MAMMALS OF BOLIVIA, TAXONOMY AND DISTRIBUTION

Studies of published records and of about 36,900 specimens of native m ammals from Bolivia reveal that at least 327 species occur there. Prob ably more than 20 other species, either new to science or new to Boliv ia, remain to be discovered. In addition to these species names, some 44 additional subspecies names are used. Most of the subspecies names reflect taxonomic history more than detailed knowledge of geographic v ariation. In this report, the taxonomic status of each taxon within Bo livia is noted. Scientific names that have been used for Bolivian spec imens are given for each species and subspecies, and all known publica tions that have specifically referred to Bolivian specimens are cited, along with a few other works selected for special reasons. Specimens are listed, and localities are mapped, including the prediction of the probable distribution of each species within Bolivia. Illustrated key s are based primarily on external, cranial, and dental characters and include 10 domestic and introduced species in addition to native speci es. The number of species present in most local areas ranges from abou t 50 to 180. Analysis indicates four major faunal areas: lowland tropi cs, lowland temperate zone (including the chacoan area), forested yung as, and highlands (altiplano). The highland and lowland faunas are alm ost mutually exclusive; the break between temperate and tropical is in distinct.