Machu Picchu Arboreal Chinchilla Rat

Cuscomys oblativus

Conservation Status

Data Deficient

Mammalia · Rodentia · Abrocomidae

About

The Machu Picchu arboreal chinchilla rat is a large species of South American chinchilla rats, known from skeletal remains found by members of the Peruvian Expedition of 1912. The animals were buried alongside people in ancient Inca tombs at Machu Picchu in Peru. It was considered extinct by the IUCN in 2008, but conservation status was changed to data deficient in 2016. Photos of a rodent taken at Machu Picchu in late 2009 likely show this species, a finding apparently confirmed in 2014.

Fun Fact

The animals were buried alongside people in ancient Inca tombs at Machu Picchu in Peru.

Quick Facts

Habitat

To be updated

Diet

To be updated

Lifespan

To be updated

Threats

Habitat Change
Human Disturbance

External Data Sources

Recent sightings on iNaturalist IUCN Red List profile

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