Bintang, the Oriental short clawed otter   Scientific name:   Amblonyx cinereus Animal Type:   Mammal Location:   Southern and north-east India, Bangladesh, southern China and south-east Asia Conservation Status:   Near Threatened Diet:   Small crabs, molluscs and small fish       Bintang has lots of hobbies which keep us entertained including climbing, sunbathing, swimming and playing with pebbles. She is a food connoisseur and favourite foods include mussels and prawns.

Bintang, the Oriental short clawed otter

Bintang arrived at Durrell in 2006 and shares her wonderful waterfall enclosure with her mate Bulan. Their names mean ‘star’ and ‘moon’ in Indonesian and the two are certainly a good match. They have bonded exceptionally well and entertain visitors for hours with their relentless activity and watery acrobatics.

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Oriental short clawed otter Profile

The oriental short-clawed otter is the smallest otter species, with adults reaching a total length of 65-100cm (25½-39in), about one third of which is tail, and a weight of about 5kg (11lb). The main body colour is dusky brown and the throat area is greyish white to cream. This otter is sometimes called the clawless otter, as its stubby, agile fingers are tipped with tiny, peg-like vestigial claws, and in German it is aptly named the ‘finger-otter’.

Otters are perfectly adapted for an amphibious way of life, with their sleek, lithe, elongated bodies and dense, water repellent fur. Their ears are small and rounded and, like the nostrils, are closed under water. Although all species are fairly similar in appearance, they exhibit a large degree of behavioural and social variation.

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Threats and challenges to the Oriental short clawed otter

Otters are the only truly amphibious members of the weasel family. Most of the world’s 13 species of otter have undergone a dramatic decline in numbers during the last century, because of human activity.

The main threats to their survival are habitat loss/degradation and water pollution. In addition, although most species are protected by law, they are still trapped for fur and hunted as fish thieves.

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Durrell's involvement with the Oriental short clawed otter

Durrell first began working with the short-clawed otter as a ‘model’ and mixed-exhibit species in 1999, with the arrival of a breeding pair. As it is thought to be one of the least threatened of the otters and is well represented in captivity, this species is being kept to develop successful husbandry methods for future use on more endangered species.

Our pair of otters now lives in the re-developed valley where they share a pond with several wildfowl species.

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Adoption packs

Adopters will receive an adoption folder containing the following based on Bintang, the Oriental short clawed otter:

What's included Bronze Silver Gold A certificate Photograph Fact sheet Birth certificate Animal stickers Two issues of our ‘On the Edge’ magazine per year Regular news via our electronic newsletter ‘eNews’ Complimentary ticket to visit Durrell wildlife park in Jersey Your name listed on our website - Updates about your animal per year - A chance to enjoy a tour with one of our experienced volunteer tour guides, and spend time with your animal and their keeper - - All for just £3 pm £10 pm £55 pm

*Per month

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Where will my Oriental short clawed otter donation money go?

Our dedicated conservationists can continue to work tirelessly in threatened habitats in our strategic conservation areas of islands and highlands worldwide. They will also battle to protect and conserve as much wildlife as they can.

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Please pay for your adoption by Direct Debit if you can. Direct Debits are cheaper for us to administer, letting us spend more of your money on our vital conservation work. Direct Debits are also better for you because payments are made automatically and can be spread across the year and you won't be bothered with renewal forms. It will simply roll over until you request otherwise. However, you can make a single payment if you prefer.

Click here to view and print the direct debit payment form » » | or download it »

Or use the fom below to make a single payment...