Tympanoctomys loschalchalerosorum
Mammalia · Rodentia · Octodontidae
The Chalchalero viscacha rat or Chalchalero vizcacha rat is a species of caviomorph rodent in the family Octodontidae. It was formerly considered to be monotypic within the genus Salinoctomys, but has been shown by genetic analysis to nest within Tympanoctomys, and in particular, within the variation of T. barrerae. The species is endemic to a small area of northwestern Argentina, where it lives in shrublands bordering the salt flats of the Salinas Grandes. Its diet consists of halophyte plants. It is named after an Argentine musical group, Los Chalchaleros, whose songs were popular with its discoverers.
Fun Fact
It is named after an Argentine musical group, Los Chalchaleros, whose songs were popular with its discoverers.
Habitat
Lives among the salt-loving plants that grow between the salt pans and the dense thorn scrub typical of the surrounding area.
Diet
Diet consists of halophyte plants.
Lifespan
To be updated