Distribution extension and new record of Myotis atacamensis (Lataste, 1892) (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) in Chile

Abstract

Myotis atacamensis is a poorly known bat species endemic to the central portion of the pacific coast of South America, where it is known from the province of Lambayeque, Peru (latitude 5° S), to the province of Elqui (latitude 30° S), Chile. Here, we report the first record of M. atacamensis for the province of Choapa (latitude 31° S, Coquimbo Region) in Chile. This is the southernmost record of the species within Chile and South America, extending its geographic range ca. 200 km southward.