High Andean Region Research Articles

First record of <i>Abrothrix olivacea</i> (Waterhouse, 1837) in Peru based on historical material from Tacna

Abrotrichini is the sigmodontine tribe with the fewest species in Peru, known only from two species: Abrothrix andina and Ab. jelskii, both distributed in the high Andean regions of Peru above 3000 m in altitude. A detailed review of the morphology of historical specimens collected in the Tacna department and identified as Akodon mollis was conducted. As a result, we found that the examined specimens corresponded to Abrothrix olivacea, a species previously known only from Chile and Argentina. This discovery represents the first record of this species in Peru, extending its distribution range 165 km north of its previous northernmost record in Quebrada Camarones, Arica-Parinacota, Chile. Furthermore, this finding significantly reduces the distribution range of Akodon mollis to the northwestern region of Peru. We also provide key craniodental characters to differentiate species of Abrothrix and Akodon in southwestern Peru and northern Chile. For Peru, this record increases the diversity of mammals to 588 species and rodents to 201 species. In the case of the Tacna department, mammalian diversity increases to 47 species. This work highlights the value of natural history museum collections in enhancing our understanding of species diversity.

Conditional cash transfer program, child malnutrition and school dropout in the high Andean region of Peru

Conditional cash transfer program, child malnutrition and school dropout in the high Andean region of Peru

New Report of Cyanobacteria and Cyanotoxins in El Pañe Reservoir: A Threat for Water Quality in High-Andean Sources from PERU.

Cyanobacteria are cosmopolitan organisms; nonetheless, climate change and eutrophication are increasing the occurrence of cyanobacteria blooms (cyanoblooms), thereby raising the risk of cyanotoxins in water sources used for drinking, agriculture, and livestock. This study aimed to determine the presence of cyanobacteria, including toxigenic cyanobacteria and the occurrence of cyanotoxins in the El Pañe reservoir located in the high-Andean region, Arequipa, Peru, to support water quality management. The study included morphological observation of cyanobacteria, molecular determination of cyanobacteria (16S rRNA analysis), and analysis of cyanotoxins encoding genes (mcyA for microcystins, cyrJ for cylindrospermopsins, sxtl for saxitoxins, and AnaC for anatoxins). In parallel, chemical analysis using Liquid Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was performed to detect the presence of cyanotoxins (microcystins, cylindrospermopsin, saxitoxin, and anatoxin, among others) and quantification of Microcystin-LR. Morphological data show the presence of Dolichospermum sp., which was confirmed by molecular analysis. Microcystis sp. was also detected through 16S rRNA analysis and the presence of mcyA gene related to microcystin production was found in both cyanobacteria. Furthermore, microcystin-LR and demethylated microcystin-LR were identified by chemical analysis. The highest concentrations of microcystin-LR were 40.60 and 25.18 µg/L, in May and November 2022, respectively. Microcystins were detected in cyanobacteria biomass. In contrast, toxins in water (dissolved) were not detected. Microcystin concentrations exceeded many times the values established in Peruvian regulation and the World Health Organization (WHO) in water intended for human consumption (1 µg/L). This first comprehensive report integrates morphological, molecular, and chemical data and confirms the presence of two toxigenic cyanobacteria and the presence of microcystins in El Pañe reservoir. This work points out the need to implement continuous monitoring of cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins in the reservoir and effective water management measures to protect the human population from exposure to these contaminants.

Cienciometric Analysis of Scientific Production on Hydatidosis/Echinococcosis in Latin America

Abstract Introduction: Hydatidosis/cystic echinococcosis (CE) is considered a neglected disease due to its preventive nature and impact on low-income populations. In Latin America, there is a high incidence, and in the high Andean regions, it is considered an endemic disease. The objective of this study was to quantify and analyze the scientific production of hydatidosis/echinococcosis through a bibliometric analysis in Latin America up to 2022. Methods: A bibliometric analysis study was conducted based on the scientific production of CE in the SCOPUS database until 2022 in Latin American countries. Information was collected through a systematic search. Frequencies and percentages were used to summarize the variables captured in the final database. Results: Scientific production showed growth over the years, with Argentina, Uruguay, and Chile having the highest production. In addition, there has been a trending use of the term “neglected disease” since 2018. The most cited articles were primarily narrative reviews, book chapters, and original articles in that order. Only 27% of the studies were funded by an institution in Latin America. Conclusion: Scientific production in Latin America regarding CE is on the rise, especially in countries with high incidence rates. Furthermore, these countries demonstrate a significant network of international collaboration.

