Pyrenean Desman
Galemys pyrenaicus
Conservation Status
VulnerableMammalia · Eulipotyphla · Talpidae
About
The Pyrenean desman, also known as the Iberian desman or trumpet rat, is a species of small semiaquatic mammal in the family Talpidae. It is endemic to the mountain ranges of the Pyrenees and to mountainous areas of the northwestern Iberian Peninsula, primarily the Cantabrian Mountains and the Sistema Central. Its distribution includes four European countries: Andorra, Spain, France, and Portugal. The species is closely related to the Russian desman.
Fun Fact
Pyrenean desmans are one of only two surviving desman species and use their long, flexible snouts to probe underwater crevices for aquatic insects in the cold, fast-flowing mountain streams of the Pyrenees and Iberian Peninsula.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Mountain streams
Diet
Insectivore
Lifespan
3-4 years
Threats
- Poaching
- Invasive Aquatic Species
- Wetland Drainage