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Lyncodon patagonicus
Patagonian weasel


By Karen Malek

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Subphylum: Vertebrata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Family: Mustelidae
Genus: Lyncodon
Species: Lyncodon patagonicus

Geographic Range

Lyncodon patagonicus has a distribution within the Neotropical region. Its range is from the southern and western parts of Argentina into Chile (Redford and Eisenberg, 1992).

Biogeographic Regions
neotropical (Native )

Habitat

There is not a lot known about the habitat of L. patagonicus. The little research there is on this species suggests that Patagonian weasels are found in Pampas habitats that have light-colored substrates excluding deserts (Gittleman, 1996).

Habitat Regions
temperate

Physical Description

Average mass
225 g
(7.93 oz)

Range length
300 to 350 mm
(11.81 to 13.78 in)

The head and body length of Lyncodon patagonicus ranges from 300 to 350 mm, with the tail adding an additional 60 to 90 mm (Nowak, 1999). Patagonian weasels have a dental formula of 3/3, 1/1, 2/2, 1/1= 28 (Mares, 1989). They have very small ears that are covered by the surrounding fur. Generally, the the fur is whitish with some dark brown and black tones intermixed. From the top of the head to along its backside there is a distinguishable broad white or yellowish band of fur. Lyncodon patagonicus has short legs, a long body, and a short bushy tail (Redford and Eisenberg, 1992).

Other Physical Features
endothermic ; homoiothermic; bilateral symmetry

Reproduction

The mating system and behavior of Patagonian weasles remains unknown at this time. However, most mustelids associate only briefly during the mating season. Males have territories that overlap with those of several females and they monitor their reproductive state through chemical cues.

The reproductive behavior of this species has not been characterized.

Key Reproductive Features
iteroparous ; gonochoric/gonochoristic/dioecious (sexes separate); sexual ; fertilization (Internal ); viviparous

Parental care in L. patagonicus is as unknown as the rest of the species' reproductive behavior. As in all mammals, the female nurses her young. Mustelids in general produce altricial young, which reside in a den or burrow until their eyes are open and they are able to walk. At this time, young weasels typically accompany their mother on foraging trips.

Parental Investment
altricial ; female parental care

Lifespan/Longevity

Lifespan and longevity of this species are unknown.

Behavior

Patagonian weasels have been noted to enter burrows of Ctenomys and Microcavia in pursuit of prey. A defensive behavior of this species is that when it is cornered, the neck pelage will be erected. It is reportedly active at dusk and at night. (Redford and Eisenberg, 1992)

Key Behaviors
terricolous; nocturnal ; crepuscular

Food Habits

The specific food habits of Patagonian weasels are little known, but the fact that this species has reduced molars and well-formed carnassials suggests that it is primarily carnivorous (Ewer, 1973). Patagonian weasels have been noted to enter burrows of Ctenomys and Microcavia in pursuit of prey. (Redford and Eisenberg, 1992)

Animal Foods
mammals

Predation

Predation on this species has not been reported.

Ecosystem Roles

Because the dietary habits of this animal are not known, it is difficult to speculate on the role it plays within its ecosystem. However, L. patagonicus likely plays some role in regulating small rodent populations.

Economic Importance for Humans: Positive

This weasel has reportedly been kept by some ranchers as a working pet to destroy rats (Nowak, 1999).

Positive Impacts
controls pest population

Economic Importance for Humans: Negative

No adverse affects on humans have been reported.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List [Link]
Lower Risk - Least Concern

CITES [Link]
No special status

Although this species has no special status, it is reportedly rare in Chile (Nowak, 1999)

Other Comments

This animal has not been extensively studied resulting in very little published information.

For More Information

Find Lyncodon patagonicus information at

Contributors

Karen Malek (author), University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, Chris Yahnke (editor), University of Wisconsin Stevens Point.

References

Ewer, R. 1973. The Carnivores. Ithaca, New York: Cornell University Press.

Gittleman, J. 1996. Carnivore Behavior, Ecology, and Evolution, Volume 2. Ithaca, New York: Cornell University Press.

Mares, M., R. Ojeda, R. Barquez. 1989. Guide to the Mammals of Salta Province, Argentina. Norman, USA: University of Oklahoma Press.

Nowak, R. 1999. Walker's Mammals of the World, Sixth Edition. Baltimore and London: The Johns Hopkins University Press.

Redford, K., J. Eisenberg. 1992. Mammals of the Neotropics- The Southern Cone Volume 2- Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay.. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press.

To cite this page: Malek, K. 2003. "Lyncodon patagonicus" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed February 12, 2012 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Lyncodon_patagonicus.html

Disclaimer: The Animal Diversity Web is an educational resource written largely by and for college students. ADW doesn't cover all species in the world, nor does it include all the latest scientific information about organisms we describe. Though we edit our accounts for accuracy, we cannot guarantee all information in those accounts. While ADW staff and contributors provide references to books and websites that we believe are reputable, we cannot necessarily endorse the contents of references beyond our control.

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