The Russian desman (Desmana moschata ) (Russian: выхухоль vykhukhol' ) is a small semiaquatic mammal that inhabits the Volga, Don and Ural River basins in Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan. It constructs burrows into the banks of ponds and slow-moving streams, but prefers small, overgrown ponds with abundance of insects, crayfish and amphibians. The Russian desman often lives in small (usually not related) groups of two to five animals, and appears to have a complex (but largely unstudied) communication and social system.
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NocturnalNocturnality is an animal behavior characterized by being active during the night and sleeping during the day. The common adjective is "nocturnal",...
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OmnivoreAn omnivore is an animal that has the ability to eat and survive on both plant and animal matter. Obtaining energy and nutrients from plant and ani...
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ViviparousAmong animals, viviparity is the development of the embryo inside the body of the parent. The term 'viviparity' and its adjective form 'viviparous'...
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BurrowingA burrow is a hole or tunnel excavated into the ground by an animal to create a space suitable for habitation, temporary refuge, or as a byproduct ...
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SemiaquaticSemiaquatic animals are those that are primarily or partly terrestrial but that spend a large amount of time swimming or otherwise occupied in wate...
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FossorialA fossorial animal is one adapted to digging which lives primarily but not solely, underground. Some examples are badgers, naked mole-rats, clams, ...
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Not a migrantAnimals that do not make seasonal movements and stay in their native home ranges all year round are called not migrants or residents.
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starts withThe Russian desman is a small semiaquatic mammal. It is a small, dark-furred animal with a cylindrical body and hairless, tubular snout. The flexible snout is particularly sensitive. It has rich and thick fur with a waterproof undercoat and oily guard hairs. Desmans have webbed paws with a fringe of stiff fur to aid in swimming. Their tails are elongated and flattened. Like moles desmans are also functionally blind and rely primarily on their sense of touch, having sensory vibrissae on their faces, legs, and tails. Desmans are able to close both their nostrils and ears while diving.
Russian desmans are found in the Volga, Don, and Ural River basins in Russia, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan. They inhabit riparian areas where they construct burrows into the banks of oxbow lakes, ponds, and slow-moving streams with rich water-marsh vegetation, bushes, and trees.
Russian desmans often live in small groups of two to five individuals, that are usually not related; they appear to have a complex (but largely unstudied) communication and social system. These animals are primarily nocturnal. They dig burrows for shelter and forage in the water. Russian desmans like to groom themselves, more specifically, scratching with hind feet, washing, biting out of nails, and biting out of fur. The main reasons for these actions are supporting the air layer and the heat-insulating properties of fur.
Russian desmans have an omnivorous diet. They eat insects, crayfish, mollusks, fish, amphibians, and a big variety of plants.
Russian desmans breed at the end of spring and autumn. Females produce litters of 3 to 5 pups and males help to take care of the young.
The main threats to this species include illegal fishing nets, loss of habitat (farming), water pollution, and the introduction of non-native species like muskrats.
According to IUCN Red List, the total population size of the Russian desman is around 13,000 individuals. Currently, this species is classified as Endangered (EN) on the IUCN Red List and its numbers today are decreasing.
Social animals are those animals that interact highly with other animals, usually of their own species (conspecifics), to the point of having a rec...