Quechuan mouse opossum facts for kids
The Quechuan mouse opossum (Marmosa macrotarsus) is a small, furry animal that lives in South America. It's a type of opossum, which belongs to a family of animals called Didelphidae. These opossums are known for being marsupials, meaning the mothers often carry their babies in a pouch, much like kangaroos!
Quick facts for kids Quechuan mouse opossum |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Marmosa
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| Species: |
macrotarsus
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| Quechuan mouse opossum range | |
| Synonyms | |
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Micoureus quichua (Thomas, 1899) |
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About the Quechuan Mouse Opossum
The Quechuan mouse opossum is a tiny creature, much smaller than a house cat. It gets its name "mouse opossum" because of its small size and pointed snout, which makes it look a bit like a mouse. However, it's actually a marsupial, not a rodent!
Where It Lives
This special opossum lives in the Andes mountains in Peru. It has been found in two main areas. Both areas are on the eastern side of the Andes, where there are forests on the mountainsides. These forests are called "montane forests."
- One area is in the southern part of Peru, in a place called the Cuzco Region. This is where the first Quechuan mouse opossum was officially found and described by scientists.
- The other area is further north, near a town called Moyobamba in the San Martín Region.
These opossums have been found living at different heights in the mountains, from about 300 meters (around 984 feet) up to 2700 meters (about 8,858 feet) above sea level. Scientists think they might live in even more places, possibly even stretching into Bolivia.
Protecting Their Home
Sadly, the forests where the Quechuan mouse opossum lives are sometimes damaged by people. This is called habitat destruction. The northern area where they live has been affected by this. When their home is destroyed, it makes it harder for these opossums to find food and safe places to live.
However, the southern area where they live is in better shape. It has not been seriously damaged, which is good news for the opossums living there. Protecting these forests is very important to make sure the Quechuan mouse opossum can continue to thrive in its natural home.
