Saci short-tailed opossum
| Saci short-tailed opossum | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Infraclass: | Marsupialia |
| Order: | Didelphimorphia |
| Family: | Didelphidae |
| Genus: | Monodelphis |
| Species: | M. saci
|
| Binomial name | |
| Monodelphis saci Pavan, Mendes-Oliveira & Voss, 2017
| |
The Saci short-tailed opossum (Monodelphis saci), also known as the gnome opossum, is a species of opossum endemic to the rainforests of Brazil.[1][2]
Characteristics
[edit]They measure 9 to 12 centimetres (3.5 to 4.7 in) from their nose to the base of the tail. The tail measures 4 to 6 centimetres (1.6 to 2.4 in). They weigh around 17 to 30 grams (0.60 to 1.06 oz). They have a conspicuous reddish head and brown rump and back. The chin, throat, groin and flanks are grayish-brown. There is a distinct central white streak on the chest and abdomen. Their paws are covered with short, light-brown hairs. Males are slightly larger than females.[3]
Distribution
[edit]They live in the lowland rainforests along the south bank of the Brazilian Amazon.
Behavior
[edit]Little is known about their behavior because of their very recent discovery.
Etymology
[edit]They are named after mythical creatures called Saci in Brazilian folklore which wear a red hat to disappear and reappear at will. Scientists named them so because of their reddish-heads and the fact they eluded discovery for so long.[1]
References
[edit]- ^ a b Arnold, Carrie (2017-02-23). "New Redheaded Opossum Named After Magical Gnome". National Geographic. Archived from the original on February 25, 2017. Retrieved 2017-02-24.
- ^ "Explore the Database". www.mammaldiversity.org. Retrieved 2021-10-17.
- ^ Pavan, Silvia E.; Mendes-Oliveira, Ana C.; Voss, Robert S. (2017-02-10). "A New Species of Monodelphis (Didelphimorphia: Didelphidae) from the Brazilian Amazon". AMNH Library Digital Repository. American Museum of Natural History. hdl:2246/6696. Retrieved 2017-02-24.