GVI Patagonia Expedition Science Report (April-July 2008)

GVI Patagonia

Patagonia Research and Exploration

Phase Report 082

May – August 2008

GVI Patagonia Expedition Report 082

Submitted to Global Vision International

S. Lambertucci (Biologist, Universidad Nacional del Comahue) J. Sanguinetti (Biologist, Parque Nacional Lanín)

H. Pastore (Biologist, Universidad Nacional del Comahue) S. Diaz (Biologist, Universidad Nacional del Comahue)

M. Monteverde (Biologist, Center of Applied Ecology of Neuquen) G. Ceron (Biologist, Universidad Nacional del Comahue)

D. Marty (Estancia San Ramon)

Produced by

Stephen Meyer – Country Director Catherine McCune – Science and Logistics Manager

Alexa Varah – Base Manager

And

Debora Jankowicz Expedition Staff Matt Barden Expedition Member Jesper Bergmann Expedition Staff Ferdia Earle Expedition Member Stephen Midgley Expedition Staff Travis Wilson Expedition Member

Paul Botha Expedition Member Matt Smith Expedition Member Eoin Lane Expedition Member Robert Montgomery Expedition Member

Kieran O'Sullivan Expedition Member Hilary Curley Expedition Member RichardTurley Expedition Member James Gunning Expedition Member Michael Day Expedition Member

Edited by Catherine McCune – Science and Logistics Manager

GVI Patagonia

Address: Casilla de Correo 725, San Carlos de Bariloche 8400, Rio Negro, Agentina Email: [email protected]

Web page: http://www.gvi.co.uk and http://www.gviusa.com

© Global Vision International – 2008 i

Executive Summary

In May 2008 Global Vision International started their eighth 12 week expedition in

Patagonia. The expedition finished successfully, further completing data sets that have

been continued from past expeditions. Besides this continuous work, two additional

projects were also started during the expedition. As all of these projects are constantly

evolving, new methodologies were also developed and improved.

In summary, during this expedition GVI Patagonia worked on the following projects:

- regional condor census

- daily condor censuses

- four kilometre raptor transects

- condorera characterisations

- migratory bird censuses

- Araucaria araucana seed survivorship

- wild boar transects

- austral parakeet behavioural surveys

- huiña cat tracking and trapping

- American mink eradication

- torrent duck surveys

We would like to thank our main project partners S. Lambertucci of the Universidad de

Comahue (San Carlos de Bariloche) and J. Sanguinetti of Parque Nacional Lanín.

Amongst others, we would also like to thank the kind support of Estancia San Ramon as

well as the National Parks in Argentina.

In the field, we would like to thank all of the Volunteers and staff that have helped to make

this expedition a success! They have come a long way and dedicated a lot of their time

and effort to help collect this data in Patagonia.

© Global Vision International – 2008 ii

Table of Contents Executive Summary ............................................................................................... i Table of Contents.................................................................................................. ii List of Figures ...................................................................................................... iv List of Tables........................................................................................................ iv 1. Introduction ...................................................................................................1 2. Andean condor conservation project.............................................................2

2.1 Project Objectives ...................................................................................3 2.2. Regional Census....................................................................................4

2.2.1. Introduction....................................................................................4 2.2.2. Methodology ..................................................................................4 2.2.3. Results...........................................................................................5 2.2.4. Conclusion.....................................................................................5

2.3. Daily Condor Census .............................................................................6 2.3.1. Introduction....................................................................................6 2.3.2. Methodology ..................................................................................6 2.3.3. Results...........................................................................................7 2.3.4. Conclusion.....................................................................................7

2.4. Four Kilometre Raptor Transects ...........................................................9 2.4.1. Introduction....................................................................................9 2.4.2. Methodology ..................................................................................9 2.4.3. Results.........................................................................................10 2.4.4. Conclusion...................................................................................11

2.5. Condorera Characterisation.................................................................12 2.5.1. Introduction..................................................................................12 2.5.2. Methodology ................................................................................12 2.5.3. Results.........................................................................................17 2.5.4. Conclusion...................................................................................17

2.6. Migratory Bird Census .........................................................................19 2.6.1. Introduction..................................................................................19 2.6.2. Methodology ................................................................................20 2.6.3. Results.........................................................................................20 2.6.4. Conclusion...................................................................................21

2.7. Additional Notes...................................................................................22 3. Parque Nacional Lanín ...................................................................................23

3.1. Monkey puzzle tree (Araucaria araucana) ...........................................24 3.1.1. Introduction..................................................................................24 3.1.2. Seed Survivorship .......................................................................25 3.1.3. Methodology ................................................................................25 3.1.4. Results.........................................................................................27 3.1.5. Discussion ...................................................................................27

3.2. Wild boar (Sus scrofa ferus).................................................................29 3.2.1. Introduction..................................................................................29 3.2.2. Methodology ................................................................................30 3.2.3. Results.........................................................................................31

iii

3.2.4. Discussion ...................................................................................31 3.2.5. In addition ....................................................................................32

