Designed by Paul Smith 2006. This website is copyrighted by law.
Material contained herewith may not be used without the prior written permission of FAUNA Paraguay.
Photographs on this page were taken by Philip Myers and Alberto Esquivel and are used with their permission.
WATER OPOSSUM Chironectes minimus  CLICK FOR HANDBOOK ACCOUNT
Probably the most unqiue and instantly-recognisable member of his family, this bizarre but rarely seen marsupial is perfectly adapted for an amphibious existence. First his fur is dense and velvety so that water just runs off, whilst his hind feet are broadly webbed and his tail somewhat flattened to help with under water propulsion. To the Guaranķ he is known as the Yapok.
Click on the images to enlarge them.
FIGURE 1 - Adult, Mbaracayś Forest Reserve, Departamento Canindeyś (Alberto Esquivel undated).
FIGURE 2 - Same individual (Alberto Esquivel undated).
FIGURE 3 - Same individual (Alberto Esquivel undated).
FIGURE 4 - Adult lateral view, PN Ybycui, Departamento Paraguari (Philip Myers undated).
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