ESTRUCTURA DE EDAD Y SEXO DE CÓNDOR ANDINO (VULTUR GRYPHUS) EN ÁREAS DE ALIMENTACIÓN DE CHILE CENTRAL

Age and sex structure of Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus) in feeding areas of central Chile. – The age and sex structures of the Andean Condor are known for some parts of its range while in other such areas data are lacking. The aim of this study was to obtain demographic data from the Andes of central Chile and to compare them with those available from other areas of distribution. From 2009–2010, we studied the age and sex structure of the Andean Condor in central Chile at feeding sites. Four carrion points were provided by us. The carrion comprised carcasses of sheep, donkey, and guanaco. Condor abundance at experimental carrion (mean = 36.25, SE = 48.45) was highly variable (CV = 134%), and we observed a higher proportion of adults (54%) than immatures (46%). Overall the sex ratio of adults was male-biased (52:48). The age and sex structures in our study are consistent with those found in other areas of the species’ distribution. Our results show a higher proportion of adult birds and males at feeding sites in the Andes of central Chile, which has implications on the population viability of the Andean Condor

Behavioral responses of wild rodents to owl calls in an austral temperate forest

Ecologically based rodent management strategies are arising as a sustainable approach to rodent control, allowing us to preserve biodiversity while safeguarding human economic activities. Despite predator signals being known to generally repel rodents, few field-based studies have compared the behavioral effects of several predators on different prey species, especially in Neotropical ecosystems. Here, we used camera traps to study the behavior of rodent species native to the Chilean temperate forest (Abrothrix spp., long-tailed pygmy rice rat Oligoryzomys longicaudatus) and an introduced rodent (black rat Rattus rattus). Using playbacks of raptor calls, we experimentally exposed rodents to three predation risk treatments: austral pygmy owl calls (Glaucidium nana), rufous-legged owl calls (Strix rufipes) and a control treatment (absence of owl calls). We evaluated the effects of the treatments on the time allocated to three behaviors: feeding time, locomotor activity and vigilance. Moonlight and vegetation cover were also considered in the analyses, as they can modify perceived predation risk. Results showed that predator calls and environmental factors modified prey behavior depending not only on the predator species, but also on the rodent species. Consequently, owl playbacks could be regarded as a promising rodent control tool, knowing that future studies would be critical to deeply understand differences between species in order to select the most effective predator cues

Scientists warning on the ecological effects of radioactive leaks on ecosystems

A nuclear leakage or tactical nuclear weapon use in a limited war could cause immense and long-lasting ecological consequences beyond the direct site of exposure. We call upon all scientists to communicate the importance of the environmental impacts of such an event to all life forms on Earth, including humankind. Changes to ecosystem structure and functioning and species extinctions would alter the biosphere for an unknown time frame. Radiation could trigger cascade effects in marine, atmospheric and terrestrial ecosystems of a magnitude far beyond human capabilities for mitigation or adaptation. Even a “tactical nuclear war” could alter planet Earth’s living boundaries, ending the current Anthropocene era

First record of Histiotus laephotis (Thomas, 1916) from Chile and new distributional information for Histiotus montanus (Phillipi and Landbeck, 1861) (Chiroptera, Vespertilionidae)

We report new distributional records for Histiotus montanus and first records of Histiotus laephotis for Chile. Morphological measurements and analyses of echolocation calls confirm the differences between the species. Histiotus montanus has a smaller forearm (49.7±0.8 vs. 51.7±0.4 mm) and darker and shorter ears than H. laephotis; the latter has a yellowish fur in contrast to other Histiotus species. Acoustic analyses showed significant differences between the species: H. laephotis have shorter pulses (1.3±0.4 vs. 3.6±2.6 ms), with lower start and peak frequencies (start frequency 38.2±2.6 vs. 46.4±4.6 kHz; peak frequency 30.4±3.7 vs. 32.1±2.2 kHz) than H. montanus. These findings place the Tarapacá region of northern Chile as the most diverse in terms of bat species in the country. Furthermore, these results increase the total number of bat species known to occur in the country to 13.Fil: Ossa, Gonzalo. Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile; ChileFil: Bonacic, Cristian. Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile; ChileFil: Barquez, Ruben Marcos. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales e Instituto Miguel Lillo. Programa de Investigación de Biodiversidad Argentina; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentin

