The Russian desman (Desmana moschata ) (Russian: выхухоль vykhukhol' ) is a small semiaquatic mammal that inhabits the Volga, Don and Ural River basins in Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan. 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 (usually not related) groups of two to five animals, and appears to have a complex (but largely unstudied) communication and social system.
The Russian desman is a small semiaquatic mammal. It is a small, dark-furred animal with a cylindrical body and hairless, tubular snout. The flexible snout is particularly sensitive. It has rich and thick fur with a waterproof undercoat and oily guard hairs. Desmans have webbed paws with a fringe of stiff fur to aid in swimming. Their tails are elongated and flattened. Like moles desmans are also functionally blind and rely primarily on their sense of touch, having sensory vibrissae on their faces, legs, and tails. Desmans are able to close both their nostrils and ears while diving.
Russian desmans are found in the Volga, Don, and Ural River basins in Russia, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan. They inhabit riparian areas where they construct burrows into the banks of oxbow lakes, ponds, and slow-moving streams with rich water-marsh vegetation, bushes, and trees.
Russian desmans often live in small groups of two to five individuals, that are usually not related; they appear to have a complex (but largely unstudied) communication and social system. These animals are primarily nocturnal. They dig burrows for shelter and forage in the water. Russian desmans like to groom themselves, more specifically, scratching with hind feet, washing, biting out of nails, and biting out of fur. The main reasons for these actions are supporting the air layer and the heat-insulating properties of fur.
Russian desmans have an omnivorous diet. They eat insects, crayfish, mollusks, fish, amphibians, and a big variety of plants.
Russian desmans breed at the end of spring and autumn. Females produce litters of 3 to 5 pups and males help to take care of the young.
The main threats to this species include illegal fishing nets, loss of habitat (farming), water pollution, and the introduction of non-native species like muskrats.
According to IUCN Red List, the total population size of the Russian desman is around 13,000 individuals. Currently, this species is classified as Endangered (EN) on the IUCN Red List and its numbers today are decreasing.