Andean swamp rat

The Andean Swamp Rat ( Neotomys ebriosus ) is a living in South America rodent species from the group of the New world.

Andean swamp rats are relatively large representative of the New world with a stocky build. They reach a body length 11-18 centimeters, which must be added a 6 ​​to 9 centimeters long tail comes. The weight is around 60 to 70 grams. Their fur is gray brown on the top, the belly is whitish, about the breast extends a dark stripe. The nose is conspicuously colored red.

These rodents are common from mid Peru across northern Chile and western Bolivia to northern Argentina. Their habitat is grasslands and steppes, mainly in the Altiplano, where they occur at altitudes 2500-4500 meters.

They are often found on the banks of rivers or on the edge of swamps and can be diurnal and nocturnal. Their hiding places are usually under single rock. Andean swamp rats are considered rare, are not listed by the IUCN as endangered, however.

Systematically, they are as closely related to the Rabbits Rats ( Reithrodon ) performed in the tribe Reithrodontini.