In vitro inhibition of Candida spp., strains by wild mountain mint essential oil: A traditional medicinal plant in the high Andean regions of Peru

In vitro inhibition of Candida spp., strains by wild mountain mint essential oil: A traditional medicinal plant in the high Andean regions of Peru

Evaluating the Impact of Mentoring on the Development of Soft and Technological Skills of Women in the Textile Sector in High Andean Regions

This study focuses on evaluating the influence of mentoring in technological tools and strengthening soft skills on women operators in the textile sector in the high Andean areas of Cusco, Puno, Tacna, Moquegua and Arequipa in southern Peru. To measure this impact, two case studies were created and implemented, conducted on different groups before and after a mentoring about soft skills and technological tools respectively, focusing on the acquisition or development of soft skills and basic level technology skills such as Google search usage, use of Canva and social media management. The results indicate that the mentorships have influenced the development of technology skills among the participants but there was no statistical inference in the soft skills evaluated by internal consistency using the Alpha coefficient (α = 0.70), with the exception, to the Flexibility dimension, that showed statistically significant differences, having a positive effect on the pre-test and post-test measures. Pre-mentoring surveys revealed a generalized lack in most of the technological skills, with limited knowledge in the use of tools such as search engines and graphic design platforms, and post-mentoring surveys showed improvements in these areas. This study highlights the importance of mentoring in the development of soft and basic technological skills, empowering women in the textile sector in the high Andean regions. These results suggest that mentoring can play a key role in developing soft skills in certain areas and closing technology gaps, improving the active participation of this demographic group in the digital economy and society in general. Este estudio se centra en evaluar la influencia de la mentoría en herramientas tecnológicas y fortalecimiento de habilidades blandas en mujeres operadoras del sector textil en las zonas altoandinas de Cusco, Puno, Tacna, Moquegua y Arequipa en el sur del Perú. Para medir este impacto, se crearon e implementaron dos estudios de caso, realizados a diferentes grupos antes y después de una mentoría sobre habilidades blandas y herramientas tecnológicas respectivamente, enfocados en la adquisición o desarrollo de habilidades blandas y habilidades tecnológicas de nivel básico como el uso de búsquedas en Google, uso de Canva y manejo de redes sociales. Los resultados indican que las mentorías han influido en el desarrollo de habilidades tecnológicas entre los participantes, pero no hubo inferencia estadística en las habilidades blandas evaluadas por consistencia interna utilizando el coeficiente Alfa (α = 0,70), con la excepción, a la dimensión Flexibilidad, que mostró diferencias estadísticamente significativas, teniendo un efecto positivo en las medidas pre-test y post-test. Las encuestas pre-mentoría revelaron una carencia generalizada en la mayoría de las habilidades tecnológicas, con un conocimiento limitado en el uso de herramientas como motores de búsqueda y plataformas de diseño gráfico, y las encuestas post-mentoría mostraron mejoras en estas áreas. Este estudio destaca la importancia de la mentoría en el desarrollo de habilidades blandas y tecnológicas básicas, empoderando a las mujeres del sector textil en las regiones altoandinas. Estos resultados sugieren que la tutoría puede desempeñar un papel clave en el desarrollo de habilidades blandas en determinadas áreas y en la reducción de las brechas tecnológicas, mejorando la participación activa de este grupo demográfico en la economía digital y en la sociedad en general.

Climate change impact assessments on the Andean genus Menonvillea (Brassicaceae) reveal uneven vulnerability among major phylogenetic and biogeographic groups

Climate change impact on species can be heterogeneous depending on their environments, exposure, and intrinsic characteristics. Likewise, global warming may have an uneven effect on lineages, depending on whether phylogenetic conservatism or divergence of ecological niches predominates during clade diversification, imposing a higher risk to species groups from certain regions, habitats and lineages. This study evaluates the impact of future climate change on Menonvillea, a genus with 24 species distributed along the Andes and contiguous regions of the Southern Cone. The impact on the main phylogenetic, ecological and biogeographic groups is evaluated, also analyzing the effect on its richness and phylogenetic diversity. Results show a strongly negative impact on most species of the genus. However, the greatest pressure seems to be recovered for high Andean species, mainly from the southern portion of the Southern Andes (between 34°S–53S°), and mostly included in Menonvillea sect. Cuneata. Richness appears to be more impacted in high Andean regions, and the loss of phylogenetic diversity is greater than expected at random. These results highlight the strong negative impact that climate change can induce on lineages distributed in the Andean-Patagonian region, and that show patterns of phylogenetic niche conservatism.

Pollination efficiency and foraging behavior of Bombus pauloensis (Hymenoptera: Apidae) on two highbush blueberry cultivars (Vaccinium corymbosum)

Bombus pauloensis Friese is a promising managed bumblebee that can pollinate crops in South America. Highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) is a recently introduced and economically promising crop cultivated in open fields or greenhouses in Colombia. Although this crop is known to be pollinator-dependent, the efficiency of local pollinators in this geographic area has yet to be established. This study aimed to establish the pollination effectiveness and foraging behavior of B. pauloensis in two of the most common cultivars of highbush blueberries planted in a high Andean region of Colombia. We hand-reared and located B. pauloensis colonies in two different plantations of Sharpblue (open field) and Biloxi (greenhouse) cultivars. The time spent per flower and the number of flowers visited per minute of 300 foragers were registered to characterize the foraging behavior in both cultivars. Pollen analysis was performed once from corbicular loads, larvae, larval cells, and colony feces to identify the pollen sources collected by colonies located in the Sharpblue crop. Analysis of fruit quality was performed to establish the effect of B. pauloensis pollination. Foragers visited blueberry flowers with a corolla aperture of more than 3mm in both cultivars but spent more time visiting Biloxi than Sharpblue flowers. B. pauloensis pollination reduced the ripening time and increased the fresh and dry weight and the number of true seeds in both cultivars. Our results provide evidence that B. pauloensis pollination can improve the fruit quality in the blueberry cultivars evaluated here in Colombia, making it an efficient native pollinator for a promising commercial species.

Edaphic macrofauna in the establishment of an agroforestry system in the High Andean region of Southern Colombia

Biological degradation of the soil due to inadequate agricultural practices that eliminate vegetative cover and, therefore, organic matter, reduces the biological communities that perform important ecological functions in the soil. The objective of the study was to evaluate some biological properties of the soil in an agroforestry system with Morella pubescens intercropped with Smallanthus sonchifolius and in a degraded pasture of Cenchrus clandestinum. The trial was conducted at the Botana Experimental Farm, Nariño, at 2,820 meters above sea level. Density, richness and Simpson and Shannon-Wiener diversity indices were determined. A Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications was used. The treatments corresponded to sowing distances of S. sonchifolius. T1: sown at 1x1m, T2: 0.8x0.8m, T3: 0.5x0.5m and the control T4 corresponded to degraded pasture of C. clandestinum. The tree component M. pubescens was established at 4x4m between seedlings and 9m between rows. Soil macrofauna sampling was carried out following the monolithic TSBF method, collecting at depths of (0-10, 10-20 and 20-30cm). A total density of 6,496i/m2 individuals was found. The highest value was obtained in T3 (3,168i/m2) represented by the taxonomic groups Diptera and Haplotaxida. Higher values of richness were observed in T1. The Shannon index was higher in T2 (0.66) while T1 (0.80) presented higher dominance in morphospecies. Density and richness were higher in the agroforestry arrangement than in the degraded Cenchrus clandestinum pasture. Treatments, depth and their interaction did not significantly affect morphospecies diversity.

Sustainability of dairy farming in Colombia’s High Andean region

Bovine livestock covers more than a third of the earth’s surface and has transformed various natural ecosystems in different parts of the world, including those in fragile, biodiverse regions. Such livestock is found in several of these ecosystems throughout Colombia, and face productivity limitations and environmental impacts. One of them, the High Andean region represents a strategic ecosystem for the conservation of biodiversity globally. Dairy farming in this area has undeniable socioeconomic relevance that is currently threatened by climate variability and market globalization. In this article we explore key elements for the sustainability of dairy livestock in the High Andean region, considering environmental conditions, technical and economic viability, as well as its relationship with society’s values and objectives. Through applied research, field trials, participant observation, consultation with experts, and bibliographic review, we analyze the factors that hinder dairy farming in the High Andean region. We conclude that the traditional models-extensive and conventional intensification-present economic problems, generate environmental impacts and are vulnerable to current changes in the social and environmental plains. We propose to venture into different approaches and technologies, such as agroecological production with silvopastoral systems.