3.5. Austral parakeet (Enicognathus ferrugineus) .......................................33 3.5.1. Background .................................................................................33 3.5.2. Methodology ................................................................................34 3.5.3. Results.........................................................................................34 3.5.4. Discussion ...................................................................................34

3.6. Huiña cat (Oncifelis guigna) .................................................................35 3.6.1. Introduction..................................................................................35 3.6.2. Methodology ................................................................................36 3.6.3. Results.........................................................................................37 3.6.4. Discussion ...................................................................................37

3.7. American mink (Mustela vison) ............................................................38 3.7.1. Background .................................................................................38 3.7.2. Trapping project...........................................................................38 3.7.3. Methodology ................................................................................39 3.7.4. Results.........................................................................................40 3.7.5. Discussion ...................................................................................40 3.7.6. In addition ....................................................................................40

4. References......................................................................................................41 5. Appendices .....................................................................................................42

Appendix A. Condor Flapping Datasheet....................................................42 Appendix B. Fragua Roca Last-/First Light Datasheet ................................43 Appendix C. Raptor Transects Diagram .....................................................44 Appendix D. Raptor Transects and Point Counts Datasheet ......................45 Appendix E. Bird Species ...........................................................................46 Appendix F. Hourly Monitoring Datasheet ..................................................47 Appendix G. Migratory Bird Census Datasheet ..........................................48 Appendix H. Location of wild boar transects (Tromen area) .......................49

iv

List of Figures Figure 2-1. Landscape, Estancia San Ramon ........................................................ 3 Figure 2-2. Comparison of last light and first light totals at Fragua Grande. ........... 7 Figure 2-3. Height and width measurement points of condorera .......................... 14 Figure 2-4. Vegetation 10 x 10 metre measurements and their distance from the condorera........................................................................................................ 16 Figure 2-5. Laguna los Juncos.............................................................................. 19 Figure 3-1: Set-up for the seed survivorship experiment in the border forest. ...... 26 Figure 3-2: Set-up for the seed survivorship experiments at Rio Malleo and Bolsico del Diablo. ................................................................................................ 26 Figure 3-3. Example of plot recording for a wild boar transect .............................. 30

List of Tables

Table 2-1. Changes in Waterbird Population Averages during course of day....... 21

© Global Vision International – 2008 Page 1

1. Introduction

The Patagonia Research and Exploration Expedition has now completed its eighth 10

weeks phase.

The start of the expedition became an uncertain one when, on May 2, 2008, the Chaitén

volcano in southern Chile erupted. In order to avoid the falling ash spreading over 400

kilometres from the volcano, GVI Patagonia moved from the field into San Carlos de

Bariloche. This interrupted the first training period of the expedition. GVI Patagonia was

able to return the field ten days later, when high plumes above the volcano had reduced in

size and warnings from the Chilean’s Office of National Emergency (ONEMI) as well as

international press lowered the danger to minimal. Although the GVI Patagonia expedition

was never in imminent danger from the volcanic eruption, it served as a reminder of how

this rugged terrain is still in a process of change and growth.

However, the expedition resumed its normal course and was able to assist in collecting a

substantial amount of scientific data. The data is already helping to identify potential future

research areas and providing important data to the national and international scientific

community. Methodologies continue to be improved and focused as experience is gained

collecting data in the field. A full Annual Report (to be initiated in January 2009) will collate

and summarize all expedition efforts. As all data is collected for our local partners, the

report does not include any specific data analysis, but provides a careful overview of the

methodologies and the work accomplished.

GVI Patagonia has realized the goals of this expedition and completed the planned data

collection for our project partners. For the eighth expedition, we have worked together with

our main partners S. Lambertucci of the Universidad de Comahue (San Carlos de

Bariloche) and J. Sanguinetti of Parque Nacional Lanín. Projects are constantly evolving

and we are happy to be working with such strong partners.


2. Andean condor conservation project The distribution of the Andean condor (Vultur gryphus) throughout South America is

declining. One of the biggest birds in the world, this condor makes an impression in the

sky, with a wingspan reaching up to three metres and a height of 1.3 metres. It is

vulnerable to human impacts because it has a slow reproduction rate and requires large

foraging areas. Specific threats to the Andean condor include intentional hunting by

humans, ingestion of poisoned carcasses, collision with high-tension wires, loss of

traditional foraging grounds, and competition with other animals. Argentina has one of the

strongest populations of Andean condors in South America; by monitoring these

populations we hope to learn more about the natural history of the condor. This information

will help towards the protection of the species and its habitat. The Andean condor is

currently listed in Appendix I by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered

Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (2008) and is considered ‘Near-Threatened’ by the

International Union for Conservation of Nature (Birdlife International, 2008).

GVI Patagonia is working with Sergio Lambertucci, a biologist and condor expert from the

Universidad Nacional del Comahue, San Carlos de Bariloche. He is also associated with

CONICET, a government national research agency.

