User:15jlittle/Aquatic rat

The aquatic rat, Ecuador fish-eating rat, or fish-eating rat (Anotomys leander) is a South American species of semiaquaticrodent in the family Cricetidae. It is the only species in the genus Anotomys. It has the highest diploid number of any known mammal at 2n=92. This species is currently considered endangered. It is thought to be nocturnal and feeds on aquatic arthropods and insects. It is found in small ranges along the Andes mountain range.

Habitat

A. leander has a very small range, and has the smallest range out of the group Ichthyomyines. Very few specimens have been captured so the full extent of their habitat and range is not completely known. The species is found in northern Ecuador along the Andes mountains; however, they have also been found at a single locality in Colombia. They have only been found at elevations of 2800m-4000m. It is found primarily in wetlands that have streams, but they are also found in grassy paramo and mossy elfin forest edge. Every known specimen has been found near running water.

Taxonomy

The current scientific name is Anotomys leander and it is the only member of that genus. It belongs the family Cricetidae and to a group called Ichthyomyines which are semi aquatic carnivorous rodents that are found in South America from Mexico to Peru.

Diet and Biology

The aquatic rat possess several defining characteristics, any many of these can also be found in closely related species from the groups Ichthyomyines. The length of the tail is greater than the length of the body, and they have very large hind feet. They also have reduced or absent pinnae covered by a tuft of white fur. These characteristics are believed to aid in aquatic hunting and movement. For hunting the rodents rely on their vibrissae to help locate prey along the streams edge. The vibrissae contains a very sensitive and developed trigeminal nerve that runs along infraorbital foramen The exact diet of this species not completely known. It is believed to feed on small aquatic arthropods and larvae. When looking at a close relative from genus Rheomys, also an aquatic rodent from group Ichthyomyines, it has been discovered that they feed on small fish, arthropods, as well as terrestrial and aquatic insects. This genus hunts along the edge of streams using their vibrissae and once prey is caught the rodent takes it to a safe place (sometimes a burrow) on land to eat.

Threats

The species is already listed as endangered and is also vulnerable hurt by pollution and habitat loss. Since they have such a small range they are very vulnerable to habitat loss and eventually extinction. Since they require fresh water to live, pollution can have a serious effect on them as well.