Species richness, diversity and human activities in an elevation gradient of a high-ecosystem in Lagunas Huascoaltinas, Atacama Region, Chile

The relationship between species richness, diversity and grazing frequency along an altitudinal gradient (1900-3400 m) of an Andean ecosystem indicates that there is an intense human pressure on vegetation use. To identify the vascular flora and its conservation, 20 sites were sampled in two visits during 2006. We identified 79 taxa, including 62.03% native species, 22.78% adventitious and 8.86% endemic (the remaining 6.33% was identified only at the genus level). Some genera were underrepresented. We also observed latitudinal limits (Alstremeria andina), monotypic genera (Geoffroea, Kurzamra, Phragmites, Tessaria and Salix) and monogeneric families (Buddlejaceae, Ephedraceae, Equisetaceae, Malesherbiaceae, Salicaceae and Oxalidaceae). Moreover, we found differences in the species distribution patterns during periods of grazing use and identified statistically significant differences in the species richness (p restante se identificó sólo a nivel generico). Se reconoció géneros con escasa representación de especies, limites latitudinales (A. andina), géneros monotípicos (Geoffroea, Kurzamra, Phragmites y Tessaria), familias monogenericas (Buddlejaceae, Ephedraceae, Equisetaceae, Malesherbiaceae y Oxalidaceae). Por otra parte, se determinó diferencias en el patrón de distribución de las especies entre los distintos períodos de uso ganadero, evidenciándose diferencias significativas para las variables riqueza (p < 0,001), índice de biodiversidad (p = 0,010) y frecuencia de especies ramoneadas (p = 0,047)

Age and sex structure of Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus) in feeding areas of central Chile estructura de edad y sexo de cóndor andino (vultur gryphus) en áreas de alimentación de Chile central

The age and sex structures of the Andean Condor are known for some parts of its range while in other such areas data are lacking. The aim of this study was to obtain demographic data from the Andes of central Chile and to compare them with those available from other areas of distribution. From 2009-2010, we studied the age and sex structure of the Andean Condor in central Chile at feeding sites. Four carrion points were provided by us. The carrion comprised carcasses of sheep, donkey, and guanaco. Condor abundance at experimental carrion (mean = 36.25, SE = 48.45) was highly variable (CV = 134%), and we observed a higher proportion of adults (54%) than immatures (46%). Overall the sex ratio of adults was male-biased (52:48). The age and sex structures in our study are consistent with those found in other areas of the species' distribution. Our results show a higher proportion of adult birds and males at feeding sites in the Andes of central Chile, which has implications on the populat

Spatial patterns over a 24-year period show an increase in native vegetation cover and decreased fragmentation in Andean temperate landscapes, Chile

R. Petitpas, J.T. Ibarra, M. Miranda, and C. Bonacic. 2016. Spatial patterns in a 24-year period show a case of increase forest cover and decrease fragmentation in Andean temperate landscapes, Chile. Cien. Inv. Agr. 43(3):384-395. Changes in landscape pattern were studied in a temperate landscape of the La Araucanía Region, Chile. Using aerial photographs from 1983 and 2007, we created land use/land cover maps. We then quantified the changes in composition and configuration by using landscape metrics and an adjacency matrix. By 2007, the dominant land cover had changed from agriculture to native vegetation. Residential areas showed the largest relative increase (670%) and had significant adjacency with native vegetation. The native vegetation increased by 375 ha, but the number of patches decreased by 45% and the mean patch area increased by 124%, which indicated that fragmentation decreased. The growth of tourism and the preference for "natural" spaces by new residents are suggested as the main drivers of this native vegetation recovery. Understanding the process of forest recovery may be helpful for reversing the general trend of forest loss in temperate forests of South America. This research is a first approach in exploring specific cases of native vegetation recovery and decreases in fragmentation in this Global Biodiversity Hotspot.R. Petitpas, J.T. Ibarra, M. Miranda y C. Bonacic. 2016. Patrones espaciales en un período de 24 años muestran un caso de aumento de la vegetación nativa y disminución de la fragmentación en los paisajes templados andinos, Chile. Cien. Inv. Agr. 43(3):384-395. Los cambios en los patrones espaciales fueron estudiados en un paisaje templado de la región de La Araucanía, Chile. Se hicieron mapas de cobertura y uso del suelo a partir de fotografías aéreas de los años 1983 y 2007. Los cambios en composición y configuración del paisaje se obtuvieron a partir de métricas y una matriz de adyacencia. Para el año 2007, la cobertura dominante cambió desde agricultura a vegetación nativa. Las áreas residenciales presentaron el mayor aumento porcentual (670%) y una importante relación de adyacencia con la vegetación nativa. La vegetación nativa aumentó en 375 ha, pero el número de parches de esta disminuyó en un 45% y el área media de los parches aumentó un 124%, lo que indica una disminución en la fragmentación. El incremento del turismo y la preferencia de espacios naturales entre los nuevos residentes del área sería la principal fuerza de cambio detrás de la recuperación de la vegetación nativa. Considerando la pérdida actual de la vegetación nativa en el área, se hace importante que futuros estudios consideren casos específicos de recuperación de esta, para así entender los factores asociados a este proceso. Esta investigación es una primera aproximación para entender la recuperación y disminución de la fragmentación de la vegetación nativa de los ecosistemas templados de América del Sur