S. Lambertucci has been working on a monitoring project for over a decade, with the aim

of prioritizing locations for protection based on their importance to the Andean condor. Due

to the condors’ large home range, it would be difficult to conserve the entire area. Thus,

Lambertucci has directed his focus to the cliffs that are used by the condors as roosting or

resting places, like a form of refuge. These cliffs are known as condoreras. There are a

number of known condoreras in the province of Río Negro and Neuquén, over 90% of

which are not in protected areas.

S. Lambertucci is monitoring how these condoreras are used by both different ages and

sexes of condors, taking into consideration weather and seasonal variation. At the same

time, he is observing how other plant and animal species also depend on the areas around

these cliffs, which provide protection, food and water resources within the arid steppe

region. He believes that these areas represent a rare and richly diverse ecosystem of local

flora and fauna that deserve conservation status.


To better understand the make-up of such ecosystems, GVI Patagonia studied two

condoreras located on the private Estancia San Ramon, about 30 kilometres northeast of

San Carlos de Bariloche (figure 2-1), as well as six other condoreras found in the region.

Figure 2-1. Landscape, Estancia San Ramon

2.1 Project Objectives

The Aim of the Andean Condor Project is to support Sergio Lambertucci of the Universidad

Nacional del Comahue by helping him to collect field data.

The second expedition of 2008 continued research from the previous year. In addition to

the single overnight census of condors in the local area, it was intended to continuously

monitor two condoreras taking data on population dynamics and behaviour. GVI Patagonia

Expedition Members (EMs) also completed 10 four kilometre raptor transects and

characterized six condoreras for a total of 18 days.

Before beginning the three-week-long section of condor research, all EMs were tested on

the identification and morphology of V. gryphus and the 12 other raptor species. All names

were required to be in Latin, with a with a mandatory minimum pass rate of 95%.


2.2. Regional Census

2.2.1. Introduction

The purpose of the regional census is to record the number of adult and juvenile condors

(and their sex, when possible) roosting on specified condoreras in the area around San

Carlos de Bariloche. This is completed twice during every expedition, once after training

and once again at the end, before the final asado. By accumulating this data over a period

of years, S. Lambertucci is able to better understand the size of the total Andean condor

population in the region, even when its numbers fluctuate due to seasonal and climactic

changes.

The regional census is also used to compare the difficulty condors have using different

condoreras. To do this, EMs observe how often an individual condor flaps its wings before

landing on the cliff. As a bird’s action equates to its expended energy, this signifies the skill

a condor would need in order to use certain condoreras, and questions what factors could

cause a condor to use condoreras with easier, or more difficult, approaches.

The regional census also allows S. Lambertucci the opportunity to gather genetic

information on condors and other species in the area through feather and fur samples.

These are also used to study toxins present in their environment.

2.2.2. Methodology

The position of the condors at last light and first light is noted on a diagram of the

condorera, as well as the condors’ age and sex when possible. Last light is determined by

when a volunteer can no longer confidently distinguish a juvenile condor from the similarly-

coloured rock face, and first light is determined by when a volunteer can confidently

distinguish a juvenile from the rock face.

Every time a condor approaches or lands on a condorera, the hour, time it takes for the

bird to land, and the number of wing flaps completed during this time are recorded. The

condor’s sex and age are very important, and an extended effort is made to note these

details. For an example of the flapping data sheet, see [APPENDIX A]


Finally, samples are collected, both around and on the way to the condorera. Samples

include feathers, pellets, and the hairs of dead animals. All items are placed into plastic or

paper bags, and their location and the date are recorded on the outside.

2.2.3. Results

For the census taken over the 16–17 May, nine condoreras were monitored, six by GVI

EMs and staff. The census taken from the 30–31 July included 10 monitored condoreras,

seven of which were by GVI EMs and staff.

During the May census, over 100 condors, spread out over six of the 10 condoreras, were

present during the count. In the July census, the number was higher, with condors present

at all but one of the 10 condoreras, and with numbers over 200. During both counts, data

concerning a condor’s landing flaps was collected. At all approachable condoreras,

samples were collected.

2.2.4. Conclusion

According to S. Lambertucci, the number of condors counted during these two regional

censuses is more representative of the actual population in the area. After the low

numbers counted during both of last expedition’s regional census (08 1, 2008), it was a

relief to see a high number of condors in the sky once again. With winter conditions

returning to Patagonia, many condors may be using the condoreras as a refuge from the

dropping temperatures and windy skies.


2.3. Daily Condor Census

2.3.1. Introduction

EMs monitor two condoreras twice a day, at first light and last light, during their three

weeks in Fragua valley. This continues data collected over the past two years from these

condoreras, and allows S. Lambertucci his first chance of collecting information on the use

of these condoreras in the middle of winter.

2.3.2. Methodology

Monitoring consists of a census count of the condors on the condorera and in the sky at

first light and at last light. Again, last light is determined by when a volunteer can no longer

confidently distinguish a juvenile condor from the similarly-coloured rock face, and first

light is determined by when a volunteer can confidently distinguish a juvenile from the rock

face. The position of each condor is recorded on a diagram according to the particular

shelf or area of the condorera that is occupied. Counts are completed at last light and

again at first light to ensure the closest accurate count of birds roosting that night.

