ASIAN SMALL-CLAWED OTTER Aonyx cinerea Mammal Order Carnivora Description Head and body length is 18 - 24 inches, tail: 10 - 14 inches. Weight: 2 11 lbs. Color: Brown, with paler underparts and sometimes white markings on the face, throat, and chest. Claws of the adults are only minute spikes that do not project beyond the ends of the of the digital pads. Range Northwestern India to southeastern China and Malay Peninsula, southern India, Hainan, Sumatra, Java, Borneo, Rhio Archipelago, Palawan. Status C.I.T.E.S. II. Photo by Greg Neise

Ecology Habitat Occurs in rivers, creeks, estuaries, and coastal waters. Niche Carnivorous. The diet consists mainly of crabs, other crustaceans, mollusks, and frogs; fish are relatively unimportant. They live in loose family groups of up to 12 individuals and have avocabulary of up to 12 calls. Life History These otters may produce two litters annually. The gestation is 60 - 64 days, and litters contain 1 - 6 young, usually 1 or 2. The lifespan is about 11 years in captivity. Special Adaptations These otters have sensitive and dexterous forepaws which help locate prey in mud or under stones. They have relatively large, broad cheek teeth, apparently for purposes of crushing the shells of crabs and mollusks.