Ecuadorean Viscacha
Lagidium ahuacaense
Conservation Status
Data DeficientMammalia · Rodentia · Chinchillidae
About
Lagidium ahuacaense is a rodent in the mountain viscacha genus (Lagidium) that occurs in southern Ecuador. First observed in 2005 and formally described in 2009, it occurs more than 500 km (310 mi) north of the nearest previously known population of mountain viscachas in central Peru. Only a single population is known. It is found on rocky habitats on Cerro El Ahuaca, an isolated granite mountain in southern Ecuador; as few as several dozen individuals remain. The species is threatened by fires and grazing cattle; the discoverers recommended its conservation status be assessed as critically endangered.
Fun Fact
ahuacaense was first observed in July 2005, when the only known population was encountered at Cerro El Ahuaca, Ecuador, over 500 km (310 mi) north of the northernmost previously known population of mountain viscachas (Lagidium) in central Peru.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Habitat is suitable, but more populations may exist elsewhere in southern Ecuador or nearby northern Peru.
Diet
Eat plants, and traces of their feeding are visible on the mountain.
Lifespan
To be updated
Threats
- Habitat Change
- Human Disturbance