Observations for 81 species belonging to 20 families are pre- sented; 10 additional species of probable occurrence are also discussed. A checklist is pro- vided with information on occurrence and status. Information on taxonomy, specimens examined and additional records, standard external and cranial morphological measure- ments, reproduction, molting, habitat preferences, general natural history, and other infor- mation are presented in individual species accounts.
The history, topography, climate, and vegetation of the province are given. Demographic, historical, and socioeconomic factors, as they relate to mammal populations, are discussed. It includes an area of , km', 3. Human population den- sity is low in the province, with the entire prov- ince supporting only about , inhabitants, or two people per km'. Because the province includes primarily arid and semi-arid habitats, the standard of living of the people is low.
There is some light industry, but most economic activity revolves about mining, agriculture, and ranching, with some significant production in wood and leather.
Cattle are important in the more mesic parts of the province, with total head numbering , Sheep and goats are also i mportant for meat, wool, and leather and about , head are maintained in the province. This led to coloniza- tion of portions of the province as early as , with the capital city being founded in Human activities within the present-day bound- aries of Catamarca date from about BC.
Four archaeological periods are recognized within the province, with the last, the Inca Period, ending in There is evi- dence that a system of united tribes existed as early as AD. By , however, native tribes were in retreat and cattle, horses, sheep, goats, cotton, and grapes had been introduced. Live- stock have thus been associated with, and have affected, the habitats of the province for four centuries. Edited by T. Yates, W.
