BAMZ Welcomes Three New Small Clawed Otters
The Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo [BAMZ] has announced the birth of three Asian small-clawed otters.
A post on Facebook said, “The BAMZ is happy to announce the birth of three Asian small-clawed otters. Proud parents Raakshas and Zucchini gave birth to two boys and one girl recently. They will be on and off exhibit as they attend to their growing “romp”. This will make six otters born at BAMZ over the last two years as part of their Species Survival Plan.
Did you know?
“Generally, a group of otters on land is called a romp, and a group in the water is called a raft or bevy.
Size and Appearance:
“Asian small-clawed otters [Aonyx cinereus] are the smallest otter species in the world. They have a sleek, slender body and short claws with a high degree of dexterity, which they use for various tasks like grooming and catching prey. They have a smooth, velvety coat that is usually brown or gray in color with a lighter underside.
Social Structure:
“These otters are highly social animals and are known for their close-knit family groups. They live in extended family units that can consist of several generations, with the dominant breeding pair at the center. The entire family participates in activities like foraging, grooming, and raising the young.
Habitat and Distribution:
“Asian small-clawed otters are found in various aquatic habitats throughout South and Southeast Asia, including mangrove swamps, freshwater wetlands, and rice paddies. They are excellent swimmers and have adaptations that allow them to thrive in aquatic environments.
Diet:
“Their diet primarily consists of small aquatic creatures, such as crustaceans, mollusks, fish, frogs, and insects. They use their sensitive paws to locate and capture prey underwater, and they are known to use tools like rocks to break open shells.
Vocal Communication:
“Asian small-clawed otters are highly vocal animals and use a range of vocalizations to communicate with each other. These vocalizations include chirps, whistles, and other unique sounds that help them coordinate activities and maintain social bonds within their family groups.
“These otters are not only fascinating creatures due to their physical characteristics and behaviors but also due to their strong family dynamics and communication methods.”
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