Argentine swamp rat

The Argentine swamp rat (Scapteromys aquaticus) is a semiaquatic rodent species from South America.^[2] It is found in northeastern Argentina and Paraguay, where it lives in freshwater marshes and along the southern coast of the Río de la Plata estuary, as well as in woodland.^[1] It is characterized by having stiff hairs on its otherwise naked tail, which are believed to help the animal swim. S. aquaticus is similar in build to members of the genus Rattus. "[It] has a relatively larger head, a stouter body, larger feet, and a relatively longer tail." The pelage along its back is "long and glossy" varying from brown to dark brown. It can have a grayish wash in some individuals. "The sides have a yellowish cast." The pelage in the abdominal region is typically an off white color. The forefeet are large for use in swimming and digging. All digits, including the pollex are equipped with a claw.^[3] Its karyotype has 2n = 32.^[2]

Argentine swamp rat
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Mammalia
Order:	Rodentia
Family:	Cricetidae
Subfamily:	Sigmodontinae
Genus:	Scapteromys
Species:	S. aquaticus
Binomial name
Scapteromys aquaticus Thomas, 1920

Conservation

According to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species in 2008 the Argentine swamp rat was classified as least concern because of "its wide distribution, presumed large population, and because it is unlikely to be declining at nearly the rate required to qualify for listing in a threatened category."^[1]

Habitat

These rodents are found in low, flooded grasslands, salt marshes and any area with standing water. They are good swimmers and employ the aid of their "swimming fringe" and have also been observed diving.^[3]

Distribution

Argentine swamp rats are found scattered through the Rio de la Plata basin and other areas in east-central Argentina, south coastal Brazil, southern Paraguay, and Uruguay.^[4]

Biology and behavior

Argentine swamp rats eat mostly beetles and earthworms. They are active during both day and night. Females were found, on average, with between three and five young and breeding males were found year-round. There is no evidence that they dig burrows. Researchers have discovered young in shallow depressions in the ground covered by matted grass.^[3]

References

1. D'Elia, G.; Pardinas, U. (2017) [errata version of 2016 assessment]. "Scapteromys aquaticus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T136549A115209794. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T136549A22389549.en.
2. Musser, G. G.; Carleton, M. D. (2005). "Superfamily Muroidea". In Wilson, D. E.; Reeder, D. M. (eds.). Mammal Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference (3rd ed.). Johns Hopkins University Press. p. 1172. ISBN 978-0-8018-8221-0. OCLC 62265494.
3. Eisenberg, John F.; Redford, Kent H. (May 15, 2000). Mammals of the Neotropics, Volume 3: The Central Neotropics: Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil. University of Chicago Press. pp. 440–441. ISBN 978-0-226-19542-1. OCLC 493329394.
4. D'Elía, Guillermo; Pardiñas, Ulyses F. J. (October 2004). "Systematics of Argentinean, Paraguayan, and Uruguayan Swamp Rats of the Genus Scapteromys (Rodentia, Cricetidae, Sigmodontinae)". Journal of Mammalogy. 85 (5). American Society of Mammalogists: 897–910. doi:10.1644/BRB-201. hdl:11336/104167.