Cuscomys ashaninka
Encyclopedia
The Asháninka Arboreal Chinchilla Rat (Cuscomys ashaninka) is a large species of chinchilla rat
from the Andes
of far northern Cusco in Peru
. It was only scientifically described in 1999. The animal has grey fur, with a white nose and lips, and a line of white fur running down its head. It is 30 centimetres (11.8 in) in length, with a tail of 20 centimetres (7.9 in).
When described, it was placed in the family Abrocomidae, but was considered different enough to existing species for the creation of the genus Cuscomys. Since then, the Machu Picchu Arboreal Chinchilla Rat
(Cuscomys oblativus), a species of chinchilla rat originally placed in the genus Abrocoma
, has been shown to be a member of Cuscomys. Although it is considered extinct by the IUCN, photos of a rodent showing some similarities to C. ashaninka were taken at Machu Picchu
in late 2009 and may show C. oblativus.
The first specimen of this species was discovered by Dr. Louise Emmons, a researcher of the Smithsonian Institution
from Washington, D.C.
. She found it by chance while climbing in the Vilcabamba mountains
near Machu Picchu
.
Chinchilla rat
Chinchilla rats or chinchillones are members of the family Abrocomidae. This family has few members compared to most rodent families with only 9 known living species. They resemble Chinchillas in appearance, with a similar soft fur and silvery-grey color, but have a body-structure more like a...
from the Andes
Andes
The Andes is the world's longest continental mountain range. It is a continual range of highlands along the western coast of South America. This range is about long, about to wide , and of an average height of about .Along its length, the Andes is split into several ranges, which are separated...
of far northern Cusco in Peru
Peru
Peru , officially the Republic of Peru , is a country in western South America. It is bordered on the north by Ecuador and Colombia, on the east by Brazil, on the southeast by Bolivia, on the south by Chile, and on the west by the Pacific Ocean....
. It was only scientifically described in 1999. The animal has grey fur, with a white nose and lips, and a line of white fur running down its head. It is 30 centimetres (11.8 in) in length, with a tail of 20 centimetres (7.9 in).
When described, it was placed in the family Abrocomidae, but was considered different enough to existing species for the creation of the genus Cuscomys. Since then, the Machu Picchu Arboreal Chinchilla Rat
Cuscomys oblativus
Cuscomys oblativus known as the Machu Picchu Arboreal Chinchilla Rat, is a large species of South American chinchilla rat, known from remains found in 1912, buried alongside people in ancient Inca tombs at Machu Picchu in Peru...
(Cuscomys oblativus), a species of chinchilla rat originally placed in the genus Abrocoma
Abrocoma
Abrocoma is a genus of abrocomid rodents found in the Andes of South America, from southern Peru to central Chile. The genus contains eight species, most of which are found in isolated mountain ranges in northwestern Argentina.- Species :...
, has been shown to be a member of Cuscomys. Although it is considered extinct by the IUCN, photos of a rodent showing some similarities to C. ashaninka were taken at Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is a pre-Columbian 15th-century Inca site located above sea level. It is situated on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba Valley in Peru, which is northwest of Cusco and through which the Urubamba River flows. Most archaeologists believe that Machu Picchu was built as an estate for...
in late 2009 and may show C. oblativus.
The first specimen of this species was discovered by Dr. Louise Emmons, a researcher of the Smithsonian Institution
Smithsonian Institution
The Smithsonian Institution is an educational and research institute and associated museum complex, administered and funded by the government of the United States and by funds from its endowment, contributions, and profits from its retail operations, concessions, licensing activities, and magazines...
from Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, "the District", or simply D.C., is the capital of the United States. On July 16, 1790, the United States Congress approved the creation of a permanent national capital as permitted by the U.S. Constitution....
. She found it by chance while climbing in the Vilcabamba mountains
Vilcabamba, Peru
Vilcabamba was a city founded by Manco Inca in 1539 and was the last refuge of the Inca Empire until it fell to the Spaniards in 1572, signaling the end of Inca resistance to Spanish rule.- History :...
near Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is a pre-Columbian 15th-century Inca site located above sea level. It is situated on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba Valley in Peru, which is northwest of Cusco and through which the Urubamba River flows. Most archaeologists believe that Machu Picchu was built as an estate for...
.