American small-clawed otter (SciiFii)

The American small-clawed otter (Aonyx americanum), also known as the American clawless otter, is a species of otter that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the rainforests, wetlands, forests, open woodlands, lakes, and rivers across North America to help boost biodiversity. The closest living relative of the American small-clawed otter is the Asian small-clawed otter (Aonyx cinereus). The American short-clawed otter has short claws that do not extend beyond the pads of its webbed digits, giving it an appearance of lacking claws, hence its name. With a total body length of 730 to 960 mm (28.6 to 37.6 inches), it is one of the smallest otter species in the world and the smallest of the North American otters. The American small-clawed otter feeds mainly on crabs, crayfish, and fish. Its diet varies seasonally. When and where available, it also catches snakes, frogs, mollusks, insects, rats and ricefield fish like catfish and others. Captive American small-clawed otters are observed to leave shellfish in the sun, so that the heat causes them to open. That way, they consume the crustaceans and mollusks without having to crush the shells. The American small-clawed otter is mostly active after dark. It lives in groups of up to 15 individuals. Group members communicate using 12 or more distinct calls, and utter a variety of yelps and whimpers. When disturbed, they scream to rally the help of others. When swimming on the surface, American small-clawed otters row with the forelimbs and paddle with the hind limbs. When diving under water, they undulate their bodies and tails. Captive otters swim at speeds of 0.7–1.2 m/s (2.3–3.9 ft/s). American small-clawed otters are monogamous. The estrous cycle of females lasts 28 to 30 days with estrus lasting between one and 13 days. Usually, mating takes place in the water. Gestation lasts 62 to 74 days. Interval between births is at least five months. About two weeks before parturition, both female and male engage in building a nest. They collect grass, hay or straw and carry this material into the breeding chamber. Between one and seven pups are born in a litter. Pups are born with closed eyes, which open in the fifth week. Newborn pups weigh between 45.6 and 62.5 grams (1.61 and 2.20 oz) and reach a weight of 410–988 grams (14.5–34.9 oz) after 60 days. They start exploring the environs of the breeding den at the age of ten weeks. At about three months, they enter and paddle in shallow water under the guidance of the mother. They become independent at the age of four to five months. The conservation status of the American small-clawed otter is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts, the American small-clawed otter's wide range and its tolerance to many of the human activities.