Exotic Prey Facilitate Coexistence between Pumas and Culpeo Foxes in the Andes of Central Chile

Coexistence between species with similar ecological niches implies species must segregate along one or more niche axes to survive. Space, time, and trophic resources are regarded as the principal axes upon which species segregate. We examined segregation along these niche axes to determine mechanisms underlying coexistence between the two main predators, puma (Puma concolor) and culpeo foxes (Lycalopex culpaeus) in the Andes of Central Chile. We used occupancy modeling to examine space use and overlap, Kernel Density Estimation to determine temporal activity patterns and overlap, and analysis of prey remains in feces to assess diet breadth and similarity. We found high spatial overlap and positive associations between detection of the carnivores lending little support for spatial segregation. Similarly, we found high nocturnal, temporal overlap between pumas and foxes that matched peaks in activity of prey. In contrast, we found relatively low dietary overlap indicating niche segregation likely occurs along the dietary axis. The Puma diet was dominated by introduced, exotic hares and foxes appeared to shift away from hares to rabbits, small mammals, and seeds. Given that lagomorphs are the main dietary resource for pumas in particular, management decisions regarding the control or eradication of such exotic species could negatively affected puma survival

Livestock&ndash;Carnivore Coexistence: Moving beyond Preventive Killing

Livestock predation is a global problem and constitutes the main source of conflict between large carnivores and human interests. In Latin America, both jaguar and puma are known to prey on livestock, yet studies in Mesoamerica have been scattered and few have been carried out in Honduras. We interviewed ranchers in a biosphere reserve where jaguars and pumas are present. Local indigenous communities reported livestock predation (average annual loss of 7% from 2010&ndash;2019), with preventive and retaliatory killing as their main actions against predation by the jaguar and puma. Other sources of cattle loss included diseases and theft. The extensive management system (free grazing) lets cattle access forests where predators are more common. We found that livestock predation is not random, but rather, related to landscape variables and human influence. Sites farther from human influence and closer to forest cover were more susceptible to predation. Jaguar and puma persistence in the biosphere reserve will require measures that facilitate human&ndash;carnivore coexistence and comply with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 2 and 15 (zero hunger and biodiversity conservation). We propose management practices to mitigate livestock predation in the presence of large carnivores based on examples of proven human&ndash;carnivore coexistence in Venezuela, Brazil, Paraguay, and Nicaragua, such as improving the spatial arrangement of livestock (maintaining a distance from forest areas) and the incorporation of confinement pens for young calves (at least the first three months of life) and their mothers. If the pens are built close to the property&rsquo;s house and have constant surveillance and/or dogs, the results are likely to be more effective. Deploying these proven tools may help change the current negative perception of ranchers towards large carnivores that is essential to conservation under the aims of SDG 15. We recommend government policies and support aimed to strengthen livestock health to increase productivity and to reduce their vulnerability to predation. Finally, this study represents a baseline to understand the magnitude of the human&ndash;carnivore conflict over cattle in one of the largest biosphere reserves in Mesoamerica