Maule Tuco-tuco

The Maule tuco-tuco (Ctenomys maulinus) is a species of rodent in the family Ctenomyidae. It is found in Argentina and Chile, where it occupies several different types of habitats. It is a common species, and the IUCN has assessed its conservation status as being of "least concern". The common and scientific names refer to a river and region in Chile within its range. == Description == The Maule tuco-tuco is a medium-sized tuco-tuco, there being two subspecies, C. m. maulinus and C. m. brunneus, the former growing to a total length of 275 mm (10.8 in) and the latter 305 mm (12.0 in). C. m. maulinus is a uniform pale brown colour with a similarly coloured tail terminating in a white "pencil" or tuft of hair. By contrast, C. m. brunneus has a more intense brown colour, with the feet, the underside of the tail and the tail-tip pencil being buff-white. == Distribution and habitat == The nominate subspecies C. m. maulinus is found in Talca Province, Chile while C. m. brunneus occurs in Mallecco Province and Cautín Province, Chile, at altitudes between about 1,000 and 2,000 m (3,300 and 6,600 ft). More recently, this tuco-tuco has been discovered in…