Peruvian possum mouse

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Peruvian possum mouse
Systematics
Class : Mammals (mammalia)
Subclass : Marsupials (Marsupialia)
Order : Paucituberculata
Family : Mausopossums (Caenolestidae)
Genre : Lestoros
Type : Peruvian possum mouse
Scientific name of the  genus
Lestoros
Trousseart , 1898
Scientific name of the  species
Lestoros inca
( Thomas , 1917)
Distribution map of the Peruvian opossum mouse

The Peruvian opossum mouse , also known as Peruvian mouse opossum ( Lestoros inca ), is a species of marsupial from the family of the mouse opossum (Caenolestidae). It is native to the Andean region of southern Peru at altitudes of 2800 to 4000 meters.

description

Like all opossum mice, the Peruvian opossum mouse is physically similar to the shrews without being related to them. Their long, sometimes shaggy-looking fur is brown or gray in color. The head is elongated, the eyes are very small, and the round ears protrude above the fur. The limbs are relatively short, with all paws ending in five toes. The head body length of these animals is nine to 14 centimeters, the tail becomes as long as the body, and their weight is up to 40 grams.

Way of life

The habitat of these animals are dry, high-altitude areas with dense vegetation. They are nocturnal and live mainly on the ground, but can also climb well. These animals are considered to be fast runners, for faster progress they create trails in the dense undergrowth.

They are omnivores that eat insect larvae, small vertebrates, and fruits. Little is known about social behavior and reproduction. The females have four teats but no pouch.

Systematics

In some classifications, the Peruvian opossum mouse is classified in the genus of the actual opossum mouse ( Caenolestes ), sometimes the species is divided into two species, Lestoros inca and L. gracilis .

literature

  • Ronald M. Nowak: Walker's Mammals of the World . Johns Hopkins University Press, 1999 ISBN 0-8018-5789-9 .

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