Status and distribution of Paraguayan Mustelidae

Abstract

Five species of Mustelidae are known to occur in Paraguay – Tayra Eira barbara, Lesser Grison Galictis cuja, Greater Grison Galictis vittata, Giant Otter Pteronura brasiliensis and Neotropical Otter Lontra longicaudis. However, Paraguayan data regarding the distribution and status of these species in Paraguay is not easily obtainable, and scattered amongst numerous, often obscure publications. Paraguayan literature and specimens were reviewed to compile data on the distribution and status of these species in the country and records are presented in a hierarchical manner reflecting the reliability of each report. Data on these species in Paraguay are sorely lacking and our knowledge of distribution in the country is poor. The specimen record is incomplete and severely biased towards the Chaco region. Most species are apparently widespread and fairly common in the country. Giant Otter has a more restricted distribution, mainly in the Pantanal region. The precise distribution of the Greater Grison is unclear, probably because of widespread confusion of this species with the Lesser Grison.