This Patagonian vizcachera rat was identified by scientists and veterinarians National Patagonian Center ( Cenpat ) in the town of Los Adobes , in the central plateau of Chubut.
"The detection itself is produced in 2005. But for a long time thought it was another species that live widely in other parts of the country ," said Ulysses Pardiñas, one of the researchers , in remarks published today on the website of the Argentine Government .
After several years of study, experts were able to determine what is " a new , unique species ," said Pardiñas .
The experts in charge of scientific discovery and decided to impose this new species name to " Tympanoctomys Kirchnerorum " in tribute to the late former president Néstor Kirchner of Argentina (2003-2007) and his wife and successor , current President Cristina Fernandez.
"The idea of this tribute is the result of the governments of both presidents were characterized by an active policy of promoting science , repatriation of scientists, and especially the creation of a Ministry of Science , Technology Productive Innovation "said Paul Teta, another member of the research group .
The Patagonian vizcachera rat is related to other rodents such as guinea pigs and gangs , and inhabit extreme environments such as deserts and salt flats .
Individuals of this species have developed different adaptations to live in these climates .
"One of them is that they have a great ear , which is an adaptation antipredatory " explained the specialist .
Moreover, according They explained , these rodents " eat plants that have a high salt content, which is a resource that is always available , but also imposes some conditions, because the high salt content is not good for anyone " .
" What these animals is to peel the leaves of plants that consume bristles with teeth before and live in caves complex with several levels that allow them to modulate the temperature extremes ," they said .
No comments:
Post a Comment