This rare species is endemic to southern Chile where it is known from two specimens, the holotype that was collected from Puerto Edén (Wellington Island), and one paratype from Seno Huemules on the mainland.

[1][3] The specific name kaweshkari refers to Kaweshkar Indians, "brave people" and hunters of sea lions who live in Puerto Edén.

The flanks and dorsal surfaces are granular, as is the skin around vent and posterior thighs.

[3] Both locations have small forests composed of Nothofagus betuloides, Embothrium coccineum, Maytenus magellanica, and Drimys winteri, surrounded by tundra.

[1][2] One specimen was collected under a log at the forest-tundra border, the other by a small stream, both near the sea level (8–10 m (26–33 ft) asl).