Russian desman facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Russian desman |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Desmana
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| Species: |
moschata
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| Russian desman range | |
| Synonyms | |
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Castor moschatus Linnaeus, 1758 |
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The Russian desman (Desmana moschata) is a special type of mammal. It belongs to the mole family, called Talpidae. This animal is the largest kind of mole in the world!
You can find Russian desmans living near rivers in Russia, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan. They like the areas around the Volga, Don, and Ural River. These animals dig tunnels into the banks of ponds and slow-moving streams. They especially love small ponds that are a bit wild and have lots of plants. These places are perfect because they are full of tasty insects, crayfish, and amphibians for them to eat. Russian desmans often live in small groups, usually with two to five animals. These groups are often made up of desmans who are not related to each other.
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What is a Russian Desman?
The Russian desman is a unique animal. It is a semi-aquatic mammal, which means it spends time both on land and in water. They are known for their long, flexible snouts and webbed feet. These features help them find food and move around easily in their watery homes.
Where Do Russian Desmans Live?
Russian desmans live in parts of Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Their main homes are the river basins of the Volga, Don, and Ural rivers. They need clean water and healthy riverbanks to survive. These areas provide the perfect habitat for them to dig burrows and find food.
What Do Russian Desmans Eat?
These animals are carnivores, meaning they eat meat. Their diet mainly consists of small water creatures. They love to munch on insects, small fish, frogs, and even crayfish. They use their sensitive snouts to search for food underwater and in the mud.
How Do Russian Desmans Live?
Russian desmans are mostly active at night. They are very shy and spend a lot of their time hidden in their burrows. These burrows have entrances both above and below the water. This helps them escape from predators and stay safe. They are also good swimmers and divers, using their webbed feet to move quickly through the water.
Why Are Russian Desmans Important?
Russian desmans are an important part of their ecosystem. They help keep the balance of life in their river habitats. Unfortunately, they are an endangered species. This means their numbers are getting very low, and they need our help to survive.
What Threats Do They Face?
The biggest threats to Russian desmans include habitat loss and water pollution. When rivers get dirty or their banks are destroyed, desmans lose their homes and food sources. Fishing nets can also accidentally trap them. Climate change is another problem, as it can affect water levels and temperatures.
How Can We Help Russian Desmans?
Protecting Russian desmans means protecting their homes. This includes keeping rivers clean and healthy. Efforts are being made to create special protected areas for them. It's also important to teach people about these unique animals so everyone can help keep them safe.
Images for kids
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A Russian desman
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See also
