Maule tuco-tuco facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Maule tuco-tuco |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Ctenomys
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| Species: |
maulinus
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| Subspecies | |
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C. m. brunneus Osgood, 1943 |
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The Maule tuco-tuco (scientific name: Ctenomys maulinus) is a type of rodent that belongs to the tuco-tuco family. You can find these animals in Argentina and Chile. They live in many different kinds of places. The Maule tuco-tuco is a common animal. Because of this, the IUCN says it is a "least concern" species. This means it is not in danger of disappearing. The name "Maule" comes from a river and area in Chile where these animals live.
Contents
What Does the Maule Tuco-Tuco Look Like?
The Maule tuco-tuco is a medium-sized tuco-tuco. There are two main types, called subspecies. These are C. m. maulinus and C. m. brunneus.
Differences Between the Subspecies
- The C. m. maulinus subspecies grows to about 27.5 centimeters (10.8 inches) long. It is a light brown color all over. Its tail is also light brown and has a small white tuft of hair at the end, like a tiny pencil.
- The C. m. brunneus subspecies is a bit longer, growing to about 30.5 centimeters (12 inches). It has a darker, richer brown color. Its feet, the underside of its tail, and the tuft of hair at its tail-tip are a creamy white color.
Where Do Maule Tuco-Tucos Live?
The C. m. maulinus subspecies lives in Talca Province, Chile. The C. m. brunneus subspecies lives in Malleco Province and Cautín Province, Chile. They are found in areas that are between 1,000 and 2,000 meters (3,300 to 6,600 feet) high.
Recent Discoveries
Recently, Maule tuco-tucos have also been found in Neuquén Province and Río Negro Province in Argentina. Scientists are still working to figure out which subspecies these new sightings belong to.
Their Homes
These tuco-tucos live in various places. They can be found in forests with Nothofagus and Araucaria trees. They also live in open areas where the ground is made of volcanic sand. Sometimes, their living areas might overlap with another type of tuco-tuco, called the social tuco-tuco (Ctenomys sociabilis).
How Maule Tuco-Tucos Live
Like other tuco-tucos, the Maule tuco-tuco is a rodent that digs burrows underground. They eat plants, especially roots and grasses.
Their Burrows
Scientists have dug up and explored two of their burrows. One burrow was about 14 meters (46 feet) long, and the other was much longer, about 49 meters (161 feet) long! These animals sometimes carry food back to their burrows and store it in special rooms underground.
Ancient Evidence
In a cave in Neuquén Province, Argentina, scientists found old owl pellets. These pellets are more than 5,000 years old! They contained bits of skin and bones from a large tuco-tuco. Scientists believe these remains likely belong to the Maule tuco-tuco.
Conservation Status
The Maule tuco-tuco (C. maulinus) lives across a large area in Chile and northern Argentina. They are found at heights between 900 and 2,000 meters (3,000 to 6,600 feet).
Protection and Population
This tuco-tuco lives in several protected areas. Scientists believe there are many of them, so their total population is large. There are no major threats that are causing their numbers to drop quickly. Because of this, the International Union for Conservation of Nature has decided that the Maule tuco-tuco is a "least concern" species. This means they are not currently at risk of becoming endangered.
