Profile: Monito del monte

After extensive searches, we have recently confirmed the presence of the monito del monte in the Tabo River basin, very close to the Meullín–Puye Nature Sanctuary. A couple of weeks ago, we retrieved several camera traps that recorded this marsupial, the smallest in South America. This is a significant finding, as it confirms the species’ distribution in the Aysén Region. It is also the southernmost photographic record of the monito del monte to date. Never before have photographs of this species been captured in this area.

These records encourage us to continue monitoring the species in the forest ecosystems of Patagonia. The information collected will help guide future monitoring efforts in areas of higher activity and deepen our understanding of its population, distribution range, and other characteristics.

“Profile” is a section dedicated to highlighting species—native, endemic, and introduced—as well as key geographic features of our region, emphasizing their connection to the territory and local communities. Through these visual materials, we seek to promote a deeper understanding of our environment and a more respectful relationship with nature.

Sources:

Contreras, S. (2023). Estado actual sobre el conocimiento sobre el monito del monte (Dromiciops gliroides) [Tesis de pregrado, Universidad de Santiago de Chile].
Díaz, J. & Celis, J. (2013). El monito del monte. Editorial Amanuta.