A copy of a last light diagram for Fragua Grande is given [APPENDIX B]

As well as condor numbers, a general description of the climatic conditions is recorded,

including temperature, cloud cover, precipitation, wind direction and wind strength. S.

Lambertucci has proposed that the weather conditions and the aspects of the condoreras

in relation to weather are ruling factors for condor roosting sites. S. Lambertucci has

weather stations in the area and registers factors such as humidity, temperature, rainfall,

wind speed and direction. By having GVI EMs record generic weather information, S.

Lambertucci can determine when weather patterns arrive at monitored points, some more

than 40 kilometres away from his weather stations.

Finally, at the end of each day, EMs take responsibility for data accuracy. Both the data

sheets and diagrams are checked for completeness by an EM and then stored in the

finished data sheet box.


2.3.3. Results

GVI Patagonia completed 12 days of census monitoring of the two condoreras from 9-26

July, 2008.

It is of interest to GVI to assess whether the EMs are recording data correctly. The

following graph (Figure 2-3) compares the data collected at last light and at first light; this

illustrates how accurately EMs were able to count the number of birds roosting for that

night.

0

80

9-Jul 26-Jul

First Light

Last Light

Population Totals of Vultur gryphus9 - 26 July, 2008Fragua Grande

# of

indi

vidu

als

Date

Figure 2-2. Comparison of last light and first light totals at Fragua Grande over 12 days.

Fragua Roca has been excluded from this graph due to the small number of birds roosting

on the condorera this winter.

At the time of writing, S. Lambertucci has yet to publish the data collected by GVI

Patagonia. He has asked that raw data not be included in any GVI reports until he has

published his findings.

2.3.4. Conclusion

Figure 2-3 illustrates that EMs exhibited tenacity in continuing to collect scientific data

even with the changing weather conditions. Their data reflects accuracy between last light


and first light counts. It is expected that there be some variation in counts for a roosting

night; depending on temperature, wind and other factors, condors may arrive at a

condorera after last light, or leave the condorera before first light. This was the case

halfway throught the data collection period, where unusually warm and clear mornings led

to the condors leaving their roosts before first light.

After the previous summer expedition, where almost no birds were spotted at Fragua

Grande or Fragua Roca, the number of condors counted during this winter show that the

population has returned to the area (08 1, 2008).


2.4. Four Kilometre Raptor Transects

2.4.1. Introduction

Over the past two years, GVI Patagonia has helped S. Lambertucci study the types of

raptors inhabiting areas close to and then systematically further away from roads. Andean

condors, being such large birds, may have a hard time gaining the momentum to fly away

when on the ground and in a difficult situation, such as near a road with an oncoming car

or near human disturbances. S. Lambertucci wants to know if factors such as these

change raptor distribution, and if so, in what way.

Continuing with the same methodology developed from last expedition (08 1, 2008),

transect directions include those which begin along the road, as well as those which begin

in the steppe. This allows the EMs to produce a set of data that is not skewed by the time

of day during which it is collected.

2.4.2. Methodology

A grid system is created along the area of Fragua, extending five kilometres to the east

and five kilometres to the west of a point on Ruta 23, with 11 roadside points along this

east-west line. From each roadside point, a four kilometre transect is measured out to the

north, and another four kilometre transect is measured out to the south. For transect

diagram, see [APPENDIX C]

To complete a four kilometre transect, EMs stop at the road and then at the first, second

and fourth kilometre, completing a 30-minute census at each station. The road point is

labelled station A, and the following three are station B, station C, and station D (D being

the furthest into the steppe). The coordinates of the points are identified using GPS. EMs

are expected to look for birds within a 500 metre radius of their marker, ensuring a

reduced chance of double-counting birds, and a better chance of confidently and correctly

identifying a bird.

For each location, the start and stop times are recorded, as well as any raptors spotted,

the number of individuals, their estimated distance and bearing, as well as each bird’s


behaviour (flying, feeding, mating, fighting…). (See [APPENDIX E] for list of raptors)

Raptor species spotted between transect points are also included. At station A and station

D the weather conditions are noted, to record how weather changes may affect the

number of species spotted over the entire transect. For transect and point count data

sheet, see [APPENDIX D]

Since some birds are more active in the cooler morning as opposed to the hotter mid-day,

transects are started soon after sunrise. However, due to the length of the transects, the

last census point, station D, is often not reached until the afternoon. S. Lambertucci

worries that this could produce a skewed number of birds in different locations. To counter

this, EM groups also complete censuses starting at station D, four kilometres into the

steppe, and finish the transect at station A, along the road. To make this possible, EMs

leave the night before, travelling into the steppe for the night, and start the transect early in

the morning the following day. Usually, the EMs leave enough time to complete a

neighbouring transect on the way out, resulting in a web of transects completed from

station A to station D in the evening, station D to station A in the morning, as well as the

standard station A to station D in the morning.

