Caenolestes Condorensis

The Andean caenolestid (''Caenolestes condorensis''), also known as the Andean shrew opossum or Condor caenolestid, is a shrew opossum known only from Cordillera del Cóndor (Ecuador), its type locality. It was first described by zoologists Bruce D. Patterson and Albuja V. Luis in 1996. It is the largest caenolestid. The IUCN classifies it as vulnerable. As of 2015, the population is estimated at less than 1,000.

Taxonomy and etymology

The Andean caenolestid is one of the five members of ''Caenolestes'', and is placed in the family Caenolestidae (shrew opossums). It was first described by zoologists Bruce D. Patterson (of the Field Museum of Natural History) and Albuja V. Luis (of the National Polytechnic School) in 1996 from an adult male specimen captured from Cordillera del Cóndor (Ecuador). They procured a total of three specimens.

In the latter part of 20th century, scientists believed that ''Caenolestes'' is closely related to ''Lestoros'' (the Incan caenolestid). Over the years, it became clear that ''Lestoros'' is morphologically different from ''Caenolestes''. A 2013 morphological and mitochondrial DNA-based phylogenetic study showed that the Incan caenolestid and the long-nosed caenolestid (''Rhyncholestes raphanurus'') form a clade sister to ''Caenolestes''. The cladogram below is based on this study.

Caenolestid fossils date to as early as the early Eocene (nearly 55 mya). The generic name ''Caenolestes'' derives from the Greek words ''kainos'' ("new") and ''lestes'' ("robber", "pirate"). The specific epithet ''condorensis'' is based on the name of the type locality, Cordillera del Cóndor. It is also known by the name 'Condor caenolestid'.

Description

Patterson and Luis identified the Andean caenolestid as the largest in its family. It is characterized by large, heavy canines, long rostrum (nearly long), massive skull (nearly long), whitish whiskers, dark brown coat, and a dark spot on the chest. The mean external measurements recorded from the three specimens were as follows: the total length was , the weight was , the tail was long, the hindfeet measured and the ears . Sexual dimorphism is prominent, with males larger than females.

Distribution and status

The Andean caenolestid is known only from Cordillera del Cóndor, which is located in the eastern Andes. The locality is characterized by ash deposits dating to the Cretaceous, vegetation less than in height and bromeliads (locally known as "achupallas"). The specimens were captured on the ecotone (interface) between the short grassy vegetation of the plateau and the higher, wooded slopes. The IUCN classifies it as vulnerable. As of 2015, the population is estimated at less than 1,000.

References

External links

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{{Taxonbar, from=Q194377

Shrew opossums
Endemic fauna of Ecuador
Marsupials of South America
Mammals of Ecuador
Vulnerable animals
Vulnerable biota of South America
Mammals described in 1996