Morphological and Ecogeographical Diversity of the Andean Lupine (Lupinus mutabilis Sweet) in the High Andean Region of Ecuador

Promoting food security is one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) proposed by the United Nations General Assembly, with a target date of 2030. Human nutrition based on legume consumption is essential to ensuring food security while reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with nitrogen fertilizer use. Moreover, preserving legume biodiversity is critical to increasing agricultural resilience against climate change. The Andean lupine or “tarwi” (Lupinus mutabilis Sweet) is a legume native to the Andean region with high nutritional importance. Morphological characterization processes allow the determination of local agro-biodiversity and the identification of promising materials for genetic improvement programs. In the present investigation, 173 accessions of Andean lupine from the Germplasm Bank of INIAP, Ecuador, were evaluated. Thirteen quantitative and fifteen qualitative descriptors were used in the characterization. The results revealed that the genetic variability of the Andean lupine is represented by the conformation of four groups of accessions. Among those groups, two accessions stand out for having small plants and high yields, factors that could be used for genetic improvement processes or be reintroduced into farmers’ fields as they represent an option for the production, consumption, and marketing of the local germplasm of this relevant ancient crop. A phenotypic diversity map of the cultivated tarwi explained that areas with high morphological diversity are not completely identical to areas with high ecogeographic diversity. The distribution of the genetic variability of species appears to be more related to cultural aspects than environmental conditions.

Bioactive Compounds and Sensory Quality in Chips of Native Potato Clones (Solanum tuberosum spp. andigena) Grown in the High Andean Region of PERU.

Native potatoes (Solanum tuberosum spp. andigena) have diverse pigments and are cultivated in Peru's high Andean regions; they are characterized by containing bioactive compounds that prevent various degenerative diseases. The study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical and sensory quality in chips of native potato clones grown at 3496 m altitude, for which the potatoes were cut into slices and fried in extra virgin olive oil at 180 °C for 200 s. This was determined by proximal analysis, reducing sugars, minerals, color, antioxidant capacity (AC), total phenolic compounds (TPC), and anthocyanins in fresh and chips; an instrumental characterization by FTIR and SEM and sensory tests were also performed. The native potatoes presented low moisture and reduced sugar contents; when frying, their bioactive properties improved, increasing AC, TPC, and trace elements, such as K, Mg, Ca, P, Fe, and Zn. To conclude, fresh clones have high yields in the field and are an essential source of nutrients and bioactive; the salt-free chips of clone B presented better physicochemical properties and greater sensory acceptance, closely followed by clone A. Both clones could be used as raw material by food companies that produce snacks to benefit high Andean agricultural producers.

Emerging pattern of Viral Diseases in a high Andean Microregion (Bolivia) producing potato seed-tubers

A new pattern of potato viral disease would appear to be emerging in this high Andean region, perhaps attributable to the gradual change in the varieties being cultivated, and to new possibilities of transmission and dissemination modes associated with changes in cultivation practices.

The role of drought conditions on the recent increase in wildfire occurrence in the high Andean regions of Peru

Wildfire occurrence has increased sharply in the last two decades in the Peruvian Andes. There is, however, little research on wildfires and their impacts. This study explores the conditions conducive to wildfire during 2020. MODIS images were collected to estimate the development of vegetation. In addition, ground-based monthly and satellite-based daily precipitation data were collected. Daily precipitation regularity was evaluated using a concentration index (CI), while monthly precipitation was used to estimate the Standard Precipitation Index (SPI). We used also the Global Vegetation Moisture Index (GVMI), which is a useful indicator of vegetation dynamics based on vegetation moisture. Our results do not indicate a direct link between rainfall regularity (lowest CI values) and development of vegetation. Although the SPI drought analysis using seasonal rainfall indicated nearly normal conditions during 2019–2020, analysis of dry-day frequency (DDF) suggests that the dry period played an important role between September and November 2020, producing conditions similar to the droughts of 2005, 2010 and 2016. GVMI also showed below-average values from April to November. We corroborate the usefulness of DDF for monitoring the potential increase in wildfire conditions. A controlled burn policy could offer a more useful way to reduce the impacts of wildfire.

