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Uspallata Chinchilla Rat
The Uspallata chinchilla rat (''Abrocoma uspallata'') is a species of chinchilla rat in the family Abrocomidae native to Argentina. This species was identified in 2002, by Braun and Mares from the University of Oklahoma. Only a single specimen has been examined. Description This is a medium-sized species with a head-and-body length of and a tail length of . The upper parts are greyish-brown, some of the hairs having black tips and others pale tips. The underparts are grey, the hairs having creamy tips. Both the front and hind feet are clad in white hairs, as is the region surrounding the anus. This rat can be distinguished from other members of the genus by the greyer upper parts and the paler underparts, the larger ears and the larger hind feet. Its karyotype has 2n = 66. Distribution and habitat The Uspallata chinchilla rat is known from two localities in the northwest of Mendoza Province of Argentina, in the Sierra de Uspallata range. This is part of the Monte Desert biome ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Chinchilla Rat
Chinchilla rats or ''chinchillones'' are members of the family Abrocomidae. This family has few members compared to most rodent families, with only nine known living species. They resemble chinchillas in appearance, with a similar soft fur and silvery-grey color, but have a body structure more like a short-tailed rat. They are social, tunnel-dwelling animals, and live in the Andes Mountains of South America. They are probably herbivorous, although this is not clear. They can be described as medium-sized. Stiff hairs project over the three middle digits of the rear feet. Their massive skulls narrow in the facial areas. Some molecular work suggests that, despite their appearance, they may be more closely related to octodontoids such as degus, nutria, and tuco-tucos than they are to chinchillas and viscachas. Etymology The family name is derived from the Ancient Greek word ἁβροκόμης (''habrokomēs'', "with delicate hair"). The word ἁβρός (habros) means "delicat ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |