Wolffsohn's viscacha (Lagidium wolffsohni)

Mohamed bin Zayed Species project number 242534939

Finding new populations of the unknown Lagidium wolffsohni in the Andes mountains range

Lagidium wolffsohni, commonly known as Wolffsohn’s viscacha, is a rare rodent endemic to the high Andean regions of southern Chile and Argentina. Currently classified as "Data Deficient" by the IUCN, this species inhabits rocky outcrops at elevations ranging from 800 to 4,000 meters. Its preferred habitats are particularly vulnerable to climate change due to their unique microclimates and limited spatial extent.

The species is likely associated with the Andean temperate rainforest biome, one of the world’s most endangered ecoregions. This biome is characterized by high levels of endemism and biodiversity, making the conservation of native species like L. wolffsohni critically important.

Although L. wolffsohni has not been officially recorded in Chile’s La Araucanía region, recent photographic evidence from climbers suggests its presence there. To verify these findings, we plan to deploy camera traps in the area. Previous studies have documented the species farther south, extending the known range of L. wolffsohni northward by ~400 kilometers.

 

 This project aims to identify new populations, understand the life history of L. wolffsohni, and safeguard its vital habitats. The specific objectives are as follows:

1. To know the distribution of L. wolffsohni in the Andean temperate rainforest.

2. Identify priority areas for conservation, mainly focused on habitat use of L. wolffsohni.

3. Identify and evaluate the activity patterns of L. wolffsohni and ecological interactions with other species.

4. Develop a dissemination strategy focused on the conservation and knowledge of L. wolffsohni for the local community and the general public.