First evidence of the use of cavities excavated by the Magellanic woodpecker (Campephilus magellanicus) by Pancho’s monito del monte (Dromiciops bozinovici)

Abstract

We report the first record of the use of cavities excavated by the Magellanic woodpecker (Campephilus magellanicus) by Pancho’s monito del monte (Dromiciops bozinovici), a marsupial endemic to the temperate forests of South America described for the Coastal Mountain Range of Nahuelbuta, Chile. An abandoned nest was found in a living Nothofagus dombeyi tree, occupied by one adult and two D. bozinovici juveniles. This record confirms D. bozinovici as a secondary cavity user and highlights the Magellanic woodpecker key role as a primary excavator promoting biodiversity in southern temperate forests.