Chironectes

Chironectes is a genus of aquatic mammals belonging to the family Didelphidae, which also includes opossums. The sole living species in this genus is Chironectes minimus, commonly known as the yapok or water opossum. This unique marsupial is found in Central and South America, inhabiting riparian habitats such as rivers, streams, and mangrove swamps.

The yapok is well-adapted for its semi-aquatic lifestyle. It possesses dense, waterproof fur, webbed feet, and a rudder-like tail that aids in swimming. A distinctive feature is the presence of a pouch that can be sealed shut, preventing water from entering when the animal is submerged. This pouch serves to protect its young during aquatic excursions.

Yapons are primarily nocturnal and are skilled hunters, feeding on a diet of fish, crustaceans, aquatic insects, and small amphibians. They are generally solitary animals, though they may form temporary pairs during the breeding season. The yapok is an important component of its freshwater and coastal ecosystems, playing a role in regulating populations of its prey species.