Abstract

UDRIZAR SAUTHIER, Daniel E  and  PARDINAS, Ulyses F. J. Estableciendo límites: distribución geográfica de los micromamíferos terrestres (Rodentia y Didelphimorphia) de Patagonia centro-oriental. Mastozool. neotrop. [online]. 2014, vol.21, n.1, pp.79-99. ISSN 0327-9383.

In this contribution we analyze the geographic distribution of non-volant small mammal species of the coastal sector of Central Patagonia. This region is relevant because there occurs the engagement between the major floristic units of extra-Andean Patagonia, the Monte Phytogeographic Province (PP) and the Patagónica PP. The aims of this work are to provide new data on geographical distribution of coastal small mammals between 41°30'S and 46°00'S, to describe the taxonomic composition of the micromammal assemblages, and to explore the fidelity of their species with Monte PP and Patagónica PP. Data was collected from trapping and owl pellets analyses; mammal collections and specific literature were also employed. We trapped 557 specimens and recorded at least 4740 specimens derived from owl pellets. We found 2 species of marsupials, 12 sigmodontines, 2 cavids, Ctenomys whose specific scenario is uncertain, and 2 introduced mu­rids. We recorded 100 localities with information on small mammals. Zoogeographically, the boundary between Monte PP and Patagónica PP in the coastal sector is not a straight line but an ecotone extending from the Chubut river up to Camarones, including elements of both units. Species related to Monte PP penetrate to high latitudes by coastal fringe until about Puerto Deseado (47°45'S). Moreover, Patagónica PP assemblages are clearly recognizable in elevated sectors of southern Chubut plateaus, highlighting the effect of altitude, as a conditioning factor of humidity, temperature, and ultimately vegetation on small mammal species distribution.

Keywords : Chubut; Marsupialsm; Monte; Patagonian steppe; Rodents.

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