2.4.3. Results

In total, GVI EMs and staff completed 10 transects over an 80 square kilometre area. Two

were completed by travelling from station A to D, starting the transect in the morning; three

were completed by leaving in the afternoon; and five were completed in the opposite

direction (starting from station D in the morning and finishing at station A in the afternoon).

GVI EMs and staff hiked 40 kilometres while completing the actual transects, and over 108

kilometres roundtrip (including the distance travelled to and from the transect). All numbers

are measured as the crow files, and do not take into consideration the extremely hilly

terrain.

As S. Lambertucci has yet to formally publish the data collected by GVI Patagonia, he has

asked that we refrain from using raw data in any GVI reports until he has published his

results.


2.4.4. Conclusion

V. gryphus was found consistently throughout the census, except at roadside stations,

where the number of condors was a third higher than at other locations. This may have

been due to the close proximity of two condoreras to the road.

The second-largest bird studied this expedition, Geranoaetus melanoleucus, shows an

increase in population further from the road, as does Polyborus plancus. Cathartes aura, a

frequenter of the area in the warmer months of the year, was not spotted during transects

this winter. Nor was Falco femoralis, Parabuteo. unicinctus or Elanus leucurus. Milvago

chimango, a small raptor typically spotted in urban areas, was counted both along the road

and in the steppe, and Coragyps atratus, a new world vulture thought to spread its territory

with the growth of roads, was found in high numbers along the road and four kilometres

into the steppe. Much of this data may be influenced by estancia buildings and other

human influences found along the way.

The EMs’ ability to travel into the steppe and collect data during raptor transects was often

hindered by wind, rain and snow. Many overnight transects started in the afternoon had to

be cancelled the following morning due to heavy fog. However, thanks to their efforts, the

data collected will allow an insight into the total raptor distribution in this area during winter

months, the first data of its kind to be collected during a GVI Patagonia expedition.


2.5. Condorera Characterisation

2.5.1. Introduction

With an increased knowledge of how certain condoreras in the region are used by condors,

S. Lambertucci is expanding his research to examine why certain condoreras are perhaps

used more than others. To do this, he is focusing on the physical characteristics of the

condorera, the geographical and economical features of the area surrounding the

condorera, and the age, sex and size of the present condor population.

During the 2008 winter expedition, GVI Patagonia focused on six condoreras over a space

of 18 days.

2.5.2. Methodology

While methodology changed during the expedition, the following explanation is of the final

methodology agreed upon by GVI and S. Lambertucci.

Expedition Members and staff arrive at the condorera mid-day the first day, spend two

nights in the area, and leave mid-day on the third day. Upon arriving at the area, the group

prepares their camp and finds a monitoring station approximately 400 metres from the cliff

face. Once this station is found, data collection begins. By continuously gathering data

during their time at the condorera, EMs are able to record approximately 48 hours worth of

data.

There are four types of data collected: Condor behaviour and use of the area; Physical

characteristics of the cliff; Physical characteristics of perches; and Characteristics of the

area.

2.5.2.1. Condor behaviour and use of the area

Data on condor behaviour allows S. Lambertucci to understand the age and sex of the

condors using the particular condoreras. Though this is only a window into the overall

usage of the area throughout the year, it allows S. Lambertucci to understand if older,


more experienced birds (or younger, less experienced birds) use the roosts, and if males

or females are more common in the area. For this reason, it is especially important for the

EMs to take the time to identify the age and sex of every condor in the area. This section

includes four parts:

First Light and Last Light monitoring This consists of a census count of the condors on the

condorera and in the sky at first light and at last light. Again, last light is determined by

when a volunteer can no longer confidently distinguish a juvenile condor from the similarly-

coloured rock face, and first light is determined by when a volunteer can confidently

distinguish a juvenile from the rock face. The position of each condor is recorded on a

diagram according to the particular shelf or area of the condorera that is occupied. Counts

are completed at last light and again at first light to ensure the closest accurate count of

birds roosting that night. Before recording this data, EMs draw a diagram of the condorera.

This is the same methodology used for daily census counts at Fragua Grande and Fragua

Roca. For example, see [Appendix B]

Hourly monitoring Monitoring consists of a census count of the condors either roosting on

the condorera or flying in the sky at first light, at every hour on the hour, and finishing at

last light. As well as condor numbers, a general description of the climatic conditions is

taken every hour, as well as specific condor behaviour. An example of the hourly data

sheet is in [Appendix F]

Flapping Every time a condor approaches or lands on a condorera, the hour, time it takes

for the bird to land, and the number of wing flaps completed during this time are recorded.

