IADIZA   20886
INSTITUTO ARGENTINO DE INVESTIGACIONES DE LAS ZONAS ARIDAS
Unidad Ejecutora - UE
artículos
Título:
New eco-morphological-behavioral approach of the chinchilla rats in the pre-Adean foothills of the Monte desert (Argentina)
Autor/es:
PAULA TARABORELLI; PABLO MORENO; PAOLA L. SASSI; MARÍA A. DACAR; RICARDO OJEDA
Revista:
JOURNAL OF NATURAL HISTORY
Editorial:
TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD
Referencias:
Lugar: London; Año: 2011 vol. 45 p. 1745 - 1758
ISSN:
0022-2933
Resumen:
This study characterizes the ecology, behaviour and morphology of populationsof Abrocoma schistacea and A. uspallata in north-western Argentina. We carriedout live-trapping, tagging and recapture during 2006?2008. Burrow structure andvegetation were described. Diet composition and the activity of chinchilla rats weredefined. Both species inhabit rock crevices in the pre-Andean foothills of theMonteDesert. Some of their morphological specializations for saxicolous life, such asfoot pads for better traction on rocky surfaces and reduced nails, are convergentwith those of other saxicolous species. Both species appear to be diurnal, withactivity peaking in the early morning. Dietary analyses suggest trophic specializationby both species. Density of A. schistacea was of 0.15 ± 0.06 individualsha−1; with individuals living in groups of 3?4 animals. Given their low abundance,restricted distribution and high level of habitat and food specialization, we urgethat populations of this species be protected through effective management.