Monodelphis saci
Monodelphis saci, also known as gnome opossum, is a species of opossum endemic to the rainforests of Brazil.[1]
| Monodelphis saci | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| 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 | |
Characteristics
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.[2]
Distribution
They live in the lowland rainforests along the south bank of the Brazilian Amazon.
Behavior
Little is known about their behavior because of their very recent discovery.
Etymology
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
- Arnold, Carrie (2017-02-23). "New Redheaded Opossum Named After Magical Gnome". National Geographic. Retrieved 2017-02-24.
- 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.