Austenii

Austenii is a genus of small, burrowing rodents found in South America. The genus was first described by British zoologist Oldfield Thomas in 1916. The name "austenii" honors the English novelist Jane Austen, although the exact reason for this dedication is not definitively documented in scientific literature. These rodents are part of the family Cricetidae, which includes many species of hamsters, voles, and New World rats and mice.

There are currently two recognized species within the genus Austenii: Austenii agilis and Austenii cricetoides. Both species inhabit arid and semi-arid regions, typically found in grasslands, scrublands, and open woodlands. Their distribution is primarily within Argentina and Bolivia. Austenii species are characterized by their relatively small size, short tails, and adaptations for fossorial life, including strong claws for digging. Their diet consists mainly of seeds, grasses, and other plant matter, though they may occasionally consume insects. Information regarding their specific social behavior and reproductive strategies is limited, reflecting their relatively obscure status in scientific research compared to more widely studied rodent species. Conservation statuses for Austenii species are not extensively detailed, but their habitats are subject to pressures from agriculture and land development, which could pose future challenges to their populations.