Russian Desman
Desmana moschata
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian_desman
Overview
The Russian desman is a small semiaquatic mammal that inhabits the Volga, Don and Ural River basins in Russia. Some authorities, citing old Soviet sources, claim the animal can be found in Eastern Ukraine and Northern Kazakhstan, but, as of 2020, the accuracy of such claims is disputed. It constructs burrows into the banks of ponds and slow-moving streams, but prefers small, overgrown ponds with abundance of insects, crayfish and amphibians.
The Russian desman often lives in small groups of two to five animals, that are usually not related, and appears to have a complex communication and social system.
The Russian desman faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat degradation from dam construction and water pollution in river systems across European Russia. Overfishing and bycatch in fishing nets pose additional mortality risks, while climate change alters the aquatic ecosystems this semi-aquatic mammal depends upon. Competition from introduced species like muskrats and American mink further threatens remaining populations in fragmented habitats.
Habitat
The Russian desman inhabits slow-flowing rivers, streams, and associated wetlands across the Volga, Don, and Ural river basins in European Russia. It requires clean, oxygen-rich waters with muddy or sandy bottoms rich in aquatic invertebrates, typically in areas with overhanging vegetation and burrow sites along riverbanks.
Conservation measures underway
Other threatened species in TALPIDAE
Threatened in Belarus
Frequently asked questions
Why is Russian Desman classified as Critically Endangered?
Where does Russian Desman live?
What are the main threats to Russian Desman?
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