Unravelling Wolffsohn´s viscacha: Conservation of a mysterious inhabitant of Patagonia, Argentina

Lucas Aristides Hormachea

Wolffsohn's viscacha (Lagidium wolffsohni) (WV) is an endemic rodent species native of Austral Patagonia. It is categorised as Data Deficient at a national and international level. Almost nothing is known about the biology, ecology, population status and threats the species face. The project purpose is to enhance the knowledge of the distribution of the species, the threats of the exotic species trade, and the knowledge, the perception and the use that local people have of WV in Santa Cruz, Argentina. We also aim to raise public awareness about this species. By the end of the project, we aim to 1) create a distribution map of WV in five protected areas; 2) obtain pictures and videos of locals' interactions with exotic species; 3) write a report on the perception, knowledge and use of WV by local people; and 4) run a workshop, gathering local NGOs and authorities together, to present the results of the project and talk about future conservation initiatives. These data are key to re-categorising the species and developing a conservation and monitoring plan.

Watch the project video: