First record of Microcavia jayat (Rodentia, Caviidae) in La Rioja province, northwestern Argentina

BUSTAMANTE, E.; JAYAT, J. P.; ORTIZ, PABLO E.; TETA, P.

Notas Sobre mamíferos Sudamericanos

SAREM

Año: 2020

The genus Microcavia includes five living species of caviomorph rodents endemic to southern South America. Microcavia jayat, the most recently described species, was recorded in only seven localities of Chaco Seco, in Santiago del Estero province, north-central Argentina. Based on cranial and mandibular remains, corresponding to 23 individuals recovered from owl pellets, we report the first record of this species in La Rioja province, Argentina. This new record implies a southwestern extension of approximately 390 km from the previously known nearest locality, and constitutes its first record in Chaco Serrano habitats within Chaco Seco ecoregion.