Últimos 25 anos de pesquisa em conservação de carnívoros terrestres em Argentina.

Veintisiete especies de carnívoros terrestres (Orden Carnivora) habitan la Argentina, representando el 10.0% y el 38.6% de la diversidad global y neotropical de los carnívoros terrestres, respectivamente. Evaluamos los principales tópicos que han sido tema de investigación en carnívoros a lo largo de los últimos 25 años (1994-2018) en el país, considerando los grandes desafíos de conservación que enfrenta el grupo. La ecología trófica y espacial, el conflicto con la producción ganadera, los impactos de la caza y las especies invasoras, y la genética de la conservación han sido abordados para algunas de las especies de carnívoros más grandes y carismáticas. Buscamos además identificar brechas temáticas y taxonómicas y discutir qué investigaciones creemos son importantes para abordar necesidades de conservación y manejo claves. Se necesitan más estudios sobre temas como el papel ecológico de los carnívoros en los ecosistemas (incluyendo el rol de los carnívoros en proyectos de restauración), métodos de mitigación para reducir conflictos, el estado de conservación de las especies raras o menos conspicuas y los impactos de amenazas emergentes, como el cambio climático, enfermedades o la expansión de las poblaciones de perros ferales.Twenty-seven species of terrestrial carnivores (Order Carnivora) inhabit Argentina, representing 10.0% and 38.6% of the global and Neotropical diversity of terrestrial carnivores, respectively. We evaluate the main topics of research on carnivores in Argentina over the past 25 years (1994-2018) considering the great conservation challenges the group faces. Feeding and spatial ecology, conflicts with livestock production, impacts of hunting and invasive species, and conservation genetics have been addressed for some of the more charismatic and larger-bodied carnivore species. Also, we identify thematic and taxonomic gaps and discuss what research we believe is important to deal with key conservation and management needs. Further studies are needed on topics like the ecological role of carnivores in ecosystems (including carnivores’ role in rewilding projects), mitigation methods to reduce conflict, conservation status of rare or less conspicuous species, and impacts of emerging threats like climate change, disease, and expansion of feral dog populations.Fil: Pereira, Javier Adolfo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales "Bernardino Rivadavia"; ArgentinaFil: Mirol, Patricia Monica. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales "Bernardino Rivadavia"; ArgentinaFil: Di Bitetti, Mario Santiago. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Nordeste. Instituto de Biología Subtropical. Instituto de Biología Subtropical - Nodo Puerto Iguazú | Universidad Nacional de Misiones. Instituto de Biología Subtropical. Instituto de Biología Subtropical - Nodo Puerto Iguazú; Argentina. Centro de Investigaciones del Bosque Atlántico; ArgentinaFil: Novaro, Andres Jose. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Patagonia Norte. Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medioambiente. Universidad Nacional del Comahue. Centro Regional Universidad Bariloche. Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medioambiente; Argentin

Management of the conflict between carnivores and livestock in Patagonia using mixed-breed guarding dogs

El conflicto entre carnívoros nativos y ganado en Argentina es manejado principalmente matando carnívoros, una estrategia ineficiente para proteger ganado y con consecuencias ecológicas negativas. En el nortede Patagonia, donde productores de escasos recursos crían cabras y ovejas, este conflicto es la mayor amenazapara el gato andino (Leopardus jacobita). Para mitigar el conflicto y conservar a este felino satisfaciendo laspercepciones y condicionamientos de pobladores rurales encuestamos a los productores y probamos un método de protección utilizando perros mestizos que se crían con el ganado. Las mayores pérdidas reportadas deganado se debieron al zorro culpeo (Lycalopex culpaeus) y puma (Puma concolor). De 2005 a 2013 la crianza de 58 perros por 45 productores (rebaños promedio de 379 cabras, DE=184) entrenó satisfactoriamente 28 perros (48% de éxito). Dieciséis de 18 crianceros (89%) con perros protectores reportaron reducción en ataques a ganado y 86% dejaron de cazar carnívoros nativos. En un grupo control de 9 productores sin perros, 8 (89%) reportaron similar o mayor depredación de ganado y todos continuaron cazando carnívoros nativos. El costo anual promedio de mantenimiento de cada perro fue 183 dólares, 7% de las pérdidas promedio de ganado. Los perros mestizos utilizados fueron de menor tamaño (15-20 kilos) y más económicos para mantener que razas protectoras tradicionales (30-55 kilos). Su éxito reduciendo pérdidas estimadas de ganado y caza de carnívoros nativos dependió especialmente del interés y capacitación de los productores para entrenarlos, ambos facilitados por la difusión de la experiencia de productores exitosos.The conflict between native carnivores and livestock in Argentina is managed principally by killing carnivores. This strategy is inefficient for mitigating livestock losses and has negative ecological consequences. In northern Patagonia, where low-income herders raise goats and sheep, conflict is widespread and is the principal threat to Andean cats (Leopardus jacobita). To mitigate the conflict and conserve this feline using methods sensitive to the perceptions and conditions of herders, we carried out interviews and tested the use of mixed-breed guarding dogs raised with livestock. Herders reported the greatest predation losses to be from culpeos (Lycalopex culpaeus) and pumas (Puma concolor). From 2005 to 2013, 45 herders (average herd size=379 goats, SD=184) raised 58 dogs and trained 28 successfully (48% success rate). Sixteen of 18 herders (89%) with guarding dogs reported reductions in attacks on livestock and 86% stopped hunting native carnivores. In a control group of 9 herders without guarding dogs, 8 (89%) reported similar or increased predation on livestock, and all continued to hunt native carnivores. Average annual cost of maintenance was 183 US dollars per dog, equivalent to 7% of the average annual losses of livestock per herder. Mixed-breed dogs used were smaller (15-20 kg) and were cheaper to maintain than traditional purebred guarding breeds (30-55 kg). Their success in reducing both estimated losses of livestock and hunting of native carnivores depended in part on habitat conditions, but especially on the interest and training of herders to appropriately raise the dogs, which were stimulated and facilitated respectively by sharing the experience of successful producers.Fil: Novaro, Andres Jose. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Patagonia Norte. Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medioambiente. Universidad Nacional del Comahue. Centro Regional Universidad Bariloche. Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medioambiente; Argentina. Wildlife Conservation Society; Estados Unidos. Provincia del Neuquén. Subsecretaría de Producción y Recursos Naturales. Centro de Ecología Aplicada del Neuquén; ArgentinaFil: González, Alejandro. Wildlife Conservation Society; Estados Unidos. Provincia del Neuquén. Subsecretaría de Producción y Recursos Naturales. Centro de Ecología Aplicada del Neuquén; ArgentinaFil: Pailacura, Oscar. Provincia del Neuquén. Subsecretaría de Producción y Recursos Naturales. Centro de Ecología Aplicada del Neuquén; ArgentinaFil: Bolgeri, María José. Wildlife Conservation Society; Estados Unidos. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Patagonia Norte. Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medioambiente. Universidad Nacional del Comahue. Centro Regional Universidad Bariloche. Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medioambiente; ArgentinaFil: Hertel, Marina. Wildlife Conservation Society; Estados UnidosFil: Funes, Martín. Wildlife Conservation Society; Estados UnidosFil: Walker, Rebecca Susana. Wildlife Conservation Society; Estados Unido

Habitat-specific demography and conservation of Geoffroy?s cats in a human-dominated landscape

