Long-tailed mole
| Long-tailed mole | ||||||||||||
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Long-tailed mole ( Scaptonyx fusicaudus ) |
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| Systematics | ||||||||||||
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| Scientific name of the genus | ||||||||||||
| Scaptonyx | ||||||||||||
| Milne-Edwards , 1872 | ||||||||||||
| Scientific name of the species | ||||||||||||
| Scaptonyx fusicaudus | ||||||||||||
| Milne Edwards , 1872 |
The long-tailed mole ( Scaptonyx fusicaudus ) is a species of mammal from the mole family (Talpidae) living in Asia .
features
With a head body length of 6 to 9 centimeters, the long-tailed mole is one of the smallest moles of all. Its short, soft fur is colored slate gray, and its body shape resembles that of actual moles . The front limbs are much narrower, but have strong grave claws. The thick, sparsely hairy tail reaches around a third of the length of the head body (2 to 3 centimeters).
Distribution and way of life
Long-tailed moles live in southern China (especially in the provinces of Sichuan and Yunnan ) and in northern Myanmar . Their habitat are mountainous regions between 2000 and 4500 meters above sea level. So far only a few specimens of this species have been found, so that almost nothing is known about the way of life and reproduction.
Systematics
The long-tailed mole systematically occupies a special position and is listed in its own tribe , Scaptonychini. Phylogenetically it is seen as the sister taxon of the real moles (Talpini). Molecular genetic studies suggest that the long-tailed mole may contain several cryptic species .
literature
- Ronald M. Nowak: Walker's Mammals of the World. 2 volumes. 6th edition. The Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore MD et al. 1999, ISBN 0-8018-5789-9 .
Individual evidence
- ↑ Kai He, Akio Shinohara, Kristofer M. Helgen, Mark S. Springer, Xue-Long Jiang and Kevin L. Campbell: Talpid Mole Phylogeny Unites Shrew Moles and Illuminates Overlooked Cryptic Species Diversity. Molecular Biology and Evolution 34 (1), 2016, pp. 78-87
Web links
- Scaptonyx fusicaudus in the endangered Red List species the IUCN 2006. Posted by: Insectivore Specialist Group, 1996. Accessed on 11/02/2007.