Russian desmans (Desmana moschata) belong to the same family as moles but are adapted for a more aquatic lifestyle. They possess a similar long, cylindrical body, but the tail is longer and flatter than that of a mole and is broadened by a fringe of stiff hairs. The legs are also covered in stiff hairs and the thick, waterproof coat is brownish-red in colour, fading to ashy-grey on the underside. The snout is long and flexible and the back feet are completely webbed in order to provide propulsion in water. |
