Dense-sampling reveals a complex distributional pattern between the southernmost marsupials Lestodelphys and Thylamys in Patagonia, Argentina

FORMOSO, A.; UDRIZAR SAUTHIER, D.; TETA, P.; PARDIÑAS, U.F.J.

MAMMALIA

WALTER DE GRUYTER & CO

Lugar: Berlin; Año: 2011 vol. 75 p. 371 - 379

0025-1461

Lestodelphys halli and Thylamys pallidior are southernmost representatives of the Order Didelphimorphia. We analyzed their southern distribution compiling locality records south of 42ºS (Chubut and Santa Cruz provinces). We found 87 locality records for L. halli and 105 for T. pallidior. The distribution of L. halli reaches the central plateaus of Santa Cruz province but avoids the northeastern corner of the Deseado Massif. We report the southernmost locality for this species. The eastern and southern distribution of T. pallidior follows the courses of major rivers and coastal areas and it was not found at altitudes )700 m. Its southern distribution is more reduced than in L. halli, not reaching latitudes south of 46ºS.