The Asian Small-Clawed Otter

Author and Illustrator: Natania Quiros

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Asian small-clawed otters are the smallest species of otters in the world.

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These otters are born weighing less than two ounces! They grow to weigh from 2 to 11 pounds.

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Their small claws allow them to use their webbed paws as hands to hunt their food, unlike other otters that have long claws.

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Asian small-clawed otters carnivorous diet consists of mollusks, crabs, and even small fish and amphibians.

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Their sturdy tail and powerful hind legs enable them to swim quickly through the water.

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When otters fall asleep floating, they hold hands so they do not drift apart.

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As you will see, otters are very social creatures and can be found living in groups of about 12.

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Their high energy life style requires a lot of eating.

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The species' individuality is shown when they communicate with other otters of the group.

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They have over 12 vocalizations just to communicate and includes whistles, chirps, and chuckles; this is much more than other species.

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Although they use vocals to communicate, scents are also important to the close-knit species.  

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A group of otters living together is called a lodge.

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Asian small-clawed otters reach reproductive maturity at two years old, but may not breed until it is five or seven years old.

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Out of the entire lodge, only two otters will breed, and the rest of the otters will help nurse the babies when they are born.

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Asian small-clawed otters are also called Oriental small-clawed otters.

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Because of their energy, otters love to play with a purpose. Sometimes they play to bond their lodge and other times they play to just enjoy it!

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Compared with other otters, the Asian small-clawed otter is quite different as it spends more time on land than any other species.

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These cute otters can often be found living by rivers, lakes, and mangrove swamps.