Pyrenean desman: On the trail of Europe's weirdest beast (BBC)

[eppur_se_muova]

By Rebecca Morelle

Science reporter, BBC News, the Pyrenees

At first glimpse, it looks like a strange mish-mash of creatures - part rat, part mole, part platypus.

It's about the size of a hamster, with a glossy grey coat.

It has a huge nose - like a miniature version of an elephant's trunk - framed with long whiskers and beady little eyes. Its front paws are tiny, but its back feet are huge - and webbed. It's topped off by a thick, scaly tail.

"It is such a special creature - it really is one of Europe's strangest creatures," says Dr Yolanda Melero, who is based at the University of Aberdeen but is working with the University of Barcelona to carry out desman research.
***
more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-19260705

[Cleita]

1. That's not very cute or cuddly,

but like most creatures, it has its place in the ecosystem. It seems to be gentle, a plus that makes up for its looks.

[hatrack]

2. This posting SO needs a photograph . . .

[stuntcat]

3. adorbs!

with the beadiest little eyes!