The understanding of the spatial structure and dynamics of populations can guide conservation decisions, but studies of this type focused on small (, 7-kg) carnivores are rare. We compared survival, reproduction, and dispersal of radiocollared Geoffroy?s cats (Leopardus geoffroyi) in a protected area and adjacent cattle ranches in Argentina to assess the effects of livestock management and its associated disturbances (i.e., hunting by humans) ?2 on the demography of this felid. Thirteen cats in the park and 13 in the ranches were radiotracked for up to 556 days in 2007?2008. We evaluated the Geoffroy?s cat population trajectory at the landscape level using a stagestructured, stochastic matrix model based on our estimated vital rates. The study occurred during a prolonged drought, likely affecting estimated vital rates. Survival in the ranches was 52% lower than in the park; mortalities were due to intraguild predation in the park and were human-related in the ranches. Dispersal from the ranches was 32% lower than from the park and dispersal distances were up to 128 km. The number of cubs per litter was similar between areas. Assuming persistence of drought conditions and estimated vital rates, the simulated metapopulation rapidly collapsed and cat survival on ranches was the vital rate to which the model was most sensitive. Because projected climatic scenarios predict increased drought frequency for the region, we explored management options that would enhance chances of persistence, simulating 2 ??adaptation?? strategies: hunting restrictions on ranches and expanding protected areas. More than doubling of cat survival on ranches or a 9-fold increase in protected area extension would be required, involving major investments, to avoid the extinction of this cat metapopulation if droughts become prevalent. Our analysis may be helpful to improve our predictive capacity to identify new threats and facilitate adaptation strategies for Geoffroy?s cat or other similar carnivores.Fil: Pereira, Javier Adolfo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales; Argentina. Wildlife Conservation Society; Estados UnidosFil: Novaro, Andres Jose. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Patagonia Norte. Instituto de Investigación en Biodiversidad y Medioambiente; Argentina. Wildlife Conservation Society; Estados Unido

The world’s southernmost cougars in Patagonia and the southern Andes

Pumas of the far south are treated separately from those elsewhere in South America because conditions in the south differ markedly from those across most of the rest of the continent. In some ways, the story of these pumas more closely resembles that of pumas in North America. In Patagonia and the southern Andes, pumas suffered drastic declines during the twentieth century, and then launched a population rebound when the rural human population decreased in the region. They have shown the classic adaptability of their species , changing their diet as prey conditions shifted and, later, dispersing to reoccupy lands where they were once persecuted. Research on these pumas began in the late 1980s, but even now studies are few. In this chapter, we present what is known about their recent history, research, ecology, conservation, and management needs.Fil: Walker, Rebecca Susana. Wildlife Conservation Society; Estados UnidosFil: Novaro, Andres Jose. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Patagonia Norte. Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medioambiente. Universidad Nacional del Comahue. Centro Regional Universidad Bariloche. Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medioambiente; Argentin

Variación espacial en la depredación por puma (Puma concolor) sobre guanacos (Lama guanicoe) en la Payunia, Mendoza, Argentina

Estudiamos los patrones de depredación por puma sobre guanacos en dos sitios con diferente topografía en La Payunia, Mendoza, Argentina, analizando selección por sexo, edad y estado nutricional. La depredación fue la causa más frecuente de muerte (73%, n = 118 carcasas). En el sitio Este (más escarpado) los guanacos fueron depredados con mayor frecuencia que lo esperado en base a su densidad. No encontramos selección por parte de pumas por edades ni condición nutricional de guanacos pero si de machos por encima de hembras, a diferencia de otros estudios. En invierno, cuando se reduce el forraje, aumentó la frecuencia de carcasas en condición nutricional pobre.We studied patterns of puma predation on guanacos in two sites with different topography in La Payunia, Mendoza, Argentina, analyzing selection of prey by sex, age and nutritional condition. Predation was the most frequent mortality cause (73%, n = 118 carcasses) and was more frequent than expected according to guanaco density in the more rugged eastern site. We did not find prey selection by age nor nutritional condition, but pumas selected guanaco males over females, in contrast with other studies. In winter, when forage availability declines, the frequency of carcasses in poor nutritional condition increased.Fil: Bolgeri, María José. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Patagonia Norte. Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medioambiente. Universidad Nacional del Comahue. Centro Regional Universidad Bariloche. Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medioambiente; Argentina. Wildlife Conservation Society; Estados UnidosFil: Novaro, Andres Jose. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Patagonia Norte. Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medioambiente. Universidad Nacional del Comahue. Centro Regional Universidad Bariloche. Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medioambiente; Argentina. Wildlife Conservation Society; Estados Unido

