Russian Desman
Desmana moschata
Conservation Status
Critically EndangeredMammalia · Eulipotyphla · Talpidae
About
The Russian desman is a small semiaquatic mammal that inhabits the Volga, Don and Ural River basins in Russia. Some authorities, citing old Soviet sources, claim the animal can be found in Eastern Ukraine and Northern Kazakhstan, but, as of 2020, the accuracy of such claims is disputed. It constructs burrows into the banks of ponds and slow-moving streams, but prefers small, overgrown ponds with abundance of insects, crayfish and amphibians. The Russian desman often lives in small groups of two to five animals, that are usually not related, and appears to have a complex communication and social system.
Fun Fact
Russian desmans are semi-aquatic moles with a long, flexible snout they use as a snorkel while swimming underwater, and they were once so heavily hunted for their waterproof fur that they nearly went extinct.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Rivers and lakes
Diet
Insectivore
Lifespan
3-5 years
Threats
- Invasive Aquatic Species
- Water Pollution
- Small Population Size
- Dam Construction