Infographic

Oriental Small-clawed Otter: Facts, Habitat, and Illegal Trade

All you need to know about this shy, mostly nocturnal creature

Text by: Nisarg Prakash Design by: Diviya Mehra

Updated June 10, 2026

Text by: Nisarg Prakash Design by: Diviya Mehra

Updated June 10, 2026

5 min read

All you need to know about this shy, mostly nocturnal creature

What is the weight of the oriental small-clawed otter?

2-5 kg

What is the habitat of the oriental small-clawed otter?

Prefer remote areas, hill and mountain streams, wetlands, mangrove swamps, and paddy fields in parts of Southeast Asia

What is the lifespan of the oriental small-clawed otter?

Unknown in the wild; 12-20 years in captivity

About the Authors

Nisarg Prakash

is a wildlife biologist working with Roundglass Sustain. A large part of my work before Sustain has been along streams and rivers, in the process trying to understand otters better

Diviya Mehra

is a graphic designer. She was the former art director of National Geographic Traveller. Her love for animals, travel and design has shaped her career through the years.