Southernmost confirmed record of Chironectes minimus panamensis Goldman, 1914 in the Tumbesian Dry Forest: New occurrence from southwestern Ecuador

We report record of Water Opossum (Chironectes minimus panamensis) from the Jorupe Reserve in southwestern Ecuador's Tumbesian dry forest, representing the southernmost current record of this subspecies and an important range extension into a poorly known ecosystem. An adult individual was observed on October 27, 2018. Water Opossum is primarily associated with humid forest ecosystems but demonstrates ecological plasticity by persisting in dry forests. The observation provides insights into the species' distribution patterns and habitat use in the Tumbesian region. This record emphasizes the importance of protected areas in maintaining population connectivity and preserving biodiversity in this unique ecosystem.