Mammals
Magellanic Tuco-tuco
Ctenomys magellanicus
Calling out a repetitive sound that echoes underground, a Magellanic tuco-tuco spends nearly its entire life within an extensive burrow system, ranging further south into the cold Patagonian steppe than any other tuco-tuco species.
Overview
The Magellanic tuco-tuco, Ctenomys magellanicus, is a Least Concern mammal native to grassland and desert habitat across the southern Patagonian steppe. Its status as the southernmost-ranging tuco-tuco species, its almost entirely subterranean lifestyle, and its distinctive underground call make it one of the more specialised burrowing rodents found anywhere in South America.
A life lived almost entirely out of sight
While many rodents split their time between burrows and the surface, the Magellanic tuco-tuco instead commits almost completely to life underground, its powerful digging claws and teeth built for a lifestyle most other mammals could never sustain.
Status
Least Concern, remaining widespread and generally stable across suitable burrowing habitat throughout the southern Patagonian steppe.
Magellanic Tuco-tuco: common questions
How much time does the Magellanic tuco-tuco spend above ground?
This species spends nearly its entire life underground within extensive burrow systems, rarely emerging onto the surface except briefly when necessary.
Why is it called a tuco-tuco?
This species produces a repetitive, low-pitched call used to communicate underground, a sound that gave the wider tuco-tuco group its onomatopoeic common name.
How far south does the Magellanic tuco-tuco range?
This species ranges further south than any other tuco-tuco species, tolerating the cold conditions found across the southern Patagonian steppe.
Does the Magellanic tuco-tuco live in groups?
No, this species is largely solitary outside of breeding, with each individual maintaining and defending its own burrow system from neighbours.