Bridges' Degu | |
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Conservation status | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Mammalia |
Order: | Rodentia |
Family: | Octodontidae |
Genus: | Octodon |
Species: | O. bridgesi |
Binomial name | |
Octodon bridgesi Waterhouse, 1845 |
Bridges' Degu (Octodon bridgesi) is a species of rodent in the family Octodontidae. It is found in Argentina and Chile, most typically in southern Chile.[2] The species was named after Thomas Bridges, a Victorian botanist who sent specimens to the British Museum for identification.[3]
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Unlike its close relative the common degu, Bridges' degu is nocturnal (active at night).[4]
Bridges' degu has deep molar indentaions and has a deep fold on the inside of the last molar.[5]
The species is less widely distributed in Chile than the common degu and inhabits rocky, forested areas[5] and some open farmland,[2] although it is far less well adapted for digging[4] but does have some climbing ability.[6] Deforestation may be contributing to the decline of this species.[4]
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