5120 x 3407 px | 43,3 x 28,8 cm | 17,1 x 11,4 inches | 300dpi
Aufnahmedatum:
26. Juni 2009
Weitere Informationen:
Animal Asian short-clawed Otter Latin name (Aonyx cinerea) Distribution India, SE Asia, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Borneo, Palawan Islands, S. China. Habitat Shallow estuaries or rice paddies, seldom venturing into deep water. Diet Varied including frogs, fish & crabs. Gestation Around 2 months, usually 2-3 cubs born. Longevity Up to 10 years in the wild, longer in captivity. Status in the wild Listed as near threatened by the IUCN and listed on CITES Appendix II. General characteristics The Asian short-clawed otter is the smallest of the 12 species of otter, rarely reaching more than 60cm in body length and 90cm overall. They have a burnt umber to dusky brown coat with a noticeably paler throat. Like all otters, they are superbly designed for their highly aquatic life with long, streamlined bodies, partially webbed feet and sensitive whiskers. Their ears and nostrils actually close when underwater. This indicates that sound is not important in locating prey. The Oriental short-clawed otters use their outstretched hands to catch their prey, unlike some species which use their open mouths. Prey is consumed immediately and may be hunted up to 4 times a day due to the otter’s high metabolism. The Short-clawed otters live in extended family groups with a strong bond between the breeding pair who rear the cubs together. They do not have a specific breeding season. The playfulness of otters is well known, especially among juveniles, who are mastering the agility, which will help them catch food. It also helps reinforce social bonds between them. Some ‘play’ which involves rolling around a log or a pile of leaves may in fact be a way of rubbing themselves dry or placing a scent mark. The otter is a very vocal species and has developed over 12 different calls to communicate with each other. Populations in Asia are threatened as they are killed for their pelts and for their organs which are believed to have medicinal value. Pollution and habitat destruction also pos
