Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris (Linnaeus, 1766) in the Dry Chaco. Novel records and reflections on an expanding semi-aquatic species
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31687/SaremNMS24.01.5Keywords:
capybara, distribution, local ecological knowledge, Rodentia, water bodiesAbstract
The unusual presence of capybaras in a xerophilous area of central Argentina is reported. The records are based on interviews with local people and field observations carried out by members of our research group. Five records were obtained for the province of Córdoba and three for Santiago del Estero. The distance of these records to the known distribution of the species and perennial water lines is reported. Explanatory hypotheses are proposed about the presence of capybaras in places where water bodies are scarce and seasonal. Finally, the value of the participation of local collaborators in wildlife monitoring is highlighted.
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Copyright (c) 2024 Matias Wajner, Francis Merlo, Guadalupe Laitán, Susana Campos, Marta Rueda, Carla Rueda, Andrés H. Britos, Fernando Zamudio
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