Chilean shrew opossum
Quick Summary
The Chilean shrew opossum (Rhyncholestes raphanurus) is a species of South American marsupial belonging to the family Caenolestidae. These small, carnivorous mammals are characterized by their poor vision, small eyes, and tails covered in short, stiff hairs. Unlike many other marsupials, female shrew opossums do not have a pouch.12
They are found in the temperate rainforests of south-central Chile. Shrew opossums are nocturnal and primarily terrestrial, though they are capable climbers. Their diet consists of insects, small vertebrates, fruits, and other vegetation. While adults typically weigh around 21 grams, they possess long, narrow muzzles and dark slate-gray fur.1
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