Background: While numerous studies revealed the major role of environmental changes of the Quaternary on the evolution of biodiversity, research on the influence of that period on current South-American fauna is scarce and have usually focused on lowland regions. In this study, the genetic structure of the pampas cat (Leopardus colocolo), a widely distributed felid, was determined and linked to ancient climate fluctuations on the Andean region.

Aim  To identify the bioclimatic niche of the endangered Andean cat (Leopardus jacobita), one of the rarest and least known felids in the world, by developing a species distribution model. Location  South America, High Andes and Patagonian steppe. Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina. Methods  We used 108 Andean cat records to build the models, and 27 to test them, applying the Maxent algorithm to sets of uncorrelated bioclimatic variables from global databases, including elevation. We based our biogeographical interpretations on the examination of the predicted geographic range, the modelled response curves and latitudinal variations in climatic variables associated with the locality data. Results  Simple bioclimatic models for Andean cats were highly predictive with only 3–4 explanatory variables. The climatic niche of the species was defined by extreme diurnal variations in temperature, cold minimum and moderate maximum temperatures, and aridity, characteristic not only of the Andean highlands but also of the Patagonian steppe. Argentina had the highest representation of suitable climates, and Chile the lowest. The most favourable conditions were centrally located and spanned across international boundaries. Discontinuities in suitable climatic conditions coincided with three biogeographical barriers associated with climatic or topographic transitions. Main conclusions  Simple bioclimatic models can produce useful predictions of suitable climatic conditions for rare species, including major biogeographical constraints. In our study case, these constraints are also known to affect the distribution of other Andean species and the genetic structure of Andean cat populations. We recommend surveys of areas with suitable climates and no Andean cat records, including the corridor connecting two core populations. The inclusion of landscape variables at finer scales, crucially the distribution of Andean cat prey, would contribute to refine our predictions for conservation applications.

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ResumenA pesar de la importancia de los impactos de las especies exóticas sobre la biodiversidad nativa, éstas han sido poco estudiadas en Sudamérica. En el Perú, la información publicada sobre el tema es rara y se encuentra muchas veces restringida a publicaciones poco conocidas, lo que dificulta el análisis del problema y la toma de decisiones para su manejo. En esta publicación se identifica 23 especies de vertebrados naturalizados en el Perú y se resume la información conocida sobre su dispersión en el país, distribución actual e impactos sobre ambientes naturales. Asimismo, se identifica 8 especies que fueron objeto de intentos fallidos de introducción a ambientes naturales o cuyas poblaciones naturalizadas se extinguieron y 10 especies de vertebrados cuya naturalización es probable pero debería ser verificada. Esta información debería servir de base para la creación de un plan de investigación sobre las especies naturalizadas en el Perú y sus impactos.Palabras clave: conservación, especies invasoras, impactos ecológicos, Perú, vertebrados. AbstractDespite the importance of the impacts of the exotic species on the native biodiversity, these have been little studied in South America. In Peru, the information published on the subject is scarce and is many times restricted to gray literature, complicating the analysis of the problem and the wildlife management. In this publication 23 species of vertebrates naturalized in Peru were identified, and the known information on its dispersion in the country, current distribution and impacts on natural environments was summarized. In addition, 8 species that were object of failed intents of introduction to natural environments or whose naturalized populations were extinguished were identified, as well as 10 species of vertebrates whose naturalization is probable but should be verified. This information could be the base for the creation of a research plan on the naturalized vertebrates in Peru and their impacts.Keywords: Ecological impacts, invasive species, conservation, Peru, vertebrates. IntroducciónLas especies naturalizadas (i.e. que han establecido poblaciones autónomas en un hábitat en el que eran exóticas) pueden llegar a convertirse en especies invasoras, las cuales son una importante amenaza a la diversidad biológica nativa, a la salud humana y al desarrollo de diversas actividades económicas (e.g. En el Perú, hasta hace pocos años, se ha dado poca importancia a las especies naturalizadas, y la información publicada sobre el ingreso al país, la distribución y los impactos de dichas especies es rara y se encuentra muchas veces restringida a publicaciones poco conocidas, lo que dificulta el análisis del problema y la toma de decisiones para su manejo. En algunos casos, incluso, distintos autores dan diferentes datos sobre algunos aspectos, principalmente sobre las fechas de introducción. El presente trabajo pretende contribuir al conocimiento de los vertebrados naturalizados en el Perú a través de los siguientes objetivos: i) reunir la información conocida sob...

The Andean cat Leopardus jacobita is considered one of the rarest felids in the world, although it has a large latitudinal distribution. Due to its preference for upland habitats, it has been suggested that this cat could have naturally fragmented populations. Despite great concern regarding the conservation status of this species, very little is known about its population structure, which is crucial information for appropriate management plans. In this study, we investigated its genetic diversity, population structure and evolutionary history by analysing 459 base pairs of the mitochondrial DNA control region, 789 base pairs of the NADH-5, ATP-8 and 16S mitochondrial genes, and 11 nuclear microsatellites, with the aim of identifying conservation units. The analyses were made on 30 skins and 65 recently collected faecal samples from throughout the known range of the species. These analyses revealed a total of 56 individuals. Our results confirm that Andean cat populations harbour extremely low mitochondrial and nuclear genetic diversity. The population structure of this species suggests the existence of 2 evolutionarily significant units (ESUs), with a latitudinal separation between 26 and 35°S. In addition, 2 genetically distinct groups within the northern ESU could be considered separate management units.

La liebre europea, Lepus europaeus (Mammalia, Leporidae), especie invasora en el sur del PerúThe european hare, Lepus europaeus (Mammalia, Leporidae), invasive species in south Peru Daniel Cossíos* ResumenLa liebre europea fue introducida entre finales del siglo XIX y comienzos del siglo XX a Argentina y Chile, y desde entonces ha avanzado a través de América del Sur. En 1983 la liebre había alcanzado el sur de Brasil, el departamento de Tarija en el sur de Bolivia y el río Copiapó en Chile, encontrándose ausente en el Perú. En los años 2002 y 2004 se observó varios ejemplares de liebre en estado silvestre en los departamentos peruanos de Tacna y Arequipa, hasta una altitud de 4300 m. Según entrevistas hechas a pobladores de esas zonas, la liebre habría llegado al Perú entre los años 1995 y 1998, lo que significa una velocidad de dispersión mínima de 44,34 km/año partiendo de Tarija. Los entrevistados dijeron no dar uso a la liebre y que ésta les trae problemas al consumir la vegetación. La presente nota es una alerta sobre la llegada de la liebre europea al Perú y los posibles efectos de su presencia.Palabras clave: Liebre, Lepus europaeus, especies invasoras, especies introducidas, sur del Perú. AbstractThe European hare was introduced into Argentina and Chile between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and since then has progressed throughout South America. In 1983 the hare reached southern Brazil, the Tarija department in southern Bolivia, and the Copiapo River area in Chile. In 2002 and 2004 we see some wild hares in the departments of Tacna and Arequipa, up to an altitude of 4300 m. According to interviews with inhabitants of these areas, the hare reached Peru between 1995 and 1998, which would represent an minimal dispersal speed of 44,34 km per year from Tarija. The interviewed subjects explained that the hare served no use but created problems by consuming vegetation. The present notice is a warning against the arrival of the European hare in Peru and the possible consequences of its presence.