TUCO-TUCO

any of several species of South American rodents constituting the genus Ctenomys of the family Ctenomyidae (order Rodentia). They are found from Peru southward to Tierra del Fuego. Tuco-tucos are named for the sound of their call. They are highly variable animals, and about 50 different forms have been considered species; some authorities, however, recognize only about 25 species. Tuco-tucos resemble American pocket gophers in appearance and habits but do not have the cheek pouches characteristic of the latter. Tuco-tucos are thickset, short-legged rodents 17 to 25 cm (7 to 10 inches) long, excluding the short tail, and are pale to dark brown or gray. They dig burrow systems (tucales) that include chambers for nesting and for storing roots, stems, and other food. They breed once a year, and the female bears one to five young per litter. The gestation period in one species (C. torquatus) was recorded at about 105 days.