Revista Chilena de Historia Natural 78 (1): 113-124, 2005
RESEARCH ARTICLE
Presence of the invasive genera Mus and Rattus in natural areas in
Chile: an environmental and epidemiological risk
We conducted a latitudinal study in natural areas of continental Chile to evaluate the
occurrence of the introduced murine rodents Mus musculus, Rattus rattus and R. norvegicus. Furthermore, we evaluated
the epidemiological risk of these species as part of an ongoing study on Hantavirus. The results allowed us to conclude that M.
musculus occurs rarely in natural environments. However, the two species of Rattus have widely invaded the
mediterranean region of Chile. Desert, altitudinal and high latitude regions seem to be restricted areas for these invasive rodents. From
an epidemiological perspective, the occurrence of Hantavirus in Rattus (Andes and Seoul strains) other than cause an
ecological impact to the ecosystems, can create economic and public health disturbances. The fragility of mediterranean ecosystems
shows that the presence of exotic species constitutes an element of risk for the conservation of the natural areas in Chile. Probably,
the conservation of natural environments will constitute the best tool to manage these exotic species.
Key words:
Mus musculus,
Rattus rattus, Rattus norvegicus, invader species, Andes Hanta virus, Seoul Hanta virus, Chile
