Long-clawed mole mouse
| Long-clawed mole mouse | ||||||||||||
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| Geoxus valdivianus | ||||||||||||
| ( Philippi , 1858) |
The long-clawed mole mouse ( Geoxus valdivianus ) is a species of rodent from the group of New World mice that lives in South America .
Long-clawed mole mice are small animals adapted to a burrowing way of life. They reach a head body length of 9 to 11 centimeters, the tail is relatively short with 3 to 5 centimeters. The weight is 20 to 40 grams. The mole-like fur is evenly dark in color. The name-giving feature is the up to 7 millimeter long claws on the front legs. The skull is delicate and elongated.
These animals live in southern South America from central Chile and Argentina to the Strait of Magellan . They prefer humid habitats such as forests and meadows, but avoid steppe areas. They create corridors underground, but also use those of other animals. They can hunt for food both day and night, their diet consists of earthworms, as well as beetles and other insects .
The species is not endangered according to the IUCN , but this information is out of date.
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 .
Web links
- Geoxus valdivianus in the endangered Red List species the IUCN 2006 Posted by: J. Baillie, 1996. Retrieved on 3 August, 2008.