Ctenomys fulvus
tawny tuco-tuco

This species of Tuco-tuco inhabits northern Argentina and northern Chile.

Ctenomys fulvus lives in areas of sandy soils at reasonably high elevations. They are associated with desert flats with Larrea or other low shrubs and riparian forests along dry gullies.

In general, Tuco-tucos grow to a length of about 8 to 14 inches (20-36 cm)including a long tail. The body is robust and cylindrical and their head is large. They have long front teeth, large heads, muscular limbs, and powerful digging claws. The forelimbs are somewhat shorter than the hind limbs and the claws on the forefeet are the longest. The hind feet of the Tuco-tuco possess stiff fringes of bristle like hair. They use these bristles to groom dirt from their hair. The tail of Ctenomys fulvis is greater than 45% of the length of it's head and body combined. Their eyes are small and they have reduced external ears.

Most tuco-tucos have brown to grayish fur. This species can be identified by its pale and uniformly buffy pelage (sometimes mixed with blackish). Its tail is bicolored and may have a small tuft of fur at the end.

The dental formula of all Tuco-tucos is 1/1,0/0,1/1,3/3

They have thick large front incisors that have a bright orange enamel.

In general, females usually produce only a single litter per year. Females are typically monestrus, but may experience a postpartum estrus. No information was found for this species.

These tuco-tucos live in large colonies that can extend up to seventeen acres. Each burrow is typically inhabited by only one Tuco-tuco.

The digging of the burrows occurs mostly during daylight hours. This animal rarely leaves its burrow and if it does it only comes out for a brief period of time.

Ctenomys fulvus feeds on roots and underground plant parts.

Enemies of Ctenomys fulvus include owls, falcons, or other birds of prey. Most tuco-tucos use a loud clicking noise to warn against predators.

Tuco-tucos have been known to damage cultivated crops and compete with livestock for food.