The asian small-clawed otter (Aonyx cinereus) is the smallest otter species in the world and lives throughout southeast Asia. Cognitive research performed at the Atlanta Zoo found that the animals were able to learn a spatial task and have good working and reference memory. Working memory is temporary information stored over a short period of time, whereas reference memory is long term retention of knowledge.

Photo by Isabelle McDonald, taken at DierenPark Amersfoort

Edited by Isabelle McDonald

Reference:

Perdue, B. M., Snyder, R. J., & Maple, T. L. (2013). Cognitive research in Asian small-clawed otters. International Journal of Comparative Psychology, 26(1). https://doi.org/10.46867/ijcp.2013.26.01.01