Diversity and conservation of terrestrial vertebrates in mediterranean Chile

Species diversity, endemism and degree of threat of the terrestrial vertebrates of mediterranean Chile is reviewed. Mediterranean ecosystems cover 16% of the territory but harbor over 50% of Chile's vertebrate species, 50% of Chilean endemics and, 50% of the endangered species. These attributes render the mediterranean region of Chile a "hot-spot" in terms of vertebrate taxa. Habitat destruction is a major threat to species survival. Few protected areas, generally of small size, are available to protect the vertebrate fauna. Taxonomic coverage of these parks is incomplete and some are smaller than required to sustain viable populations of mammals. The use of the semi-natural matrix surrounding parks is needed to achieve the conservation of this significant biota.