Secrets of a mystery mammal from Patagonia revealed at last
Eight years of painstaking research on the virtually unknown Wolffsohn's viscacha have helped to shine the spotlight on this super-rare South American rodent and catalyze the conservation action it so urgently needs.
Eight years of research on Wolffsohn's viscacha has provided crucial insights into this rare South American rodent. The species, endemic to Patagonia, was previously considered Data Deficient but is now classified as Endangered. Wolffsohn's viscacha shares a superficial resemblance with rabbits, but is actually more closely related to the chinchilla.
The species faces threats from invasive species and climate change. Conservationists from Argentina and Chile have been working to assess and protect Wolffsohn's viscacha, uncovering new colonies and documenting population declines. The species is more nocturnal than previously thought, and avoids areas popular with mountain climbers.
A legislative proposal is being developed to grant the species protection under Argentina's National Parks Law.
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