Home › Mammalia › Talpidae › Pyrenean Desman (Galemys pyrenaicus)
SPECIES PROFILE
Pyrenean Desman (Galemys pyrenaicus)
Galemys
IUCN STATUS
Endangered
CONSERVATION STATUS
Endangered
CLASS
Mammalia
GEOGRAPHICAL RANGE
Pyrenees & N Iberia
DIET
Insectivorous
HABITAT
Fast-flowing mountain streams
🔬 Classification
PHYLUM
Chordata
CLASS
Mammalia
ORDER
Eulipotyphla
FAMILY
Talpidae
GENUS
Galemys
📋 Description
SIZE
11-14 cm body + 12-16 cm tail, 50-80 g
COLORATION
Dark brown, dense waterproof fur
ADAPTATIONS
Webbed feet, flattened tail, long snout
🌿 Ecology
HABITAT
Fast-flowing mountain streams
DIET
Insectivorous
GEOGRAPHIC RANGE
Pyrenees & N Iberia
REPRODUCTION
3-5 young after ~30 days
DIET DETAILS
Aquatic insects, crustaceans, worms
⚠️ Threats & Conservation
PRIMARY THREATS
Water pollution, dams, habitat loss
💡 Interesting Facts
1
The Pyrenean desman is a semi-aquatic mole that swims underwater using its flattened tail as a rudder. It is an ancient relic species with no close relatives.
2
It is highly sensitive to water pollution and dams, and its population is declining rapidly.
🔭 Sighting Guide
📍 BEST PLACES TO SIGHT
Pyrenees National Park France
Ordesa y Monte Perdido Spain
Picos de Europa Spain
🗓️ BEST TIME TO SIGHT
Year-round (nocturnal)
🎯 SIGHTING TIPS
Look for signs along clean mountain streams; very elusive.
