The southern tuco-tuco (Ctenomys australis ) is a species of rodent in the family Ctenomyidae. It is endemic to Argentina.
The southern tuco-tuco lives sympatrically with the Talas tuco-tuco (C. talarum ) in the coastal grassland and sand dune areas of the Buenos Aires Province, Argentina along the Atlantic coast. Its region ranges from Necochea to Bahia Blanca. Though these two species live in the same region, they are microspacially segregated based on their different preferences in soil type. The southern tuco-tuco prefers softer soil with poor and low primary productivity.
The southern tuco-tuco lives in sand dunes, building large burrow systems in areas with scarce vegetation and deep soil.
Southern tuco-tucos are highly territorial and aggressive. They prefer to live solitary lives, and are suggested to be polygamous.
As for dietary consideration, they are herbivorous, feeding on almost all of the plant species available in the grassland area. They have been observed to prefer grasses over forbs throughout the year.
The gestation period of the southern tuco-tuco is 100 days and can reproduce up to two times per year. On average, there are approximately 3 young born in a litter, though anywhere between 2 and 6 pups can be born.