Juvenile and adult mortality patterns in a vicuña (Vicugna vicugna) population

Neotropical ungulates are poorly understood with regard to age-specific mortality and how it relates to different mortality causes. During January 2008–April 2011, we investigated mortality patterns of calf (¨ 49% (n=93) and 91% (n=89) of the mortality in calves and adults, respectively. Body condition of adult vicunas killed by pumas varied seasonally and correlated with seasonal changes in primary productivity and forage and diet quality. Our results highlighted the importance of puma predation and low birth mass as proximate causes of vicuna mortality. How environmental factors (e.g., early summer precipitation) influence forage and ultimately mortality has yet to be determined.Fil: Donadio, Emiliano. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Patagonia Norte. Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medioambiente. Universidad Nacional del Comahue. Centro Regional Universidad Bariloche. Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medioambiente; ArgentinaFil: Buskirk, Steven. University of Wyoming; Estados Unidos. University Avenue; Estados UnidosFil: Novaro, Andres Jose. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Patagonia Norte. Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medioambiente. Universidad Nacional del Comahue. Centro Regional Universidad Bariloche. Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medioambiente; Argentin

Guanaco (Lama guanicoe) mortality by entanglement in wire fences

Wire fences are widely used in rangelands around the world and may have a negative impact on wildlife that varies among species and habitats. The guanaco (Lama guanicoe) is the largest Patagonian ungulate and though entanglement in wire fences is frequently reported, its impact on guanaco populations has not been previously evaluated. We estimated annual mortality rate of wild guanacos due to entanglement in wire fences and evaluated whether the frequency of entanglement was age-dependent in the two wire-fence designs traditionally used in Patagonian sheep ranches. We found that annual yearling mortality on fences (5.53%) was higher than adult mortality (0.84%) and was more frequent in ovine (93. cm high) than bovine (113. cm) fences. Most guanacos died entangled by their legs in the highest wire when trying to jump over the fence. Our results suggest that guanacos are more likely to die due to fence entanglement than ungulates studied in other regions. Indirect effects of wire fences should also be considered as they may act as semi-permeable barriers for guanaco populations. We suggest removal of unnecessary wire fences and replacement by guanaco-friendly fences, like high-tensile electric fences that may reduce mortality and barrier-effect on guanaco populations.Fil: Rey, Andrés. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Patagonia Norte. Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medioambiente. Universidad Nacional del Comahue. Centro Regional Universidad Bariloche. Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medioambiente; ArgentinaFil: Novaro, Andres Jose. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Patagonia Norte. Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medioambiente. Universidad Nacional del Comahue. Centro Regional Universidad Bariloche. Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medioambiente; Argentina. Wildlife Conservation Society; Estados UnidosFil: Guichon, Maria Laura. Universidad Nacional de Luján. Departamento de Ciencias Básicas; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentin

Habitat use and preference by guanacos, vicuñas and livestock in an altitudinal gradient in northwest Argentina

Distribution of ungulates is regulated by natural factors, such as presence of other species, climate, and habitat variability, as well as human activities, including livestock grazing and mining. Understanding the spatial dynamics of landscape use can help solve problems of access to key resources by native herbivores. Laguna Brava Reserve is a protected area of Argentina where the two wild South American camelids, guanacos and vicuñas, coexist with cattle, mules, horses, and goats. Information about the effects of livestock and mining activities, which are widespread throughout the region, on wild camelids is scarce. We used variable-width transects to determine the distribution of guanacos, vicuñas, equids, and cattle in relation to five habitat types defined according to vegetation and topography in the reserve. We carried out a correspondence analysis between the proportion of groups observed in and the proportion of area occupied by each habitat, and a χ2 goodness of fit test to establish if camelids and livestock selected a particular habitat type. Vicuñas were associated with grasslands at high altitudes while guanacos and livestock were associated with shrublands at lower elevations. This coevolutionary segregation between guanacos and vicuñas possibly reduced competition between the two species. Competition between camelids and livestock is probably low because of the low density of livestock. Vegas were preferred by all species year round but used more intensively in summer. In order to conserve the wild camelids of the region, governments must implement measures to conserve the critical habitat provided by the vegas.Fil: Wurstten, Alvaro. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Patagonia Norte. Instituto de Investigación En Biodiversidad y Medioambiente; ArgentinaFil: Novaro, Andres Jose. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Patagonia Norte. Instituto de Investigación en Biodiversidad y Medioambiente; Argentina. Wildlife Conservation Society; Estados UnidosFil: Walker, R. Susan. Wildlife Conservation Society; Estados Unido