By monitoring the amount of energy a bird needs to land in the area, S. Lambertucci can

begin to understand if more experienced birds benefit from using the cliff more than

inexperienced birds, and if so, why a certain age class would choose to use the area. For

example of the data sheet, see [APPENDIX A]

Samples Feathers, pellets, and the hairs of dead animals are collected, both around and

on the way to the condorera. All items are placed into plastic or paper bags, and their

location and the date are recorded on the outside. Through this data, S. Lambertucci can

collect genetic information on the birds using the area, as well as what they are eating, and

if there are any potentially dangerous substances in their environment.


2.5.2.2. Physical characteristics of the cliff

This data includes physical variables that may make the condorera an attractive refuge for

the condor. Properties examined include:

Rock type Only a general geological rock type is needed (such as metamorphic,

sedimentary or basaltic). To verify the classification of the rock, a sample is collected,

labelled and brought back to S. Lambertucci.

Height and width of the wall A GPS and hypsometre are used to record these

measurements. EMs walk to the actual edges of the condorera and, using a GPS, record

the latitude, longitude, and elevation (above sea level) at every point. If a condorera has a

width and height that changes over the space of the cliff, multiple points are used to record

its full length and height (see Figure 2-5). Whenever the bottom or top of the cliff are

unable to be reached safely, a homemade hypsometre is used to calculate the degree of

the point from the viewing station.

Figure 2-3. Height and width measurement points of condorera. (black squares and angle marks indicate information points)

General orientation of the wall Using cardinal points and a compass, the direction the cliff

is facing is recorded.

2.5.2.3. Physical characteristics of perches

This includes different measurements. EMs draw a diagram of the condorera and place a

15-squared grid over this drawing. Perches are located within this grid and then

categorised by:

Height of condorera Width of condorera


Size There are three categories used to measure the length of the cliff. If the perch is

bigger than the ‘Large’ category, it is divided into multiple parts and smaller categories are

used. The categories used are:

Small: holding one to two condors

Medium: holding five condors

Large: holding six to 10 condors

Orientation The direction a perch is facing away from the cliff. Only cardinal points are

used.

Faeces A perch is categorised as either having or not having faeces.

Vegetation A perch is described as having vegetation, or as being baren (no vegetation).

Cave A perch may be a shallow ledge along the cliff, or may go deeper into the rock face.

If so, it is classified as a cave.

Height After examining the entire cliff face, the perch lowest to the ground is measured

using the hypsometre and the distance from the ground is recorded. This is also repeated

for the perch highest on the cliff, and its distance from the top of the condorerea is

recorded.

Predator Access After examining the layout of the condorera and the location of the

perches along the cliff face, EMs assess the likelihood of a predator accessing the perches.

If the cliff is slightly sloping, or broken into many parts, it may be easier for predators to

approach roosting locations, as opposed to a steep cliff with difficult access.

2.5.2.4. Characteristics of the area

This examines the environment on a larger scale, to see if external factors from the cliff

itself make it an appealing condorera. Aspects include:

Availability of food This examines the number of animals in the field and their rough

density per hectar. Animals include sheep, goat, cow, horse, red deer and guanaco. Data

is collected by speaking to the owner, manager, or worker of the estancia. By


understanding what food is potentially available in the area, it is possible to see the type

and quantity available to supply a condor population of a certain size, as well as the risks

posed by certain foods.

Human presence This includes anything within sight of the condorera, such as buildings

(cities, towns, estancies, houses, etc.), tourism (and the type), livestock (percentage of

area covered), and plantation (percentage of area covered). Coordinates and distances

from the condorera are recorded using GPS. Whenever an object is too far to take a GPS

coordinate, a bearing is taken as well as an estimated distance.

Roads All paved, dirt or gravel roads, within sight of the condorera, are measured using

GPS. If the distance of the road is too far to measure using a GPS, its distance is

estimated. This category also included trails.

Water All water resources in the area, within sight of the condorera, are measured using

GPS. If the distance of the road is too far to measure using a GPS, its distance is

estimated.

Basic vegetation In order to understand the basic environment of the area, six 10 metre by

10 metre squares of vegetation are examined. Vegetation is described in basic terms

(grasses, bushes, trees, water, etc.) and the percentage of each type is measured within

the square.

Figure 2-4. Vegetation 10 x 10 metre measurements and their distance from the condorera.


2.5.3. Results

At three of the five condoreras, there were condors roosting at night, with a difference of

one condor at one site, to almost 60 condors at another site. Every condorera, including

those with no birds roosting at night, had condors using the cliff face during the day or

flying over the area. Whenever a condor was spotted in the area, its age and sex were

recorded if possible. Determining the sex and age was most difficult at condoreras with

large gatherings of condors or where it was difficult to approach the condorera cliff face

within 400 metres.

Whenever a condor was seen landing on the condorera, data concerning its landing flaps

were collected. Large amounts of samples were also gathered during the characterisation.

At one of the more remote condoreras, two adult male condors were found dead, their

bodies at the base if the cliff face. Their location was marked and their bodies were

collected for further analysis by S. Lambertucci.

