- The Russian Desman (Desmana moschata) is a remarkable semi-aquatic mammal belonging to the family Talpidae, making it a relative of moles. This unique species is endemic to Russia, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan, where it inhabits river systems, lakes, and ponds in the Volga, Don, and Ural river basins.
- Physically, the Russian Desman is perfectly adapted for its aquatic lifestyle. It measures 18-21 centimeters in body length, with a long, scaly tail adding another 17-20 centimeters. Adults typically weigh between 400-520 grams. The animal’s most distinctive feature is its long, flexible snout that functions like a trunk, which it uses for finding and manipulating food. This sensitive proboscis contains numerous tactile receptors and can move in all directions, making it an essential tool for locating prey underwater.
- Their fur is specially adapted for aquatic life, consisting of dense, waterproof outer hair and a fine, insulating underfur. The coloration is typically brownish-gray on the back with a silvery-white belly. Their feet are large and webbed, making them excellent swimmers, while their tail is laterally compressed and covered in scales, serving as a rudder during swimming. Small eyes and concealed ears further demonstrate their adaptation to an aquatic lifestyle.
- Russian Desmans are primarily nocturnal, spending most of the day in burrows they dig into river banks. These burrows are complex structures with multiple chambers and entrances, including underwater access points. The main chamber is always situated above the water level to provide a dry resting place. They mark their territories with a musky secretion produced by special glands near the base of their tail, which historically made them a target for the perfume industry.
- Their diet consists mainly of aquatic invertebrates, including insects, larvae, mollusks, crayfish, and small amphibians. They use their sensitive proboscis to probe the river bottom and vegetation for food, while their webbed feet help them maneuver effectively underwater. They can remain submerged for up to 5 minutes while foraging, and their unique sensory abilities allow them to detect prey even in murky water conditions.
- Reproduction occurs once or twice per year, with breeding typically taking place in spring and sometimes again in autumn. Females give birth to 1-5 young after a gestation period of about 40 days. The young are born blind and helpless but develop quickly, becoming independent after about a month. Sexual maturity is reached at around one year of age.
- The species faces significant conservation challenges. Historical hunting for their valuable fur and musk glands caused severe population declines. Current threats include habitat destruction through river regulation, pollution, and drainage of wetlands. Competition with introduced species like American mink and changes in water management practices also pose significant threats to their survival.
- Russian Desmans play an important role in their ecosystem as both predator and prey. They help control populations of aquatic invertebrates and serve as food for larger predators such as pike, otters, and various birds of prey. Their burrowing activities also contribute to the structural complexity of river banks, benefiting other species.
- Conservation efforts focus on habitat protection and restoration, including the establishment of protected areas and the implementation of water management practices that maintain suitable habitat conditions. Monitoring programs track population trends and distribution, while research continues to improve understanding of their ecological requirements.
- The species is considered vulnerable to extinction, with populations having declined significantly over the past century. Their specialized habitat requirements and sensitivity to environmental changes make them particularly susceptible to human-induced habitat modifications. As an evolutionary unique species and one of only two surviving members of their subfamily (Desmaninae), their conservation is of particular importance for maintaining global biodiversity.
- The Russian Desman serves as an indicator species for the health of riverine ecosystems in their range. Their presence typically indicates good water quality and healthy aquatic ecosystems, making them valuable indicators for conservation planning and environmental monitoring.
