Description: The Asian Small-clawed Otter is the smallest of the otters. Its short, sleek coat is dark brown. They have reduced webbing on their feet and hands which gives them greater touch and dexterity. This species of otter can be seen ‘playing’ with sticks and pebbles.

Diet: Small-clawed Otters are carnivores and eat crabs, fish, and small molluscs including snails.

In the wild: Asian Small-clawed Otters are highly social, forming small groups of relatives of 4–12 animals and pairing for life. The female is dominant and the male will hunt for the female and her pups as they develop. The young are independent after 80 days of age.

Threats: All 13 otter species are threatened by the destruction of their aquatic habitats through pollution, urban development and the agriculture industry. Otters are still hunted for their skins and are caught and injured in fishing nets. Land-bound otter species are regularly killed on roads which pass through their natural habitats.

Adopt an Asian Small-clawed Otter at Perth Zoo and support your favourite animal, protect other threatened species and help important conservation work around the world.