an otter in locating prey in murky waters. Otters have two layers of fur consisting of a thick, coarse, waterproof outer coat and an insulating, warm inner layer made up of much finer, softer fur. Watch them in water and the otters appear to be encased in a silver sheen. This is in fact a film of air bubbles that clings to the rough outer hairs covering the animals. Otter's milk is extremely rich (six times more fat than cow's milk). In some parts of Asia, there is a long tradition of training otters to assist in catching small fish. Breeding Programme || Wellington Zoo has not been involved in an otter breeding programme since the birth of two pups in May 2002. Environmental Conditions || Unfortunately for otters, their luxurious coats have proved popular with people, and as a result, the numbers of otters worldwide have dropped considerably over the last 200 years. Their population is decreasing rapidly in the wild, due to hunting, lack of food and habitat alteration or pollution. At Wellington Zoo || We currently have three males otters at Wellington Zoo.

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