Plains viscacha rat

Tympanoctomys barrerae

The Red Viscacharatte ( Tympanoctomys barrerae ) is a living in South America rodent species from the family of deceit rats ( Octodontidae ).

Features

Red Viscacharatten are external rat-like animals. They reach a body length of about 12 centimeters, the tail is about 14 inches long, its weight is around 80 grams. Their fur is reddish- brown in color, the underside is slightly lighter, the feet are white. The skull is ( a bony, bubble-like structure in the region of the temporal bone ) characterized by the greatly enlarged bulla, which the head is greatly enlarged.

What is remarkable about this animal that it was the first known tetraploid mammal that is, four sets of chromosomes instead of the usual two features. The way to have originated through hybridization of two related species after 6.5 million years ago. The karyotype is 4n = 102 Meanwhile, a similar chromosome structure was also found in the newly discovered Golden Viscacharatte.

Distribution and habitat

Red Viscacharatten are endemic in Argentina, where they inhabit arid plains of the province of Mendoza and possibly adjacent areas of the province of La Pampa.

Way of life

Very little is known about the habits of these animals. They have only been with salt plants ( halophytes ) passing places and are pure herbivores that mainly feed on leaves and stems.

Due to its small distribution area and the presumed decline in populations of the species by the IUCN in the early warning ( near threatened ) is listed.