Asian Small Clawed Otter

Asian Small Clawed Otter-Sea life not only includes the creatures that live in seas but also those animals that live in fresh water bodies. One such sea life creature is the Asian small clawed otter. These are the smallest among the other family members. The Asian small clawed otter is found in swamps in China, India, Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Thailand. Most of the Asian countries have got this species. These small clawed otters would weigh not more than five kilograms. The claws of these animals do not extend above its toes. This gives them the name. With their small claws, the otters can hold their prey with a grip and feed on them.

Where do they live?

The Asian small clawed otters live near fresh water. There must be dampness in the place they live. Small ponds, lagoons, swampy regions, rivers, lakes and even near the coasts, these otters can be seen in abundant. But due to the reduction in their habitat, this Asian small clawed otter is nearing extinction. So there are laws formulated for the protection of this species. These animals are also found near dense foliage.

Unlike other otters, this kind of mother does not spend most of their time in the water. They dwell on land but can swim well in water bodies. They prefer to live near ponds where the water is stagnant than rivers. They wish to be alone and undisturbed by humans and other animals. So they prefer such kind of lonely places. They live in large groups.

Communication

Communication of these Asian small clawed otters is very unique. The others can communicate vocally. They produce twelve different types of sounds to indicate their position and express their feelings. The others can also communicate through smell. The tail portion of the other secretes a scent. The other spreads this scent in its boundaries and other areas to make others know that there is an other. They also make small heaps of mud, sand, gravel or leaves to communicate to other otters about their living.

Feeding Habits

Otters have strong teeth. They also have very sharp claws. Hence they feed on shelled animals like crabs, crustaceans, and mollusks. They use their claws than their teeth to hold the prey and break its shell. They sometimes bury their prey and wait for the shell to break. The others also feed on other small animals like frogs, mudskippers, small insects, and fish. They also feed on snakes. They use their teeth to tear open the flesh of the snakes.

Reproduction
The otters can live up to eleven to sixteen years. The female otters can give birth twice a year and can yield one to six babies per year. The young otters are carefully taken care of by their mothers. The male otters also assist them in building the nesting area and procuring food after birth. The young otters do not open their eyes for the first forty days. They stay in their birth place and their activities are just feeding and sleeping. When they open their eyes, they start to move and eat solid foods. The otters can swim only after three months. They live with the female otter until the next litter.

The Asian small clawed otter is one of the unique sea life creature found in most parts of the Asian countries. They lead a great life near the water bodies.