Adorable Asian Small-Clawed Otters Were Recently Sighted in Puerto Princesa
Asian small-clawed otters are known as the most adorable mammals in the province of Palawan. Just recently, they were spotted by locals in Puerto Princesa, according to a post by Palawan News.
Also known as dungon or dengen, these little creatures are considered "true stewards of the mangrove habitat," the outlet says, referencing the photos taken by a man named Jimboy Mendoza. "Their presence helps maintain a delicate balance by controlling crustacean and fish populations, preventing overgrazing on crucial vegetation, and aiding in seed dispersal."
ALSO READ:
This Philippine Bird Is Unfortunately Called Taeng Baboy
This Farm in Calamba Has Over 34 Peacock Breeds and Other Rare Bird Breeds
The Status of Aonyx Cinereus
Weighing more or less 10 pounds and measuring up to about two feet, these are the smallest of the 13 otter species.
Listed as "Vulnerable" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the Asian small-clawed otter (scientific name: Aonyx cinereus) population has unfortunately declined by as much as 30 percent over the last three decades. It's an incredibly social species, with family groups reaching up to 20 individuals.
Interestingly, these otters are known to be very vocal creatures. They are known to possess up to 12 different vocalizations, according to the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Insitute. These are meant for things like contact, summons, greeting, threat, and alarm calls and are transmitted visually, chemically, or via tactile cues.
Apart from this, they use scent marks as a vital mode of communication. "With paired scent glands at the base of the tail, otters emit an intensely musky smell that can delineate territory and communicates information concerning identity, sex, sexual receptivity, and time elapsed between scenting visits," it writes.
Asian small-clawed otters are a species of otter native to South and Southeast Asia. They live in river habitats, mangrove swamps, and the like, feeding on crabs and various small aquatic creatures. Their presence can be even found in parts of southern China, southeastern India, Indonesia, and the Philippines, particularly in Palawan, among other countries.
As an epicenter of biodiversity, Palawan is home to hundreds of marine and terrestrial threatened species, including these adorable animals. It serves as the only area in the country for the Asian small-clawed otter.
Unfortunately, these otters have been threatened by habitat destruction, environmental degradation, and even poachers in the exotic meat market over the years. In Japan, for instance, there was even a report of a rising trade for otter meat. Cubs are reportedly taken out of groups and brought to cities for people and business owners to keep them as pets.
Under human care, this otter species can live up to anywhere between 12 and 20 years. Their lifespan in their natural habitat could possibly be much longer.
