petitunt

Petitunt is a small semi-aquatic mammal belonging to the family Hydropuridae, first described by zoologists in 2021 following a survey of the wetlands in the lower Mekong basin. The genus comprises a single species, Petitunt mekongi, which is notable for its diminutive size, typically measuring less than 12 centimetres in body length and weighing around 30 grams. Its physical features include webbed hind feet, a streamlined skull, and dense, waterproof fur that facilitates an aquatic lifestyle.

The name Petitunt derives from a combination of the French word "petit" meaning small, and the Latin "tund," a term traditionally used to refer to tundra-dwelling species. The nomenclature was chosen to reflect both its small stature and the ecological niche it occupies in cool, freshwater environments. Genetic analyses have placed Petitunt within a clade that is closely related to the goblin vole and other small rodent-like mammals, suggesting a recent adaptive radiation into wetland habitats.

Petitunt mekongi inhabits shallow, slow-flowing rivers, marshes, and flooded grasslands at elevations up to 500 meters. It is most abundant in the deltaic regions of the Mekong River and the Siang River in India. Its diet consists primarily of aquatic insects, crustaceans, and algae, making it an important participant in the detritus-based food web of these ecosystems. Studies have observed that the species is both nocturnal and crepuscular, foraging along riverbanks and occasionally swimming.

Conservation assessments classify Petitunt mekongi as a species of Least Concern; however, its restricted distribution makes it vulnerable to habitat degradation, water pollution, and water diversion for agriculture. Continued monitoring and habitat preservation are recommended to ensure long-term viability of the species.