In total, GVI Patagonia EMs spent 18 days studying six condoreras, and an extra two days

attempting to study three other condoreras. These proved inaccessible either due to high

water levels or the inavailability of the landowner (whose permission was needed to enter

the land). In total, GVI Patagonia travelled over 1180 kilometres by land rover and foot to

study these sites, as well as an extra 450 kilometres while attempting to study the three

other inaccessible condoreras

As S. Lambertucci has yet to formally publish the data collected by GVI Patagonia, he has

asked that we refrain from using raw data in any GVI reports until he has published his

results.

2.5.4. Conclusion

With winter setting in and colder, windier and wetter conditions on the rise, GVI Patagonia

EMs and staff did an amazing job collecting the large amount of data making up the

condorera characterisation.


While results will not be known until more condoreras have been studied and compared

over different times of year, this was a great beginning into what may be large-scale

conservation for the Andean condor.

As for the two dead adult condors discovered in the field – although their bodies were in

progressed forms of decay, S. Lambertucci has already begun examination of their

feathers and body tissue to see if he can determine what may have caused their ultimate

demise. He has asked professionals from Spain for help in this, and is awaiting results.


2.6. Migratory Bird Census

2.6.1. Introduction

As a side project, S. Lambertucci is working with Paisaje Protegido Río Limay. The group

comprises of scientists from different national and international NGOs and the Consejo de

Medio Ambiente de Río Negro and others; they aim to conserve areas of importance near

the Río Limay.

The group is interested in understanding how migrating water birds use the steppe region

and the importance of water resources on their survival. S. Lambertucci is studying

Laguna los Juncos, already a privately protected lagoon on Estancia San Ramon.

In 1998, S. Lambertucci completed his first census counts of migratory birds on Laguna los

Juncos. This lagoon, located in the steppe transition zone, is the only one of its kind for

many kilometres. It is also a major stopping ground for hundreds of migrating birds in the

summer season. Considering the unique structure of this study area, with its backdrop of

condoreras and rich valleys, S. Lambertucci wants to see how the population of its more

common migrating species has changed from ten years ago.

Figure 2-5. Laguna los Juncos


2.6.2. Methodology

A minimum of three people are needed in order to properly complete the count. A single,

unobtrusive location with a clear view of the whole lake is used to count the birds, and

each EM picks one species and searches the whole lake counting that species.

Two EMs use the telescopes simultaneously, completing counts on the whole lake, while

the third EM either uses their personal binoculars to count large, easily distinguishable

birds, or helps record what the other EMs on the telescopes are counting.

Birds on the lake and along its shore are included. All birds are put into one of two

categories: those that are more than 20 metre from the shore (of the whole lake, not just

the viewing location), and those that are less than 20 metre from the shore. Neither raptors

nor domestic birds are included. For a data sheet, see [Appendix G] and for a list of birds

monitored, as well as their common name, see [Appendix E]

The census is completed two to three times a day, in the morning, early afternoon, and

evening. For each census, the start and finish times are recorded, as are weather

conditions (temperature, wind speed and direction, cloud cover and type, and precipitation).

2.6.3. Results

Continuing with data collected during the GVI expeditions of September-December 2007

and January-April 2008, EMs monitored Laguna los Juncos for nine days, spread out from

the 9-25 January. In total, GVI EMs completed 25 census counts.

The average total number of birds counted upon the lake was 132 birds, with a difference

of 137 individuals between the highest and lowest total counts taken during the expedition.

One of the aims of this project was to see the change of bird populations over the course

of the day. Below are the average totals taken over the nine days of census.


Time of Census

Number of censuses

Total Average Population

AM 8 128

Mid-Day 8 135

PM 9 131

TOTAL 25 132

Table 2-1. Changes in Waterbird Population Averages during course of day (over 9 days)

2.6.4. Conclusion

The average total of migratory birds counted at Laguna los Juncos is lower than last

expedition, which had an average of 505 birds (08 1, 2008). However, as the previous

census was completed during summer, when many migratory bird species travel south, it

was expected for there to be a higher total population than in the cold winter months.

Though the average populations of Chloephaga picta, Cygnus melanocoryphus and

Phoenicopterus chilensis showed a slight change from last expedition, they were close

enough to indicate that these species may occupy this latitude throughout the year, or at

least in the winter and the summer. Anas flavirostris was also a constant presence on the

lagoon this winter, as it was during the summer.

The drop in bird numbers can better be spotted by looking at other species, such as Anas

georgica, who had only six percent of its average population from the summer. Other

species, such as Anas cyanoptera, Anas sibilatrix and Anas platelea were not present at

all this winter, though they had been some of the most common visitors at the lagoon

during the summer. This was also the same for the Coot family, where all three Fulica

species were present in the summer, but absent this winter.

As this was the first time data has been collected from the lagoon during the winter, it is

especially interesting. Winter, with colder temperatures, higher winds, and the presence of

frost and ice, changes the hospitality and landscape of an area. Seeing how the change in

seasons affects a bird’s use of an area, despite the fact that it is one of the few water

sources entering the steppe, is especially interesting.


