Abrothrix andina


Abrothrix andina, also known as the Andean Altiplano mouse, 'Andean Soft-haired Mouse, Andean Grass Mouse or Andean akodont', is a species of rodent in the genus Abrothrix of family Cricetidae. It is found in the Altiplano habitat of the Andes from central Peru through Bolivia, south to Argentina and Chile.

Taxonomy

Abrothrix andina is a member of the order Rodentia and family Cricetidae with the genus ''Abrothrix.''

Habitat

Abrothrix andina is a small mammal that is active throughout the Andes, and has been found in altitudes of 4,620 m. The environment consists of small shrubs and is categorizes as having dry summers and snowy winters.

Biology

Diet

Abrothrix andina primarily eats small shrubs during the summer and shrubs and insects during the winters During extreme temperature changes, the gut morphology changes and energy expenditure changes.
For example, their metabolic rate may increase by 36.6% during the winter. Their body mass has shown to fluctuate throughout the seasons, as well. Their diet has shown behaviors that exhibit hyperphagy.

Behavior

Abrothrix andina is active throughout the year despite seasonal changes.

Literature cited