Long-nosed caenolestid

The Chilean Opossummaus ( Rhyncholestes raphanurus ) is a Beutelsäugerart from the family of Mausopossums ( Caenolestidae ). It is placed in a separate genus ( Rhyncholestes ) and thus is monotypic. Home is on the Chilean island of Chiloé and the adjacent mainland and thus has the southernmost distribution area of their family.

Description

The Chilean Opossummaus is characterized by the elongated snout, which gives it a rat or shrew -like appearance. Her thick, soft fur is dark brown, the short, hairless tail is black. These animals can reach a body length 11-13 cm, a tail length of 7-9 centimeters and a weight of around 21 grams.

Way of life

Habitat of these animals are cool rain forests up to 1100 meters above sea level. You are conducting a bodenbewohnendes life and are likely to be nocturnal. Animals that were found in autumn, often showed a thickened tail, which is an indication for fat storage for the winter torpor ( torpor ). They feed on insects, worms and fungi, often they dig in the ground or in the foliage for food.

About the social behavior and reproduction, little is known. The females have teats seven, six arranged in a circle and one in the middle. Lactating females were found almost throughout the year.

Threat

The main threat to the Chilean Opossummaus, the clearing of the forests represents the World Conservation Union IUCN therefore lists in the Red List of Threatened Species as Near Threatened ( Near Threatened ).