Wildlifeof Nepal
Asian Small-clawed Otter
Bears, Dogs & Otters
Photo: Hamas Fathani · CC-BY-SA
Lutra cinerea
Basic stats
Diet
Crabs, mudskippers and other small aquatic animals including molluscs
Habitat
Freshwater wetlands and waterways
Range
South and Southeast Asia; recently photographed in far-western Nepal
Size
Total length 73–96cm
Weight
Up to 3.5kg
The Asian small-clawed otter is the smallest otter species, with a total body length of 73 to 96cm and a maximum weight of 3.5kg. The fur is deep brown with a rufous tinge on the back and paler below, and the cheeks, upper lip, chin and throat are whitish. The tail is thick and muscular at the base and more than half the body length (Wikipedia, general species account).
It lives in pairs but has also been seen in family groups of up to 12, and group members call to each other with a dozen or more distinct calls. It feeds mainly on crabs and mudskippers, with a diet that shifts with the season. In February 2025 one was photographed in Dadeldhura District in far-western Nepal. Nationally Data Deficient (Nepal National Red List 2011).
Quick answers
- What does the Asian Small-clawed Otter eat?
- Crabs, mudskippers and other small aquatic animals including molluscs
- What habitat does the Asian Small-clawed Otter live in?
- Freshwater wetlands and waterways
- Where is the Asian Small-clawed Otter found?
- South and Southeast Asia; recently photographed in far-western Nepal
- How big is the Asian Small-clawed Otter?
- Total length 73–96cm
- How much does the Asian Small-clawed Otter weigh?
- Up to 3.5kg