Mammals
Monito del Monte
Dromiciops gliroides · also called little mountain monkey
Surviving as the last member of an ancient marsupial lineage, a monito del monte is more closely related to the marsupials of Australia than to any other mammal in South America, hibernating through the coldest months in southern Chilean forest.
Overview
The monito del monte, Dromiciops gliroides, is a Least Concern mammal native to forest habitat across southern Chile and Argentina. Its status as a living fossil and the sole surviving member of an ancient marsupial order, its surprising evolutionary connection to Australian marsupials, and its critical role dispersing seeds for a native mistletoe make it one of the most scientifically fascinating mammals found anywhere in the world.
A living link to an ancient lineage
Long after its closest relatives vanished from the fossil record, the monito del monte survives quietly in southern Chilean forest, an evolutionary holdout whose closest living kin are found not in South America but on the other side of the world in Australia.
Status
Least Concern, remaining widespread and generally stable across suitable temperate forest habitat in southern Chile and Argentina.
Monito del Monte: common questions
Why is the monito del monte considered a living fossil?
This species is the sole surviving member of an ancient marsupial order, making it one of the most evolutionarily isolated mammals found anywhere in the world.
Is the monito del monte related to other South American marsupials?
Not closely, this species is more closely related to Australian marsupials than to any other marsupial found in South America, a surprising evolutionary connection.
Why is the monito del monte ecologically important?
This species serves as an important seed disperser for a native mistletoe plant, which depends almost entirely on the species for successful reproduction.
Does the monito del monte hibernate?
Yes, this species hibernates during the coldest winter months, conserving energy when food becomes scarce across its temperate forest habitat.