Can you keep the small-clawed otter you see at the zoo as a pet? We will introduce and explain its characteristics, ecology, and habitat. It is the smallest type of otter, and lives in small rivers in Southeast Asia, and many households keep it as a pet, but it is actually designated as an endangered species.
What is a small-clawed otter? About basic status
The small-clawed otter is a mammal belonging to the genus Otter, in the order Carnivora and the family Mustelidae. The scientific name is Aonyx cinerea. The body length is 41 – 64 cm, the tail length is 25 – 35 cm, the body height is 20 cm, and the weight is 2.7 – 5.4 kg.
| Japanese（和名） | コツメカワウソ |
| English（英名） | Asian short-clawed otter Asian small-clawed otter Oriental short-clawed otter Oriental small-clawed otter Small-clawed otter |
| scientific name(学名) | Aonyx cinerea |
| classification（分類） | Mammalia、 Carnivora、Mustelidae、Aonyx 哺乳綱、食肉目、イタチ科、ツメナシカワウソ属 |
| IUCN Status(保全状況) | VULNERABLE |
| Length（体長） | 41 – 64cm |
| Weight（体重） | 2.7 – 5.4kg |
About classification
This is the only species of small-clawed otter, and it constitutes the genus Otter. The following subspecies classification and distribution of the small-clawed otter have been confirmed. They are distributed in India, Malaysia, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Thailand, respectively.
- Aonyx cinerea cinerea
- Aonyx cinerea concolor
- Aonyx cinerea nirnai
About habitat
The small-clawed otter is widely distributed throughout Southeast Asia.
feature is? What kind of creature is it?
Small-clawed otters live in rivers, swamps, coasts, mangrove forests, and rice paddies. It got its name from its small claws. It is diurnal, but may be active at night. The back is grayish brown or light blackish brown, and the throat is white or grayish white. The feet are narrow, and the webs extend to the last joints of the fingers and toes. Breeding otters with a high amount of exercise can be tiring.
What is your personality like?
Small-clawed otters love to play. Since they require a lot of exercise, it is necessary to give them toys to keep them from getting bored. This animal is suitable for people who want to actively engage in physical contact with their pets, and they also have a very loud sound.
What is the ecology like?
Small-clawed otters live on crustaceans, shellfish, insects, fish, and reptiles. The breeding pattern is viviparous, with an estrus interval of 24 to 30 days. Breeding is possible all year round. It is possible to give birth to 1 to 6 puppies at a time. Sexual maturity takes about 2 years, and lifespan in captivity is 15 years.
Are there any natural enemies?
The natural enemies of small-clawed otters are carnivores that live near water, such as crocodiles.
Is the small-clawed otter an endangered species?
Unfortunately, the small-clawed otter is designated as an endangered species. Furthermore, international trade is severely restricted by the Washington Convention. It is said that the population of wild small-clawed otters has decreased by approximately 30% over the past 30 years.
Pests destroying rice fields
As you can see by actually touching the small-clawed otter, it moves very well. That’s why I love pranks so much. They are sometimes considered pests and are often exterminated by farmers. Habitat destruction due to agricultural land development and deforestation is progressing, and the population is decreasing.
hunting for fur, etc.
They are overhunted for their fur. Additionally, small-clawed otters are in high demand as pets, and are overhunted for this reason as well. The reality is that poaching and smuggling are rampant.
Can you keep a small-clawed otter as a pet?
It is a pet that is extremely difficult to care for. This is because it is designated as an endangered species, and international trade is strictly restricted by the Washington Convention.
What is the average cost of otters?
The average cost of otters is said to be over 1 million yen per animal when converted to Japanese yen. Consider adopting individuals already in the country or those born from such pairs from zoos or aquariums.
Things needed for breeding
What you need for breeding is a room for the otter, a toilet, toys, and food. We recommend a dog or cat cage for the toilet. Small-clawed otters love to play, so toys are a must. The main food should be cat food, and fish and crustaceans should be given as side foods. It would also be nice to have a pool.
Getting used to skinship
Small-clawed otters have friendly personalities and love physical contact with their owners. They may bite their owners, but be careful not to pull your fingers back as this can cause injury. It has extremely well-developed jaw muscles and is said to have the strength of a large dog. Most of the time it will be a sweet bite, but please be careful.
Be careful of illness
Otters are at risk of parasites, loss of appetite, and diarrhea. In particular, there are cases where the seafood that is fed as food contains parasites. You will need to take measures such as freezing them instead of giving them in the purchased state.
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