Chacoan Marsh Rat

Holochilus chacarius, also known as the Chacoan marsh rat or Chaco marsh rat, is a semiaquatic species of rodent in the family Cricetidae. It is found in Argentina and Paraguay within the Gran Chaco. == Description == This marsh rat is one of the smallest in the genus. The head-and-body length is between 140 and 201 mm (5.5 and 7.9 in) and the tail length is between 148 and 183 mm (5.8 and 7.2 in). The dorsal pelage is pale reddish-brown, with long black guard hairs, the flanks are buff or ochre, the throat and chest are white and the rest of the underparts are buff or grey, the hairs having white bases. == Distribution and habitat == The Chaco marsh rat is native to Paraguay and the notheasten part of Argentina, being present in the provinces of Salta, Jujuy, Tucumán, Formosa, Chaco and Córdoba. It is a semi-aquatic species and is found in swamps and other areas of wetland, flooded pasture and cultivated fields, but seldom in forested habitats. In Paraguay it inhabits ground well covered in leaf litter and herbaceous plants. == Ecology == The Chaco marsh rat can swim and dive, and can also climb well; it…