Determination of Sarcocystis lamacanis microcysts in the cardiac muscle of alpacas (Vicugna pacos) and their correlation with troponin cTnI. A study performed in the high Andean region of southern Peru

The breeding of alpaca (Vicugna pacos) is one of the most important economic activities in the high Andean areas of Peru. The commercialization of products derived from alpaca represents more than 80% of the income of high-Andean families. However, the infestation of parasites such as Sarcocystis lamacanis in the alpacas causes economic losses that deteriorate the already diminished quality of life of the alpaca breeder. The search for biomarkers that allow the early detection of these parasites is one of the most critical challenges in Peru, a country with the largest population of alpacas worldwide. This work aimed to analyze and quantify the microcysts formed by the parasite and relate them to the troponin cTnI level in the blood serum. Troponins are proteins secreted when there is damage to the cardiac muscle. 60 blood and cardiac tissue samples were collected from Tisco and La Raya slaughterhouses, localities of Caylloma Province in Arequipa, and Chucuito District in Puno, both regions in southern Peru. The cardiac muscle samples were processed with the routine histology technique and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. In addition, serum samples were processed with the ELISA and immunochromatography methods for troponin cTnI. Results were 100% positive for the presence of Sarcocystis lamacanis microcysts in all cardiac muscle samples. The average microcyst quantification per field of 100x were 3.5 and 5.7 for the Tisco and La Raya samples. In addition, several microscopic lesions were observed in the cardiac muscles: microcyst infiltration between muscle fibers, basophilic microcysts with a thick outer membrane and bradyzoites inside, and tissue displacement. On the other hand, all serum blood samples were negative for troponin cTnI, with both methods, ELISA and immunochromatography. For results, we infer troponin cTnI do not can be used as a biomarker for heart damage caused by Sarcocystis lamacanis parasite in alpacas.

Trombe walls with porous medium insertion and their influence on thermal comfort in flats in Cusco, Peru

The Trombe wall is a passive indirect heating system which should be used in Cusco, Peru to improve thermal conditions against the typical frosts and low temperatures during winter in the high Andean regions. Due to this problem, the use of a modified Trombe wall with insertion of porous medium is proposed to improve thermal comfort in flat buildings in Cusco. This research aims to analyse and compare the performance of dwellings without Trombe wall, with traditional Trombe wall, and with Trombe wall with glass and plastic pellets insertion in thermal comfort improvement. Autodesk® CFD was used to simulate and analyse the system. The simulation was performed with three prototype flats (55 m2, 75 m2 and 95 m2) for six months of the year. From the results obtained, the level of thermal comfort in the traditional scenarios is low with an average PMV of -1.86, in the scenarios with Trombe wall is good and in the scenarios with Trombe wall with insertion of porous medium is slightly better than the previous one, reaching an average PMV of +0.10 and a temperature of 21.90°C. The study carried out is important because it represents an efficient eco-sustainable heating alternative that improves the thermal comfort sensation in houses during the coldest months of the year.

Co-Inoculation of Bradyrhizobium spp. and Bacillus sp. on Tarwi (Lupinus mutabilis Sweet) in the High Andean Region of Peru

Tarwi (Lupinus mutabilis Sweet) is an Andean legume that has attracted international interest due to its high nutritional value. This has resulted in an increase in its conventional production, which leads to an ecological imbalance. In this context, the application of biotechnologies, based on the use of bacterial inoculants, is of utmost importance. This work aimed to evaluate the effects of a consortium of 2 strains of Bradyrhizobium spp. (BR) and 1 strain of Bacillus sp. (BA) on tarwi var. Andenes. The treatments tested were BR + BA, BR + Organic Matter, BR + Agrochemical (Azoxystrobin y Difenoconazole), and the control (without application). The crop was located in Marcara-Ancash (altitude 3254 masl), Peru. The experiment involved the inoculation of BR in the seeds and a re-inoculation 30 days later. BA was inoculated every 30 days in the neck of the plant and aerial part, 5 times during plant development. The inoculation with BR + BA significantly increased the aerial fresh weight (413.2%), plant height (13.5%), and diminished the anthracnose (38.4%) of plants 110 DAS (days after the sowing). Also, this treatment produced the best-harvested emergence percentage (97.9%), morpho-agronomic characteristics, and an increase in the yield (171%) compared to the control. In conclusion, the application of the Bacillus sp. strain and the Bradyrhizobium spp. consortia improved the productivity of tarwi var. Andenes. The interaction of these strains have the potential to be used in tarwi field planting programs.

