Ctenomys boliviensis
Bolivian Tuco-tuco
Description
The bolivian tuco-tuco is a small to medium sized gopher like animal, measuring up
to 25cm long and weighting up to 700 grams. It has short, but powerful legs made for
burrowing. The forelegs have well developed digging claws. The hind legs have claws but
there not as pronounced (Tuco-tucos 2004). Along with the long claws their feet have a
fringe of hair around them aiding with dirt movement both within their burrow and dirt from
their fur. The fur is dense and ranging in color from grey to nearly black, but generally have
lighter colored underbody (Tuco-tucos 2004). Its loose skin is thought to be an adaptation
for turning within the burrow (Myers 2000).
Tucos, with their large head, have medium sized eyes and small ears, which is common for
burrowing animals. The tucos also has a small, hairless tail. (Myers 2000) Typically the
tuco-tucos have a massively constructed skulls that lack a well devoloped sagittal crest. The
rostrum is broad and the zygomatic arches strongly bow outward. The lower jaw is
hystricognathis with a well developed coronoid process (Myers 2000).
Tuco-tucos have kidney shaped hypsodont teeth with a much reduced third molar.
The incisors are long and wide aiding with the movement of tightly packed dirt. The dental
formula is, 1/1, 0/1, 1/1, 3/3 = 20 (Meyers 2000).
Distribution
Tucos are found in the southern half of South America ranging from Peru and Easter
Brazil south to Tierra del Fuego. Tucos can be found in tropical forest, grassland and
altiplano. They can live from sea level to 4000 meter (13000ft). Tucos have been found in
pastures, agricultural fields, and vacant city lots (Tuco-tucos 2004).
Ontogeny and Reproduction
Tuco-tucos will reproduce yearly giving birth to litter of one to seven depending on
the species. The young are well developed at birth. Gestation periods can last from 102
days to 120 days (Tuco-tucos 2004).
Ecology and Behavior
Tuco-tucos are highly fossorial and prefer to dig complex burrows. The system of
tunnels can be very complex including chambers for nesting and special chambers for
storing food. Tucos dig by loosen the dirt with their incisors and pull the dirt with their hind
feet toward the entrance (Myers 2000).
Tucos will feed on roots, stems and grasses never venturing far from their burrows.
Tucos are active early in the morning or late in the afternoon and only occasionly they will
go out at night to forage (Tuco-tucos 2004).
Literature cited
“Tuco-tuco." Encyclopedia Britannica. 2004. Encyclopedia Britannica Premium Service.
26 Oct. 2004 <http://www.britannica.com/eb/article?tocId=9073684>.
Myers, P. 2000. "Ctenomyidae" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed October 28,
2004 at
http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Ctenomyidae.ht
ml.
Reference written by Matt Van Zeeland, Biology 378 student. Edited by Christopher Yahnke.
Page last updated 08-01-05.