This species occurs in the mountains and the Monte desert of northwestern Argentina and northern Chile (Woods and Kilpatrick, 2005), although Bidau and Lessa (pers. comm.) say it does not occur in Argentina. This part of the range is range of C. opimus. The range goes as far as 29o south in Chile (Bidau and Lessa pers. comm.).

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

Biogeographic Regions: neotropical (Native )

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.

Range mass: 0.300 to 0.400 kg.

Average mass: 0.360 kg.

Range length: 296 to 341 mm.

Average length: 317 mm.

Habitat and Ecology

Systems

• Terrestrial

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.

Habitat Regions: temperate

Terrestrial Biomes: desert or dune ; scrub forest

Ctenomys fulvus feeds on roots and underground plant parts.

Plant Foods: roots and tubers

Primary Diet: herbivore (Eats sap or other plant foods)

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

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.

US Migratory Bird Act: no special status

US Federal List: no special status

CITES: no special status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: least concern

Population

Population Trend

Major Threats

Conservation Actions

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