Altiplano chinchilla mouse facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Altiplano chinchilla mouseTemporal range: Recent
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Chinchillula
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| Species: |
sahamae
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| Distribution of Chinchillula sahamae according to Eisenberg & Redford, 2000 | |
The Altiplano chinchilla mouse, also known as achallo, is a small rodent. Its scientific name is Chinchillula sahamae. It is the only species in its group, called Chinchillula.
This interesting mouse lives in the high mountain areas of South America. You can find it in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, and Peru.
Contents
Meet the Altiplano Chinchilla Mouse
The Altiplano chinchilla mouse is part of the Cricetidae family. This family includes many types of hamsters and mice. It's special because it's the only one of its kind in the Chinchillula genus.
What Does It Look Like?
This mouse gets its name from its soft, chinchilla-like fur. It has thick, dense fur that helps it stay warm. This is very important in its cold mountain home. Its fur is usually a mix of grey and brown colors. This helps it blend in with its rocky surroundings.
Where Does It Live?
The Altiplano chinchilla mouse lives in the Altiplano region. This is a high plateau in the Andes mountains. It prefers areas with rocky ground and sparse vegetation. These high-altitude places can be very cold and windy. The mouse is well-adapted to these tough conditions. It often lives in burrows or rocky crevices. These spots provide shelter from predators and harsh weather.
What Does It Eat?
Like many rodents, the Altiplano chinchilla mouse is a herbivore. This means it eats plants. Its diet likely includes various grasses, seeds, and other plant parts. It finds these foods in its high-altitude habitat.
Is It Safe?
The Altiplano chinchilla mouse is currently listed as "Least Concern" (LC). This means its population is stable. It is not facing a high risk of extinction right now. This is good news for this unique mountain rodent.
See also
In Spanish: Ratón chinchilla del altiplano para niños
