Abrocoma schistacea (Rodentia: Abrocomidae). (20th August 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Taraborelli, Paula A.; Sassi, Paola L.; Dacar, María A.; Moreno, Pablo; Ojeda, Ricardo A.
• Is Part Of: Mammalian species. Volume 47:Number 921(2015)
• Page Start: 45
• Page End: 50
• Publication Date: 2015-08-20
• Subjects: Argentina -- Hystricognathi -- rock specialist -- rodent -- San Juan -- Sanjuanina chinchilla rat -- trophic specialist; Mammals -- Periodicals; Mammifères -- Périodiques; Mammals; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 599.05
• DOI: 10.1093/mspecies/sev004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0076-3519

Abstract

Abstract: Abrocoma schistacea Thomas, 1921 is an abrocomid rodent commonly known as the Sierra del Tontal chinchilla rat. This medium-sized chinchilla rat is a rock specialist that inhabits the pre-Andean foothills of southern San Juan Province (Argentina) within an elevation range of 1, 100–2, 900 m. Its saxicolous specializations include padded feet with leathery tubercles on the pads. Incisors are large and orthodont; molariform teeth appear broad. A. schistacea is a creosotebush dietary specialist that can be distinguished from other chinchilla rats by living in groups of 3–4 individuals. This species is categorized as of low conservation concern in Argentina but is currently listed as "Data Deficient" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources.