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Lestoros inca
Incan shrew opossum


By Nancy Shefferly

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Subphylum: Vertebrata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Paucituberculata
Family: Caenolestidae
Genus: Lestoros
Species: Lestoros inca

Geographic Range

This species occurs in the Andean Zone of Southern Peru.

Biogeographic Regions
neotropical (Native )

Habitat

These marsupials inhabit moist, densely vegetated country at altitudes of 2800 - 4000 meters.

Terrestrial Biomes
rainforest ; mountains

Physical Description

These animals have long loose pelage that varies from uniformly dark brown, to brown on the dorsal parts, and paler on the underside. The weights available for this species come from males only.

Behavior

This species is nocturnal. It is primarily terrestrial, and it can bound along the ground at high speeds. It is an agile climber with a prehensile tail.

Food Habits

Although the diet of this species had not been directly observed, it probably consists of small vertebrates and invertebrates.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Species [Link]
Least Concern
More Information

For More Information

Find Lestoros inca information at

Contributors

Nancy Shefferly (author), Animal Diversity Web Staff.

References

Nowak, R.M. and J.L. Paradiso. 1983. Wlaker's Mammals of the World, Fourth Edition. John Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, London.

To cite this page: Shefferly, N. 1999. "Lestoros inca" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed May 22, 2012 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Lestoros_inca.html

Disclaimer: The Animal Diversity Web is an educational resource written largely by and for college students. ADW doesn't cover all species in the world, nor does it include all the latest scientific information about organisms we describe. Though we edit our accounts for accuracy, we cannot guarantee all information in those accounts. While ADW staff and contributors provide references to books and websites that we believe are reputable, we cannot necessarily endorse the contents of references beyond our control.

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