Aquatic rat facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Aquatic rat |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Anotomys
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| Species: |
leander
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The aquatic rat, also known as the Ecuador fish-eating rat or Anotomys leander, is a special kind of semiaquatic rodent from South America. It's the only species in its genus called Anotomys. This rat is currently in danger of disappearing. Scientists think it comes out at night and eats small water bugs and insects. You can find it in small areas along the Andes mountains.
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About the Aquatic Rat's Family
The aquatic rat, Anotomys leander, is the only member of its group, called a genus. This genus belongs to a larger family of rodents known as Ichthyomyini. These ichthyomyines are rodents that live partly in water and eat meat. You can find them in the Americas, from Mexico all the way to Peru.
Where the Aquatic Rat Lives
The aquatic rat, A. leander, lives in a very small area. It has the smallest home range among all the ichthyomyines. Scientists haven't caught many of these rats, so they don't know exactly how big its habitat is. They guess its home covers about 40 km2 (15 sq mi).
This species is found in northern Ecuador, high up in the Andes mountains. It has also been seen in one place in Colombia. These rats have only been found at high places, from 2,800 to 4,000 m (9,200 to 13,100 ft) above sea level. They mostly live in wet areas with streams. Their homes also include grassy paramo (a type of grassland) and the edges of mossy elfin forests. Every aquatic rat found so far has been living near running water.
How the Aquatic Rat Lives
The aquatic rat has several unique features that help it survive. Many of these features are also found in its close relatives. Its tail is longer than its body. It also has very large back feet. Its ears, called pinnae, are very small or missing. They are covered by a tuft of white fur. These features are believed to help the rat hunt and move around in the water.
When hunting, these rodents use their vibrissae (whiskers). These whiskers help them find prey along the edges of streams. The whiskers have very sensitive nerves that help them feel their surroundings.
What the Aquatic Rat Eats
Scientists don't fully know what the aquatic rat eats. They believe it feeds on small water bugs and their young (larvae). A close relative, from the genus Chibchanomys, also lives in water. That rat was found to eat small fish, water bugs, and insects from both land and water. This type of rodent hunts along stream edges using its whiskers. Once it catches prey, it takes it to a safe spot on land, sometimes a burrow, to eat.
Why the Aquatic Rat is in Danger
The aquatic rat is listed as an endangered species. This means it is at high risk of disappearing forever. It is threatened by pollution and losing its habitat. Because it lives in such a small area, losing its home is a big problem. Since these rats rely on water for part of their lives, water pollution is also a serious threat. Things like oil spills can harm them greatly.
