One-striped opossum facts for kids
Quick facts for kids One-striped opossum |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Monodelphis
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| Species: |
unistriata
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| One-striped opossum range | |
The one-striped opossum (Monodelphis unistriata) is a very rare opossum species from South America. It might even be extinct, meaning it no longer exists. Scientists only know about this animal from two specimens ever found.
About the One-striped Opossum
The one-striped opossum is a small marsupial. Marsupials are a type of mammal that often carry their young in a pouch, like kangaroos. However, many opossums, including the Monodelphis group, do not have a pouch. This particular opossum gets its name from a single stripe that might have run down its back.
Where Did It Live?
Scientists have only found two examples of the one-striped opossum. The first one was discovered in Brazil in 1821. The second one was found much later, in Argentina in 1899. This suggests that the animal lived in parts of both these South American countries. However, because so few have been found, its exact habitat and range are not well known.
Why Is It So Rare?
The one-striped opossum is listed as "critically endangered" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This is the highest risk category before extinction. Since only two specimens have ever been recorded, it is possible that this species is already extinct. Scientists are not sure why it became so rare. It could be due to habitat loss, climate change, or other environmental factors. More research is needed to understand if any of these unique opossums still exist in the wild.
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