Biodiversity
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South American Water Rat
Nectomys squamipes | Brants, 1827
PHOTO: Property of Native / Embrapa
Characteristics: Species measuring 15 to 25cm in length and with a tail measuring 15 to 26cm. This species has a very thick, soft coat with a dark brown general coloration. The lower fur is lighter. The scaly tail is longer than the length between the head and the end of the body. The forelimbs are shorter than the rear ones, which have webbed feet.
Distribution: From the states of Pernambuco to Rio Grande do Sul, in parts of the states of Minas Gerais, Goiás, and Mato Grosso do Sul, and also in Argentina and Uruguay.
Habitat: Forests or secondary forests, always near sources of water, such as streams, creeks, and marshes.
Habits: Semi-aquatic species and an agile swimmer.
Diet: Omnivorous, feeding on fish, fungi, fruits, seeds, and arthropods.
Breeding: Usually gives birth to 5-7 pups, and has 2-3 litters per year.
In the UFRA area: This species had a restricted distribution. Found only in floodplains with riparian forests. The South American Water Rat is considered rare because it was spotted only once.