Shrew Opossum - Classification

Classification

Within the family of the Caenolestidae, six species are known:

• Genus Caenolestes
  • Gray-bellied Caenolestid, Caenolestes caniventer
  • Andean Caenolestid, Caenolestes condorensis
  • Northern Caenolestid, Caenolestes convelatus
  • Dusky Caenolestid, Caenolestes fuliginosus
• Genus Lestoros
  • Peruvian or Incan Caenolestid, Lestoros inca
• Genus Rhyncholestes
  • Long-nosed Caenolestid, Rhyncholestes raphanurus

However, Bublitz suggested in 1987 that there were actually two Lestoros and Rhyncholestes species (those listed here plus L. gracilis and R. continentalis). This is, however, not accepted by most scientists.