Talas tuco-tuco facts for kids
The Talas tuco-tuco (scientific name: Ctenomys talarum) is a type of tuco-tuco. These small animals are found only in eastern Argentina. They are known for living underground in burrows.
Quick facts for kids Talas tuco-tuco |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Ctenomys
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| Species: |
talarum
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| Subspecies | |
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C. t. antonii Thomas, 1910 |
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Contents
What Does a Talas Tuco-Tuco Look Like?
The Talas tuco-tuco is a fairly large rodent. It can be about 212 to 254 mm (8.35 to 10.00 in) long, which is more than twice the size of a house mouse. Its tail is shorter, measuring 56 to 75 mm (2.20 to 2.95 in). An adult tuco-tuco usually weighs around 118 g (4.2 oz).
Male and female tuco-tucos look different in size. This is called sexual dimorphism. Their bodies are shaped like a cylinder, but they are wider around the head and shoulders. They have soft, short fur. The fur on their backs is a mix of hazel, gray, and red colors. Their undersides are white.
A special feature is a white patch on each side of their head, just below their ears. Their eyes and ears are small. They also have very long, curved claws on all four feet. These claws help them dig.
Where Do Talas Tuco-Tucos Live?
Talas tuco-tucos live underground in burrows. They are found in eastern Argentina. You can find them along the coasts of the Buenos Aires, La Pampa, and Santa Fe provinces.
Each tuco-tuco usually lives alone in its own burrow. However, some build large systems of tunnels. These tunnels connect many individual burrows. They prefer areas with soft, loamy soil. They also like places with grass, perennial plants, and woody shrubs. Sometimes, they can even be found in sandy areas.
What Do Talas Tuco-Tucos Eat?
Talas tuco-tucos are herbivores. This means they only eat plants. Their diet mainly consists of roots and grasses.
Unlike many other animals that live underground, Talas tuco-tucos often leave their burrows. They come above ground to find food.
Life Cycle and Reproduction
Male Talas tuco-tucos can be ready to mate all year long. However, females have a specific breeding season. Most pregnancies happen around August.
A mother tuco-tuco usually gives birth to about four babies at a time. Slightly more females are born than males. The young tuco-tucos drink their mother's milk for about 45 days.
Who Are Their Predators?
Several animals hunt Talas tuco-tucos. These include different types of owls, such as the burrowing owl, short-eared owl, and barn owl. The variable hawk also preys on them.
How Do Talas Tuco-Tucos Behave?
The Talas tuco-tuco is a solitary animal. This means it prefers to live alone. They can also be quite aggressive and protective of their territory.
They use their sense of smell to tell other tuco-tucos apart. Males will fight each other for mates. They use their sharp front teeth as weapons during these fights.
While their teeth can be used for digging, they mostly use their long claws to build their burrows. Even though they live underground, they spend a lot of time above ground searching for food.
Images for kids
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A Talas tuco-tuco.
See also
In Spanish: Ctenomys talarum para niños
