Boletín Museo Nacional de Historia Natural

First record of Remora osteochir (Cuvier, 1829) in Chilean waters off Rapa Nui

Ignacio Contreras, Cathalina Miranda-Véliz — Wed, 03 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

We report the first record of the marlinsucker (Remora osteochir) from waters off Rapa Nui, and the second confirmed for Chile. The specimen, deposited in the National Museum of Natural History of Chile, was collected in November 1979 in association with a striped marlin (Kajikia audax). Its identification was based on diagnostic characters drawn from the relevant literature, showing no major differences with specimens recorded in other localities. This finding contributes to the knowledge of the national fish fauna and highlights the relevance of biological collections in documenting biodiversity.

Records of the coastal chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera Bennett, 1829, Rodentia, Chinchillidae) in the Antofagasta region

Jorge Mella, Alejandro P. Peñaloza-García, Jaime E. Jiménez — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

We conducted a bibliographic review on the scientific articles and the digital platform of Chile’s Environmental Impact Service (www.seia.cl), and added our own field records, to compile and summarize all known accounts of Chinchilla lanigera in the Antofagasta Region. We reported 33 records of this rodent, endemic to Chile and in danger of extinction. The new records expand the altitudinal distribution of the species and reflect that the chinchilla’s occupancy in the coastal desert is broader than historically reported. By being a Natural Monument, to take science-based decisions when developing environmental projects in the near future, the updated information of the regional geographic distribution of the long-tailed chinchilla should be considered.

Elaterids and eucnemids (Coleoptera: Elateridae, Eucnemidae) of Rapa Nui (Easter Island) and the Juan Fernández Archipelago

Cristian Pineda, Sergio Elórtegui Francioli — Tue, 02 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The presence of Pseudodiaeretus selkirki Fleutiaux, 1924 (Eucnemidae), Monocrepidius chilensis Schwarz, 1904 (Elateridae) and an undetermined Elateridae species in the Juan Fernández Archipelago, and of M. chilensis and Simodactylus delfini Fleutiaux, 1907 (Elateridae) in Rapa Nui (Easter Island) are recognized. Additionally, the type specimens of P. selkirki and S. delfini were located; for the first species the holotype by monotypy was established, while for the second a lectotype and paralectotype were designated. Based on these nominations and a review of Elateridae and Eucnemidae specimens collected in the Juan Fernández Archipelago and Easter Island, we confirm the taxonomic validity of S. delfini and that the specimens attributed to P. selkirki after their original description correspond to a correct identification. Images of the type specimens of P. selkirki and S. delfini, and of specimens of M. chilensis recently collected on Alejandro Selkirk and Easter Islands, are presented.

Diversity and abundance of mesomammals in a Monkey puzzle tree (Araucaria araucana) forest in Villarrica National Park, Araucanía region, Chile

Javiera Calvo Rebolledo, Oscar Skewes Ramm — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The Monkey puzzle tree (Araucaria araucana) forests at Puesco area of Villarrica National Park, Chile, harbors both native and non-native mesomammals. However, the relative abundance and diversity of these species have remained understudied, and potential variations due to seasonal or annual changes are still not well understood. This study aims to fill this knowledge gap, providing insight into species interactions and environmental dynamics within this unique ecosystem, with the broader goal of supporting effective biodiversity conservation and management strategies in the park. The diversity and relative abundance of mesomammals in an Araucaria araucana forest within Villarrica National Park were estimated and analyzed. Data was collected through camera trapping at ten locations over a period of 26 months. The cameras were randomly placed in the field, maintaining a minimum distance of 1200 meters between them, covering an area of approximately 3500 hectares. Records were analyzed by grouping data from spring of one year to the following spring, calculating the relative abundance index and diversity indices. Five mesomammal species were detected: Puma concolor (puma), Lycalopex spp (gray or culpeo foxes), Lepus europaeus (European hare), Sus scrofa (wild boar), and Cervus elaphus (red deer). Clear annual and seasonal differences were observed in the relative abundance index. Alarmingly, the relative abundance of non-native mesomammals was ten times higher than that of native species. Diversity (H’) throughout the entire period was low, with significant differences discernible between years and seasons. Although data on the population abundance of invasive species in Chile are scarce, this study reveals a high relative abundance of non-native species in an Araucaria forest. Coupled with the observed low diversity, this is a cause for concern, especially considering the presence of an endangered endemic species like A. araucana. Significant differences in abundance were found only for Sus scrofa and Lycalopex spp. over the study period. Alpha diversity for the entire study period was low, with differences observed both between years and seasons. In conclusion, this study highlights the urgent need for reflection and action regarding the dominance of exotic species in a sector of a protected area. The findings can serve as a basis for future research and guide conservation efforts. These results underscore the urgent need for targeted strategies to manage the high abundance of non-native species and improve of Villarrica National Park.