Asian Small-clawed Otterコツメカワウソ

Species Data

Classification

Carnivora / Mustelidae Source

Distribution

Found across South and Southeast Asia—including India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, southern China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines—in wetlands, mangroves, and rice paddies. Source

Did You Know?

• It is the smallest of the world's otter species, and its tiny, blunt claws—which barely extend past the fleshy pads of its digits—give the species its English and Japanese names. Source
• Highly social, small-clawed otters live in groups of up to 15 individuals and communicate using at least 12 distinct types of vocalizations. Source
• Since the late 2010s, social-media-driven pet demand has fueled a surge in smuggling; one estimate found that around 70% of otter smuggling cases intercepted in Southeast Asia were destined for Japan, making illegal trade a serious conservation threat behind the species' popularity. Source

Transferred or Residency Unconfirmed

FAQ

Why is it called the small-clawed otter?

Its claws are much smaller and blunter than those of other otter species, barely projecting past the fleshy pads of its toes—a distinctive trait reflected in both its English and Japanese names. Source

Is the small-clawed otter endangered?

It is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, with numbers estimated to have declined around 30% over the past three decades, and it was moved to CITES Appendix I in 2019 to ban international commercial trade. Source

Why is the pet trade a problem for this species?

Social-media popularity in Japan and elsewhere has driven strong demand for pet otters since the late 2010s, and a large share of otters smuggled out of Southeast Asia have reportedly been destined for the Japanese market, putting additional pressure on wild populations. Source