Two oriental small-clawed otters sleeping at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C.

Description
English:
Smithsonian National Zoological Park
Small-clawed otter's sleeping at the National Zoo, Washington, DC
Date 7 February 2012
Author SarahStierch https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:SarahStierch
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Aonyx_cinerea_-_Small-clawed_otter_-_Stierch.jpg

The oriental small-clawed otter (Aonyx cinerea syn. Amblonyx cinereus), also known as the Asian small-clawed otter, is the smallest otter species in the world. Its paws are a distinctive feature, its claws not extending beyond the fleshy end pads of its partially webbed fingers and toes. This gives it a high degree of manual dexterity so that it can use its paws to feed on molluscs, crabs and other small aquatic animals. The oriental small-clawed otter inhabits mangrove swamps and freshwater wetlands in South and Southeast Asia. It lives in extended family groups with only the alpha pair breeding; offspring from previous years help to raise the young. Due to ongoing habitat loss, pollution, and hunting in some areas, it is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Order: Carnivora, Family: Mustelidae, Subfamily: Lutrinae, Synonyms: Amblonyx cinereus, Aonyx cinereus, Aonyx cinerea.