Effects of livestock on the feeding and spatial ecology of Geoffroys cat

We compared diet composition, prey selection, home-range size, daily movements, and habitat preference of Geoffroy’s cats (Leopardus geoffroyi) between cattle ranches and an adjacent national park in scrublands of Argentina. Although overall prey abundance was higher in the park than in the ranches, diet composition was similar between sites, and small rodents were the most common prey item found in Geoffroy’s cat feces in both sites. Geoffroy’s cats selectively preyed on sigmodontines in the ranches throughout the year and in the park during spring, when the abundance of this prey type was the lowest for this site. Mean daily movements of radio-collared Geoffroy’s cats in the park were significantly shorter than those of cats in the ranches. Differences in habitat use between sites reflected differences in the availability of different habitat types, and Geoffroy’s cats exhibited different patterns of habitat selection according to the site and the scale considered. Changes in home-range size and overlap were also apparent, but the small sample sizes and the short period during which individuals could be monitored may cloud the actual magnitude of these responses. Geoffroy’s cats exhibited behavioral plasticity, as the two subpopulations in close proximity had such contrasting trophic and spatial ecology.Fil: Pereira, Javier Adolfo. Provincia del Neuquen. Subsecretaria de Producción y Recursos Naturales. Centro de Ecología Aplicada del Neuquen; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Walker, Rebecca Susana. Provincia del Neuquen. Subsecretaria de Producción y Recursos Naturales. Centro de Ecología Aplicada del Neuquen; Argentina. Wildlife Conservation Society; Estados UnidosFil: Novaro, Andres Jose. Provincia del Neuquen. Subsecretaria de Producción y Recursos Naturales. Centro de Ecología Aplicada del Neuquen; Argentina. Wildlife Conservation Society; Estados Unidos. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentin

Roads have no effect on guanaco habitat selection at a Patagonian site with limited poaching

Roads affect flora and fauna across the world. Large mammals are particularly vulnerable to road effects because their large home ranges lead to a higher probability of contact with road networks. Disturbance associated with roads can alter the probability of habitat use by making suitable habitat near roads inaccessible or underused. Many studies and monitoring programs for large mammals such as guanaco (Lama guanicoe) in South America, however, rely on counts made from roads to estimate population abundance and distribution. These counts implicitly assume that animal responses to roads are negligible, an assumption almost universally unstudied. We used density surface models with aerial survey data to evaluate the effects of unpaved roads on guanaco habitat selection, at the scale of the species’ home range, in a Patagonian site with limited poaching. Contrary to expectations and regardless of disturbance level associated with roads, guanacos did not avoid roads at site (0.36 km2) or patch (2.4 km2) scales during any season. We posit two non-exclusive hypotheses to explain our results: (1) disturbance levels of roads are below thresholds of guanaco response, and (2) guanacos in our study area tolerated motorized vehicles due to limited harassment by poachers from roads. Our results, considered with opposite findings of strong road effects on guanaco at a landscape and regional scales, highlight the need to assess whether road surveys lead to biased estimates of ungulate abundance and distribution under different environmental conditions, human activities and scales of interest. Where long-term monitoring of large mammal populations relies on road surveys, aerial or other non-road surveys could be strategically conducted to determine whether counts from roads provide reliable estimates.Fil: Schroeder, Natalia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas. Provincia de Mendoza. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas; ArgentinaFil: González, Alejandro. Centro de Ecología Aplicada del Neuquén; ArgentinaFil: Wisdom, Michael. Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station; Estados UnidosFil: Nielson, Ryan. Eagle Environmental; Estados Unidos. Western Ecosystems Technology Incorporated; Estados UnidosFil: Rowland, Mary M.. Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station; Estados UnidosFil: Novaro, Andres Jose. Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station; Estados Unidos. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Patagonia Norte. Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medioambiente. Universidad Nacional del Comahue. Centro Regional Universidad Bariloche. Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medioambiente; Argentin