# Asian small-clawed otter

> The Asian small-clawed otter (Aonyx cinereus) is the world's smallest otter, living in family groups in rivers, rice fields and mangroves in Indonesia.

Source: https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/asian-small-clawed-otter/ · Updated 25 September 2026 · English · Bahasa Indonesia: https://panduanhewan.org/id/spesies/berang-berang-cakar-kecil/
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**Review status:** Compiled and checked against the listed sources; not yet reviewed by a specialist.

## Quick answer

The Asian small-clawed otter (*Aonyx cinereus*) is a mammal in the family Mustelidae.

| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | *Aonyx cinereus* |
| Indonesian name | Berang-berang cakar kecil |
| Group | Mammals |
| Family | Mustelidae |
| Range in Indonesia | Sumatra, Java and Borneo |
| Linked habitats | [Freshwater Wetlands](https://panduanhewan.org/en/habitats/freshwater-wetlands/), [Mangroves](https://panduanhewan.org/en/habitats/mangroves/) |
| Diet | Crabs, shrimps, snails, shellfish, small fish, frogs and insects |
| Range in Indonesia | Sumatra, Java and Borneo |
| Key feature | World's smallest otter; short claws and very nimble hands |
| Other names | Oriental small-clawed otter, sero ampang, Lutra cinerea |
| Conservation status | Vulnerable (IUCN); CITES Appendix I since 2019 |

## What is the Asian small-clawed otter?

The Asian small-clawed otter (Aonyx cinereus) is the smallest of the world's 13 otter species. The IUCN SSC Otter Specialist Group gives a total length of 65–94 cm, including a 25–35 cm tail, and a weight of 2–5 kg. It is dark brown above and paler below, often with grey or white markings on the face and throat. True to its name, its claws are short and do not reach beyond the finger pads, and its fingers are only partly webbed, which makes its hands very dexterous. The Mammal Diversity Database now places it in Lutra, as Lutra cinerea, but IUCN and CITES still use Aonyx cinereus.

Evidence: [IUCN SSC Otter Specialist Group — Aonyx cinereus](https://www.otterspecialistgroup.org/osg-newsite/aonyx-cinereus/) · [Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute — Asian small-clawed otter](https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/asian-small-clawed-otter) · [Mammal Diversity Database (ASM) — Lutra cinerea, Asian Small-clawed Otter](https://www.mammaldiversity.org/taxon/1005840/)

## Where does the Asian small-clawed otter live?

In Indonesia, the Asian small-clawed otter lives in Sumatra, Java and Borneo, in rivers, lakes, swamps, rice fields and mangrove forests. An article by a conservation cadre of the South Sumatra conservation agency, published by the forestry ministry's KSDAE directorate, calls it native to Sumatra and notes its liking for sandy, grassy rivers, where family groups dig dens in the banks. The IUCN SSC Otter Specialist Group describes it as highly adaptable, from fast streams in Thailand to still pools in West Java, swamps, paddies, peat and mangroves. When foraging, it roams further from water than other Asian otters.

Evidence: [Ditjen KSDAE — Aonyx cinereus si Berang-Berang Cakar Kecil Penghuni Sungai Sumatera](https://ksdae.kehutanan.go.id/publikasi/pengumuman/aonyx-cinereus-si-berang-berang-cakar-kecil-penghuni-sungai-sumatera-1gQglq0z/) · [IUCN SSC Otter Specialist Group — Aonyx cinereus](https://www.otterspecialistgroup.org/osg-newsite/aonyx-cinereus/) · [Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute — Asian small-clawed otter](https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/asian-small-clawed-otter)

## What does the Asian small-clawed otter eat?

The Asian small-clawed otter feeds mainly on crabs, shrimps and other crustaceans, plus snails, shellfish, small fish and insects. Unlike most otters, it catches food with its hands rather than its mouth. Smithsonian's National Zoo explains that its sensitive finger pads let it feel for prey under rocks or in murky water, and it cracks shells with its hands or its broad, strong teeth. The South Sumatra conservation article also lists frogs, snakes and small mammals as prey. Because it eats crabs that are pests in rice paddies, some rice farmers regard it as an asset.

Evidence: [IUCN SSC Otter Specialist Group — Aonyx cinereus](https://www.otterspecialistgroup.org/osg-newsite/aonyx-cinereus/) · [Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute — Asian small-clawed otter](https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/asian-small-clawed-otter) · [Ditjen KSDAE — Aonyx cinereus si Berang-Berang Cakar Kecil Penghuni Sungai Sumatera](https://ksdae.kehutanan.go.id/publikasi/pengumuman/aonyx-cinereus-si-berang-berang-cakar-kecil-penghuni-sungai-sumatera-1gQglq0z/)

## How do Asian small-clawed otters live and breed?

Asian small-clawed otters live in family groups made up of a lifelong breeding pair and their young. The South Sumatra conservation article reports groups of 5–12, and the IUCN SSC Otter Specialist Group notes that groups of up to 20 are sometimes seen. According to Smithsonian's National Zoo, pregnancy lasts 68–72 days and produces one to six pups, typically twice a year. The whole family helps to feed and raise the young. The species is also very vocal, with at least twelve different calls, and marks its range with scent from glands at the base of the tail, often at shared latrines.

