Asian Small-clawed Otter

The Asian small-clawed otter is the smallest living otter. It has dark brown upper fur, a paler underside and grey, white or cream markings around the face and throat. Its claws do not project beyond the digital pads, and the toes are only partly webbed. These sensitive, dexterous forefeet probe mud and spaces beneath stones for prey. Adults measure up to 61cm including the tail and weigh under 4.5kg. (Smithsonian's National Zoo)

The species occurs from southern India and southern China through Southeast Asia, Indonesia and the Philippines. It uses streams, rivers, marshes, rice paddies, mangroves and coasts, and—despite its aquatic adaptations—spends much of its time on land. It is social and forages especially for crabs, molluscs and shellfish, crushing shells with its broad teeth or manipulating them with its paws. (Smithsonian's National Zoo; NParks Singapore)