Vegetation effects on soil pore structure and hydraulic properties in volcanic ash soils of the high Andes

AbstractSoil hydraulic properties control the provision of hydrological services. Vegetation and topography influence these properties by altering soil structure and porosity. The underlying mechanisms are not yet fully understood for the high Andean region. In this study, we examined how vegetation and topographic attributes are related to soil hydraulic properties and soil pore structure in young volcanic ash soils, and further correlated them to soil texture, organic carbon, and root characteristics to explain these relationships. In a 0.7 km2 study site located in the Andean páramo of northern Ecuador, we measured soil water retention, saturated hydraulic conductivity, bulk density (BD), and pore size distribution parameters on eight soil profiles with contrasting vegetation types (cushion‐forming plants vs. tussock grasses) and topographic positions (summit vs. hillslope). We observed significant differences in soil hydraulic properties and soil pore structure in the uppermost horizons by vegetation type, whereas topography had a minor effect. In the A horizons, we found higher water retention at saturation and field capacity (10%–14%), higher total available water (8%–15%), and higher saturated hydraulic conductivity (4–12 times) under cushion‐forming plants compared to tussock grasses. The elevated values under cushion plants were attributed to the presence of larger pores, lower soil BD, and higher soil organic carbon content as a result of coarser root systems. Total available water was generally high (0.34–0.40 cm3 cm−3), and locally not associated with any soil property. The higher water retention in soils under cushion vegetation can enhance soil water storage for plants and the regulation of water flows during prolonged rainfall events. The saturated hydraulic conductivity of the surface horizons is high compared to rainfall intensities resulting in high infiltration capacity; whilst its decline with depth reveals the potential for generation of subsurface stormflow, especially below cushion‐forming plants. Our findings highlight that soil hydraulic properties differ among vegetation types, and show the significance of vegetation types for soil hydrology.

Distribuição Espacial das Secas na Bacia do Lago Titicaca

Abstract The present research has assessed the spatial distribution of drought risk in the Titicaca Lake Basin located in Peruvian territory for a district scale, based on hazard and vulnerability. Drought hazard has been quantified with the deficit of precipitation using the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) for a time scale of 3-months, and the vulnerability has been obtained according to the socio-economic and physical indicators of the Basin. The results show that the drought is strongly modulated by anomalous SST conditions of the surrounding Oceans, mainly by the Pacific region. Over the Titicaca Lake Basin was identified that about 50% of districts present a high to very high risk of drought mainly, in the northwestern, central-east, and central-south of the Basin. These districts have a larger deficit of precipitation and showed indicators that are more vulnerable to the drought hazard due to that economically depends on precarious rainfed agriculture and an extensive and mixed livestock system. Within this area are the most important provinces of the high-Andean region, such as Puno, San Roman, Azángaro, Melgar, and Carabaya, and outstanding districts as Puno and Juliaca, considered the economic capital of the department of Puno.

Effect of traditional livestock grazing on abundance of small mammals and activity of mountain vizcacha in the high central semi-arid Andes

Livestock grazing is common and widespread in the high Andean region; however, few studies have evaluated the effects of traditional camelid grazing (llamas and alpacas) on small and medium sized mammals. We studied small mammals in Sajama National Park in Bolivia. We evaluated the association between livestock abundance and 1) the abundance of small mammals, and 2) small mammal activity patterns. In a grid of 36 sampling stations, small mammals were divided into two study groups, according to their body size and the trophic group. We assessed small mammal abundances with grids of live capture traps and vizcacha with camera traps. We performed GLM and Basic Kernel Density estimation analyses for associations between livestock abundance and abundance of small mammals, and small mammal activity patterns, respectively. The presence of mountain vizcacha and rodents was less likely where livestock abundance was higher. Herbivores and granivores, but not omnivores, were also negatively affected by higher livestock abundance. The diurnal activity patterns of mountain vizcachas declined when livestock abundance was higher. We suggest some alternatives for livestock management plans to minimize the negative effects of traditional livestock on small mammals.