[5] Their pelage ranges in color from dark brown to black with pale-grey underparts, resembling the sandy soil of its habitat.

Though these two species live in the same region, they are microspacially segregated based on their different preferences in soil type.

The southern tuco-tuco prefers softer soil with poor and low primary productivity.

[3] The southern tuco-tuco lives in sand dunes, building large burrow systems in areas with scarce vegetation and deep soil.

[6] The sand dune habitats are currently being destroyed for the development of urban areas, forestry, and grassland advancement.