Tuku-tuku is a term originating from the Aymara indigenous language of the Andean region, primarily spoken in Bolivia, Peru, and parts of Chile and Argentina. It refers to a small, shrew-like mammal known scientifically as Ctenomys.
The tuku-tuku is a rodent classified under the family Ctenomyidae, commonly known as tuco-tuco or tuco. It is characterized by its small to medium size, ranging from 10 to 25 centimeters in length, and its compact, cylindrical body shape. It typically has short, stout legs and strong forelimbs, allowing it to dig elaborate burrow systems in the grasslands or sandy soils where it resides.
The tuku-tuku is a herbivorous animal, primarily feeding on roots, bulbs, and tubers. It has sharp incisors and powerful jaws, enabling it to dig through the ground and extract food from the roots and tubers it consumes. As a key aspect of its ecological role, the tuku-tuku plays a significant part in shaping its environment by creating tunnels and aerating the soil, which can have important consequences on nutrient cycling, plant growth, and the overall integrity of grassland ecosystems.
Due to its burrowing behavior and primarily subterranean lifestyle, the tuku-tuku is not widely recognized or known beyond the scientific community and local populations in the regions where it is found. However, its ecological impact and adaptation to its unique habitat make it an intriguing and important species within its respective ecosystem.
