Mendoza tuco-tuco
| Mendoza tuco-tuco | |
|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Rodentia |
| Family: | Ctenomyidae |
| Genus: | Ctenomys |
| Species: | C. mendocinus |
| Binomial name | |
| Ctenomys mendocinus Philippi, 1869 | |
The Mendoza tuco-tuco (Ctenomys mendocinus) is a species of rodent in the family Ctenomyidae.[2]
Description
Ctenomys mendocinus ranges from 230-280 mm in body length, and tail length of 70-91 mm. Body mass ranges anywhere between 100-250 g, with males typically larger than females. They have a stocky, robust body shape with short limbs and ears. Pelage is predominantly light-brown with subtle black and white coloration on its dorsal side, and a lightly colored tail. Forelimbs have long claws, necessary for burrowing.[3]
Distribution
The species is endemic to the northern and central regions of the Mendoza province in Argentina, at a range of elevation from 460-3600 m.[3]
Behavior
Members of this species engage in solitary burrowing behavior. Their foreleg claws are their primary method of digging tunnels through the ground, although the incisors may be used occasionally.[3] They generally do not arise above the surface during the day time; however, they have a preference for above ground plant material and will surface to forage for food.[4]
Newborns are highly altricial: after a 3 month gestation period, pups are born half-naked and blind, weaning 56 days after birth and becoming independent after 80 days.[5]
Diet
The Mendoza tuco-tuco is an herbivore that feeds preferentially on grasses. Populations in the Andean Precordilla region of Mendoza display high selectivity for grasses and avoidance of shrubs with a preference for above ground plant material, despite a fossorial lifestyle and harsh environmental conditions that lower food availability.[4]
References
- ↑ Bidau, C., Lessa, E. & Ojeda, R. (2008). Ctenomys mendocinus. In: IUCN 2008. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Retrieved 5 January 2009.
- ↑ Woods, C. A.; Kilpatrick, C. W. (2005). "Infraorder Hystricognathi". In Wilson, D. E.; Reeder, D. M. Mammal Species of the World (3rd ed.). Johns Hopkins University Press. pp. 1538–1600. ISBN 978-0-8018-8221-0. OCLC 62265494.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Rosi, M.I., Cona, M.I., Roig, V.G., Massarini, A.I., & Verzi, D.H. (2005). "Ctenomys mendocinus". Mammalian Species.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Rosi, M.I., Cona, M.I., Videla, F., Puig, S., Monge, S.A., & Roig, V.G. (2003). "Diet Selection by the Fossorial Rodent Ctenomys mendocinus Inhabiting an Environment with Low Food Availability (Mendoza, Argentina)". Studies on Neotropical Fauna and Environment 38 (3): 159–166.
- ↑ Camin, Sergio (2010). "Gestation, maternal behaviour, growth and development in the subterranean caviomorph rodent Ctenomys mendocinus (Rodentia, Hysticognathi, Ctenomyidae)". Animal Biology 60: 79–95.