Chile rat

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Chile rat
Systematics
Family : Burrowers (Cricetidae)
Subfamily : Sigmodontinae
Oryzomyalia
incertae sedis
Genre : Irenomys
Type : Chile rat
Scientific name of the  genus
Irenomys
Thomas , 1919
Scientific name of the  species
Irenomys tarsalis
( Philippi , 1900)

The Chile rat ( Irenomys tarsalis ) is a southern America living rodent species from the group of New world .

Chile rats reach a head body length of 10 to 14 centimeters, the tail becomes 13 to 19 centimeters long. The weight is around 30 to 70 grams. Their fur is reddish-gray on the upper side, the underside is light pink. The ears are colored a contrasting black, the paws are white.

These rodents live in central and southern Chile (including the island of Chiloé ) and the neighboring regions of Argentina . Their habitat are moist forests.

They are nocturnal and mainly stay in the trees. Their diet consists of fruits, seeds and green parts of plants. The populations can probably fluctuate significantly depending on the food supply. Reproduction takes place between October (spring) and June (autumn), the litter size is three to six young.

According to the IUCN , the Chile rat is not threatened, but this information is out of date.

The systematic position within the New World mice is unclear. It is classified in the Sigmodontinae , where it is listed as incertae sedis . Morphologically , it is similar to leaf ear mice and related species (Phyllotini), but the molecular genetic findings contradict this.

literature

  • Ronald M. Nowak: Walker's Mammals of the World. 2 volumes. 6th edition. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore MD et al. 1999, ISBN 0-8018-5789-9 .
  • Don E. Wilson , DeeAnn M. Reeder (Eds.): Mammal Species of the World. A taxonomic and geographic Reference. 2 volumes. 3. Edition. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore MD 2005, ISBN 0-8018-8221-4 .

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