Potential Distributions of Chinchilla chinchilla in Chile

Chinchillas were once thought to be extinct in the wild and are listed as endangered.  The current in-situ distribution of wild chinchillas exists in Bolivia and Chile.  Short-tailed chinchillas (Chinchilla chinchilla) was rediscovered in Chile in 2001 and Bolivia in 2017 existing in the wild. This study utilizes currently known distributions, elevation and climate to predict the probability of suitable habitat in the program Maxent.  The warmest quarter and wettest quarter are the most important environmental factors in this model which was expected as the climate is arid and mediterranean climate zones.  This species varies from its co-genera in having adaptations (smaller ears, larger body mass) to colder climates. Based on this model, temperature seems to be an important limiting factor on this species distribution.  This map should be used for search expeditions.  It must be noted that a similar map at a finer scale for the other chinchilla species predicted a larger possible area than that of its known distribution.