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tuco-tuco

Enter the Tuco-Tuco

  • 15 November, 2021
  • Critterman
  • No Comments
  • 643 Views
  • 2 Likes
Daily Critter Facts, Land Mammal Facts, Rodent Facts

The tuco-tuco is a rodent that lives in South America. There are an estimated 60 known species, to date. They can be found in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay. Tuco-tucos prefer grasslands, forests, pastures, mountain slopes, and agricultural fields (much to a farmer’s dismay). Tucos can be found at altitudes of up to 13,000 feet. Due to habitat loss, human interactions, and trapping some species of these critters are listed as Endangered by the IUCN.

First the Stats…

Scientific name: Ctenomys
Weight: Up to 21 ounces
Length: Up to 11 inches, plus up to a 4.3 inch tail
Lifespan: Up to 3+ years

Now on to the Facts!

1.) They have long fore feet designed for burrowing, and bristled hind feet that are perfect for grooming.

2.) Like all rodents, their teeth never stop growing, so they need to constantly wear them down to prevent an overlap of their teeth that would prevent them from being able to eat.

3.) Their scientific name Ctenomys means “comb-mouse” and is in relation to the stiff comb-like hairs on the back of their feet.

4.) A fossorial (spend most of their lives underground) species, these rodents can spend up to 90% of their lives underground.

5.) Tuco-tucos have evolved 2 types of digging methods: scratch-digging, where they utilize their front limb claws for excavating, and skull-tooth digging, wherein they use their skull and incisor teeth for creating burrows.

But wait, there’s more on the tuco-tuco!

6.) Like a beaver, their incisors are orange in color.

7.) These critters are diurnal (active during the day).

Did you know…?
They get their name from the “tuc-tuc” sound they make while burrowing.

8.) A tuco-tuco can be either solitary or social, based on where it hails from. Solitary species typically live in arid habitats, while semi-social or social ones inhabit wet or moist habitats.

9.) Males become aggressive during courtship.

10.) Females undergo up to a 120 day gestation (pregnancy) that yields up to 7 young.

But wait, there’s still more on the tuco-tuco!

11.) Tucos eat various roots and grasses.

12.) Cats, dogs, foxes, and birds of prey all look to make a meal out of tuco-tucos.

Now a Short Tuco-Tuco Video!

Be sure to share & comment below! Also, check out the Critter Science YouTube channel. Videos added frequently!

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Learn more about all kinds of cool critters, right here!
burrowdiurnalherbivoremouserodentSouth Americatuco-tuco
Critterman

With over 50 years of critter experience to my credit and hundreds of zoology teaching hours to people around the world, I have amassed not only a continuing thirst for critter knowledge but a desire to teach others all I can about the majesty and wonder of our natural world. Critter Science is a culmination of such knowledge. I have hands on as well as book acquired intel on all kinds of critters. Whether they're on land, sea, or in the air. I will never say that I know everything about all animals. That's impossible, even for a savant. But, that being said, ask me any animal question and I'll answer it. If I don't know the answer, I'll get an answer for you!

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