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These otters are native to southeast Asia, spanning from eastern India, through Thailand, Vietnam, southern China, and some parts of Indonesia and Taiwan. They can thrive and adapt to many different kinds of habitats. They are known to live in mangroves, mountain rivers, swamps, and shallow coastal wetlands.

Asian-small clawed otters are a highly social species of otter, and very vocal. This otter can be found in families of up to 20 individuals. In their group, or commonly known as a romp, they are led by a monogamous pairing and their offspring. They can have up to 2 litters per year, and the older siblings help raise the younger generations. Once mature though, sometimes the pair’s young may leave the romp to start their own. Otherwise, they typically form strong bonds through the whole group and stay together their whole lives. They make many kinds of vocalizations from chirps and growls, to squeaks and barks. They communicate about everything; new discoveries, food, a predator in the area, and greeting one another. Naturally, they are very playful animals. You may see them wrestling with one another, juggling small rocks, or playing in the water together.

Here at the Cincinnati Zoo, we have female “Munti”, and male “Flounder”. Munti was born at the Cleveland Zoo on July 14, 2020, and Flounder at the Columbus Zoo on October 19, 2018. To tell these two apart, Munti has a pink tint to her nose and lips, while Flounder’s lips and nose are a darker black color. Flounder is also a bit bigger than Munti. They both have very different personalities from one another. Munti is full of energy and always eager to explore new things, quickly diving into the investigation of unfamiliar items. Flounder is more cautious than Munti but still displays a strong curiosity for new enrichment items. Though cautious, Flounder is persistent and always determined to unravel any mystery they come across.

The Asian Small-Clawed Otter Species Survival Plan (SSP) recommends the pairing of two otters based on a thorough evaluation of their genetics, behavior, and overall compatibility. This pairing aims to enhance genetic diversity and support the species’ conservation goals by fostering a sustainable and healthy population in human care.

Like many species, the number of these otters in the wild are declining. It is estimated that their population has dropped by about 30% in the past 30 years. Under the IUCN Red List, the Asian small-clawed otter is listed as ‘Vulnerable’. The biggest threats they face in the wild are habitat loss, the illegal pet trade, and farmers who consider them as pests on their land. Much of their habitat is being destroyed to build roads and farmland.

Efforts are underway to secure protected areas, such as wetlands, rivers, and coastal habitats, where Asian small-clawed otters live. These areas help prevent habitat degradation and safeguard natural ecosystems. In countries like India, Thailand, and Indonesia, wetland conservation projects are being implemented to restore degraded habitats and protect water resources. Such initiatives often involve local communities in the restoration process, which helps build local support for the conservation of otters and other species.