Yates' tuco-tuco facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Yates' tuco-tuco |
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|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Ctenomys
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| Species: |
yatesi
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The Ctenomys yatesi, also called Yates' tuco-tuco, is a special kind of rodent. It is a small animal that lives underground. These animals are known for the sounds they make. They are found only in one country, Bolivia.
About Yates' Tuco-Tuco
Yates' tuco-tuco is a small mammal. It belongs to a group of rodents called tuco-tucos. These animals spend most of their lives digging tunnels. They use their strong claws and teeth to make homes underground.
Where Does It Live?
This specific tuco-tuco lives only in Bolivia. You can find it near a town called Roboré. This area is in the Department of Santa Cruz. It lives at an elevation of about 550 meters (1,800 feet) above sea level. This makes it a very unique animal, as it is found nowhere else in the world.
What Does It Look Like?
Yates' tuco-tuco is not very big. It measures about 220 millimeters (8.7 inches) long. That's about the length of a standard pencil. Its fur is soft and has colors like hazel and grey. These colors help it blend in with its surroundings.
Who Was Terry Yates?
This tuco-tuco was named after a person named Terry Yates. He was a former curator at the University of New Mexico. A curator is someone who manages a collection, often in a museum. Scientists often name new species after people. This is a way to honor their work or contributions to science.
