New record of the Patagonian weasel ( Lyncodon patagonicus , Carnivora: Mustelidae) for the center of Argentina and contributions about its natural history

Abstract

The Patagonian weasel ( Lyncodon patagonicus ) inhabits arid and semiarid regions of Argentina and Chile. Most references come from ancient records, recent observa- tions are scarce. Although the species has been known for more than a century and has a wide distribution, knowledge about its natural history is limited. In this work, a new locality is documented for this species, based on a single specimen observed and photographed at Chancaní Natural Reserve, Córdoba Province, Argentina. It also provides information about its natural history, since the individual was seen feeding on a specimen of Ctenomys sp. during the day . Therefore, we confirm the presence of the Patagonian Weasel in the province of Córdoba, whose most reliable record of the species comes from Late Pleistocene.