Abrothrix andina

Abrothrix andina, also known as the Andean Altiplano mouse^[1] or Andean akodont,^[2] is a species of rodent in the genus Abrothrix of family Cricetidae.^[3] It is found in the Altiplano habitat of the Andes from central Peru through Bolivia, south to Argentina and Chile.^[4]

Abrothrix andina
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Mammalia
Order:	Rodentia
Family:	Cricetidae
Subfamily:	Sigmodontinae
Genus:	Abrothrix
Species:	A. andina
Binomial name
Abrothrix andina (Philippi, 1858)
Synonyms
Mus andinus Philippi, 1858 Akodon andinus Chroeomys andinus Abrothrix andinus

Taxonomy

Abrothrix andina is a member of the order Rodentia and family Cricetidae with the genus Abrothrix.^[5]

Habitat

Abrothrix andina is a small mammal that is active throughout the Andes,^[6] and has been found in altitudes of 4,620 m.^[7] The environment consists of small shrubs and is categorizes as having dry summers and snowy winters.^[6]

Biology

Diet

Abrothrix andina primarily eats small shrubs during the summer and shrubs and insects during the winters^[8] During extreme temperature changes, the gut morphology changes and energy expenditure changes.^[8] For example, their metabolic rate may increase by 36.6% during the winter.^[6] Their body mass has shown to fluctuate throughout the seasons, as well.^[6] Their diet has shown behaviors that exhibit hyperphagy.^[8]

Behavior

Abrothrix andina is active throughout the year despite seasonal changes.^[6]