The Pyrenean Desman (Galemys pyrenaicus) has a waterproof fur and a long flat tail which can act as a rudder or propeller in the water. Pyrenean desmans live in the Pyrenees Mountains of France, northern and Central Spain and northern Portugal. It lives along the fast-flowing mountain streams. The Pyrenean Desman forages mainly at night on crustaceans and insect larvae. It is threatened by construction of hydro-electric plants and water pollution. It is thought that Pyrenean desmans slap the surface of the water to produce noises helpful in echolocation, although this is mere speculation.
Keywords: tail
The Pyrenean desman is listed as Vulnerable (VU), considered to be facing a high risk of extinction in the wild, on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Pyrenean desman habitats
Bogs, Marshes, Swamps, Fens, Peatlands, Permanent Freshwater Lakes (over 8ha), Permanent Rivers / Streams / Creeks (includes waterfalls) and Wetlands (inland)Some facts about the
Pyrenean desman
Adult weight : 0.058 kg (0.1276 lbs)
Female maturity :730 days
Male maturity : 730 days
Gestation : 30 days
Litter size : 4
Litters per year : 2
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