Tuco-Tuco

Tuco-Tuco, family of burrowing rodents native to South America, named for the sound some males make when frightened or when defending their territory.

Tuco-tucos have a range that extends from Peru and central Brazil to southern Chile and Argentina. Although most species inhabit regions with dry, sandy soil, such as grasslands, coastal plains, and forests, one species lives in urban settings, and another species prefers to burrow in stream banks.

These medium-sized rodents measure between 15 and 25 cm (6 and 10 in) in length, not including their lightly furred tail, which is 6 to 11 cm (2 to 4 in) long. Tuco-tucos weigh from 100 to 700 grams (4 to 25 oz). The color of their thick fur ranges from light tan or gray to dark brown or black. Tuco-tucos have long, protruding front teeth and small ears and eyes. They have stout bodies, large heads, muscular limbs, and feet with strong claws that are specialized for digging. On their hind feet tuco-tucos have stiff fringes of hair, which they use as combs to remove dirt from their fur.

Tuco-tucos dig elaborate underground tunnel systems, which have chambers for food storage as well as an area with a grass-lined nest for raising young. They rarely venture far from their burrows for food, collecting roots, stems, and tubers underground, and grasses and other greens from the area around the entrances to their burrows. They regulate the temperature within their burrows by opening and plugging tunnels.

Females give birth to a single litter each year. Depending on the species, average gestational periods range from 102 to 120 days, and litters contain from one to seven offspring. The young reach maturity after about eight months. The life span of the tuco-tuco is, on average, two to three years.

Because they feed on plants, tuco-tucos are considered pests in some agricultural areas. They are known to raid crops and also to compete with grazing animals for food. Tuco-tuco burrows pose a risk to people on horseback. Tunnels near the surface can collapse under a horse’s weight, causing serious injury to the horse and its rider.

Scientific classification: Tuco-tucos make up the family Ctenomyidae in the order Rodentia. The species that lives in urban settings is classified as Ctenomys torquatus. The species that inhabits stream banks is classified as Ctenomys lewisi.