The reddish tuco-tuco (Ctenomys frater) is a species of rodent in the family Ctenomyidae.[2] Five subspecies have been recognized, some formerly designated as separate species.[3] It is found in Argentina and Bolivia at altitudes from 600 to 4,500 m (1,970 to 14,760 ft).[1] This tuco-tuco is fossorial, like others in its genus. Its diet consists of underground tubers and roots. Its karyotype has 2n = 52 and FN = 78.[4]

Reddish tuco-tuco
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Rodentia
Family: Ctenomyidae
Genus: Ctenomys
Species:
C. frater
Binomial name
Ctenomys frater
Thomas, 1902
Subspecies

C.f. barbarous
C.f. budini (Thomas, 1913)
C. f. frater Thomas, 1902
C. f. mordosus (Thomas, 1926)
C.f. sylvanus (Thomas, 1919)

It lives in colonies in areas with suitably soft, dry soil. Both undisturbed and disturbed areas provide suitable habitat. Its conservation status is assessed as "Least Concern" by the IUCN.[1]

References edit

  1. ^ a b c Vivar, E. (2018) [errata version of 2017 assessment]. "Ctenomys frater". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2017: e.T115553730A123796865. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-3.RLTS.T115553730A115553734.en. Retrieved 26 December 2019.
  2. ^ Woods, C.A.; Kilpatrick, C.W. (2005). "Infraorder Hystricognathi". In Wilson, D.E.; Reeder, D.M (eds.). Mammal Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference (3rd ed.). Johns Hopkins University Press. pp. 1538–1600. ISBN 978-0-8018-8221-0. OCLC 62265494.
  3. ^ R. A. Mittermeier; T. Llobet; T. E. Lacher (2017). Handbook of the Mammals of the World: Rodents II. Lynx. ISBN 978-84-16728-04-6.
  4. ^ Cook, J. A.; Anderson, S. A.; Yates, T. L. (1990). "Notes on Bolivian mammals 6. The genus Ctenomys (Rodentia, Ctenomyidae) in the highlands". American Museum Novitates (2980): 1–27. hdl:2246/5062.