docenia

Docenia is a genus of South American rodents belonging to the family Cricetidae. The genus currently contains three recognized species: Docenia cuyana, Docenia fasciata, and Docenia punensis. These rodents are characterized by their relatively small size, long tails, and adaptations for burrowing. They are found in various habitats across the Andes Mountains and surrounding regions of Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, and Peru.

The diet of docenias primarily consists of seeds, grasses, and other plant matter. They are generally nocturnal animals, spending their days in underground burrows and emerging at night to forage. Their burrowing behavior plays a role in soil aeration and nutrient cycling within their ecosystems.

Little is known about the reproductive habits of docenias, though they are believed to be K-selected species, meaning they have a low reproductive rate and invest significant parental care in their offspring. Their conservation status varies among species, with some facing threats due to habitat loss and fragmentation. Further research is needed to fully understand the ecological roles and population dynamics of these elusive rodents.