Title: Discovery of desert-adapted Tympanoctomys barrerae in Central Patagonia, Argentina.
Authors: Gallardo, Milton H.; Sauthier, Daniel E. Udrizar; Ojeda, Agustina A.; Pardiñas, Ulyses F.J.
Abstract: The article reports on the existence of Tympanoctomys barrerae, red vizcacha rat, in Central Patagonia, Argentina. The said octodontid has been able to adapt to conditions in deserts and typically eats halophytic chenopods, which include Atriplex, Heterostachys and Soueda. It is noted that the rat has a specialized kidney that can conserve water and secrete concentrated urine. Two males and one female red vizcacha rat were captured from Central Patagonia. These specimens were seen to have more grayish color while the sperms were smaller in size.
Subjects: PATAGONIA (Argentina & Chile); ARGENTINA; CHILE; VIZCACHAS; ANIMAL adaptation; RODENTS; RATS; BIOLOGICAL adaptation; ATRIPLEX; DESERTS
Publication: Mammalia: International Journal of the Systematics, Biology & Ecology of Mammals, 2009, Vol 73, Issue 2, p158
ISSN: 0025-1461
Publication type: Academic Journal
DOI: 10.1515/MAMM.2009.028

Discovery of desert-adapted Tympanoctomys barrerae in Central Patagonia, Argentina.

Gallardo, Milton H.; Sauthier, Daniel E. Udrizar; Ojeda, Agustina A.; Pardiñas, Ulyses F.J.