Kirchner's Viscacha Rat

Tympanoctomys kirchnerorum

Conservation Status

Data Deficient

Mammalia · Rodentia · Octodontidae

About

Kirchner's viscacha rat or Kirchner's vizcacha rat is a species of rodent in the family Octodontidae described in 2014. It is one of three species in the genus Tympanoctomys. That species is endemic to Chubut Province in the central western Argentina, where it has a fragmented range. Its natural habitat is desert scrubland, dunes and salt flats, where it eats halophyte plants. It is a solitary, nocturnal rodent that constructs large mounds with complex burrows. The species was named in honor of both Cristina Fernández de Kirchner and Néstor Kirchner, presidents of Argentina.

Fun Fact

It is one of three species in the genus Tympanoctomys.

Quick Facts

Habitat

Endemic to Chubut Province in the central western Argentina, where it has a fragmented range.

Diet

Eats halophyte plants.

Lifespan

To be updated

Threats

  • Habitat Change
  • Human Disturbance

External Data Sources

Recent sightings on iNaturalist IUCN Red List profile

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