By Karen Malek
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).
These animals are found in the following types of habitat:
temperate .
Physical Description
(7.92 oz)
(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).
Some key 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 ; motile .
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)
Primary Diet:
carnivore (eats terrestrial vertebrates).
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: Negative
No adverse affects on humans have been reported.
Economic Importance for Humans: Positive
This weasel has reportedly been kept by some ranchers as a working pet to destroy rats (Nowak, 1999).
Ways that people benefit from these animals:
controls pest population.
Conservation 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.