Evidence: [Ditjen KSDAE — Aonyx cinereus si Berang-Berang Cakar Kecil Penghuni Sungai Sumatera](https://ksdae.kehutanan.go.id/publikasi/pengumuman/aonyx-cinereus-si-berang-berang-cakar-kecil-penghuni-sungai-sumatera-1gQglq0z/) · [IUCN SSC Otter Specialist Group — Aonyx cinereus](https://www.otterspecialistgroup.org/osg-newsite/aonyx-cinereus/) · [Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute — Asian small-clawed otter](https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/asian-small-clawed-otter)

## Why are Asian small-clawed otters traded as pets?

Asian small-clawed otters are taken for the pet trade because they are small and look cute, and they are widely sold on social media. A 2018 report by TRAFFIC and the IUCN SSC Otter Specialist Group found at least 560 online adverts offering 734–1,189 otters in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand between January and April 2017. On average, 711 of these were offered in Indonesia. Over 70% were under a year old, and small-clawed otters were the most traded species, with at least 700 animals. Mothers may be killed so their cubs can be taken. Japan has been identified as a smuggling destination.

Evidence: [TRAFFIC — Illegal otter trade in Southeast Asia (2018)](https://www.traffic.org/publications/reports/illegal-otter-trade-in-southeast-asia/) · [Mongabay Indonesia — Nasib Berang-berang, Terancam Punah di Alam Liar (2024)](https://www.mongabay.co.id/2024/03/24/nasib-berang-berang-terancam-punah-di-alam-liar/) · [Ditjen KSDAE — Aonyx cinereus si Berang-Berang Cakar Kecil Penghuni Sungai Sumatera](https://ksdae.kehutanan.go.id/publikasi/pengumuman/aonyx-cinereus-si-berang-berang-cakar-kecil-penghuni-sungai-sumatera-1gQglq0z/)

## How can the Asian small-clawed otter be protected?

The most important way to protect the Asian small-clawed otter is not to buy, keep or promote pet otters on social media. Since the CITES CoP18 meeting in Geneva in 2019, the species has been listed on Appendix I, which bans international commercial trade in wild-caught animals. The IUCN Red List classes it as Vulnerable and declining. Otter cubs are hard to hand-rear and catch the same diseases as cats and dogs. Other threats include the loss of rivers and wetlands, pollution, and conflict with people who see otters as pests. Keep rivers clean and report wildlife sales to the local BKSDA.

Evidence: [Monitor Conservation Research Society — Otters at CITES CoP18: Stronger protection from over-exploitation (2019)](https://mcrsociety.org/2019/09/01/otters-at-cites-cop18-stronger-protection-from-over-exploitation/) · [TRAFFIC — Illegal otter trade in Southeast Asia (2018)](https://www.traffic.org/publications/reports/illegal-otter-trade-in-southeast-asia/) · [Ditjen KSDAE — Aonyx cinereus si Berang-Berang Cakar Kecil Penghuni Sungai Sumatera](https://ksdae.kehutanan.go.id/publikasi/pengumuman/aonyx-cinereus-si-berang-berang-cakar-kecil-penghuni-sungai-sumatera-1gQglq0z/)

## Common questions about the Asian small-clawed otter

### What is the scientific name of the Asian small-clawed otter?

The scientific name of the Asian small-clawed otter is *Aonyx cinereus*, in the family Mustelidae. In Indonesian it is called Berang-berang cakar kecil.

### Where can the Asian small-clawed otter be found in Indonesia?

In Indonesia, this guide records the Asian small-clawed otter in: Sumatra, Java and Borneo.

Source-supported habitats: [Freshwater Wetlands](https://panduanhewan.org/en/habitats/freshwater-wetlands/), [Mangroves](https://panduanhewan.org/en/habitats/mangroves/).

### What does the Asian small-clawed otter eat?

Diet of the Asian small-clawed otter: crabs, shrimps, snails, shellfish, small fish, frogs and insects.

## Sources & references

1. [IUCN SSC Otter Specialist Group — Aonyx cinereus](https://www.otterspecialistgroup.org/osg-newsite/aonyx-cinereus/)
2. [Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute — Asian small-clawed otter](https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/asian-small-clawed-otter)
3. [Ditjen KSDAE — Aonyx cinereus si Berang-Berang Cakar Kecil Penghuni Sungai Sumatera](https://ksdae.kehutanan.go.id/publikasi/pengumuman/aonyx-cinereus-si-berang-berang-cakar-kecil-penghuni-sungai-sumatera-1gQglq0z/)
4. [Mammal Diversity Database (ASM) — Lutra cinerea, Asian Small-clawed Otter](https://www.mammaldiversity.org/taxon/1005840/)
5. [TRAFFIC — Illegal otter trade in Southeast Asia (2018)](https://www.traffic.org/publications/reports/illegal-otter-trade-in-southeast-asia/)
6. [Mongabay Indonesia — Nasib Berang-berang, Terancam Punah di Alam Liar (2024)](https://www.mongabay.co.id/2024/03/24/nasib-berang-berang-terancam-punah-di-alam-liar/)
7. [Monitor Conservation Research Society — Otters at CITES CoP18: Stronger protection from over-exploitation (2019)](https://mcrsociety.org/2019/09/01/otters-at-cites-cop18-stronger-protection-from-over-exploitation/)

## Further reading

[Otter: facts, threats and conservation](https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/wildlife-guides/otter/) — World Animal Rescue Network. A broader overview that covers this animal.

## Keep exploring

- [Bearded pig](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/bearded-pig/)
- [Bornean elephant](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/bornean-elephant/)
- [Bornean orangutan](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/bornean-orangutan/)
- [Plantain Squirrel](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/callosciurus-notatus/)
- [Freshwater Wetlands](https://panduanhewan.org/en/habitats/freshwater-wetlands/)
- [Mangroves](https://panduanhewan.org/en/habitats/mangroves/)
- [Smooth-coated otter](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/smooth-coated-otter/)
- [Lesser short-nosed fruit bat](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/lesser-short-nosed-fruit-bat/)

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Cite: PanduanHewan. (2026). Asian small-clawed otter. PanduanHewan.org. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/asian-small-clawed-otter/