2.7. Additional Notes

During their time on the Condor project, Expedition Members were fortunate enough to

stay within the private Estancia San Ramon, an incredible location containing a great

range of wildlife that GVI Patagonia is only able to witness because of the Condor project.

While completing Condorera Characterisations, EMs also had the priviledge of staying in

remote locations, including Estancia San Ramon, Estancia Los Remolinos, Estancia Siete

Condores, Estancia La Lonja, Estancia El Manzano and Estancia de Fernandez.

While travelling to and staying at these locations, EMs spotted lesser rhea (Rhea pennata),

red deer (Cervus elaphus), and guanacos (Lama guanicoe), all of which occupy the same

ecosystem. Occassionally, in the evening, EMs spotted the Patagonian gray fox (Dusicyon

griseus) and the culpeo fox (Lycalopex culpaeus). While going to bed, it was possible to

smell nearby hog-nosed skunks (Conepatus chinga). And in the morning, upon waking, it

was not unusual for EMs to find tracks and faecal samples of puma (Puma concolor). (De

Bolzón and Bolzón, 2005).

Other species spotted include hairy armadillo (Chaetophractus villosus), tuco tuco

(Ctenomys magellanicus), austral pygmy owl (Glaucidium nanum), barn owl (Tyto alba),

long-tailed meadowlark (Sturnella loyca), ringed kingfisher (Ceryle torquata), Chilean

flicker (Colaptes pitius), Chilean swallow (Tachycineta leucopyga), and, at the lagoon, a

family of coipo (Myocastor coypus) both in and out of the water. (De Bolzón and Bolzón,

2005).

GVI Patagonia EMs also spotted a fire on nearby Estancia La Primavera while

characterizing a nearby condorera. Immediately, they contacted professional authorities to

notify them of the wildfire. While the group was never in immediate danger, the fire made a

dramatic backdrop to the condorera they were studying.


3. Parque Nacional Lanín Parque Nacional Lanín is situated in the Lakes District of Argentinean Patagonia,

bordering Chile. It is named after Volcán Lanín which is the highest mountain in the area,

dominating the northern end of the park with a height of 3776 metres. The park is diverse

and complex, encompassing four major environments: la estepa (steppe); la transición

(transition zone between the forest and the steppe); el bosque humedo (humid forest); and

ambiente altoandino (alpine environment). A significant portion of three unique forest types

endemic to the northern regions of temperate sub-Antarctic Argentina are found within the

park. These three forest types are characterised by two species of southern beech, roble

pellín (Nothofagus oblique) and raulí (Nothofagus nervosa), as well as the monkey puzzle

tree (Araucaria araucana).

During this expedition GVI continued to work directly with the Lanín park biologist, Javier

Sanguinetti, on two projects:

• Studies of A. araucana seed survivorship in the Tromen area

• American mink control program in Hua Hum area

GVI also continued several other projects with biologists including:

• Surveys of austral parakeet populations around Tromen with Soledad Diaz

• Surveys of the distribution and movements of wild boar with Hernán Pastore

• Camera trapping of huiña cat with Martín Monteverde

• Surveys of torrent ducks in the Hua Hum area with Gerardo Ceron


3.1. Monkey puzzle tree (Araucaria araucana)

3.1.1. Introduction

Araucaria araucana (‘pehuén’ in Spanish) is a species of pine from the family

Araucariacae. The species is endemic to Patagonia, usually in either pure stands or in

association with Nothofagus (southern beech) species in north-western Patagonia.

Estimates suggest that greater than 60% of these forests are in a degraded state due to a

combination of human activity (grazing cattle, firewood collection and seed extraction), fire

damage and invasive exotic species. Approximately one third of A. araucana are to be

found in Lanín National Park, which is the only place where they are afforded protection in

Argentina.

The dominance of A. araucana in Lanín National Park suggests that if this species is

impacted, there may be substantial effects on other reliant species (both flora and fauna)

as well, especially given the masting effect of A. araucana. Masting is where seed

production is increased up to 20-fold across the entire population of A. araucana as a

result of environmental cues. This masting is observed on average every three years, and

is believed to be a significant reproductive cue for many species including native rodents

and the invasive wild boar (Sus scrofa ferus). Several hypotheses regarding the benefits of

masting have been proposed. Two hypotheses - predator satiation and pollination

efficiency - are explored in a paper by J. Sanguinetti (Sanguinetti and Kitzberger, 2008).

Predator satiation refers to the theory that years of high productivity will allow for predator

requirements whilst still providing sufficient seeds for seedling establishment. The

pollination efficiency theory suggests that years of high reproduction (high pollen

production) will overcome the limitations of pollen dispersal.

Monkey puzzle trees are not reproductively mature until they reach approximately 40 years

of age, and pollination/seed maturation takes approximately two years. Due to this, the

species is highly susceptible to human impacts and has a high conservation value due to

its restricted distribution, slow growth and low regenerative capacity.


3.1.2. Seed Survivorship

J. Sanguinetti’s experiment on seed survivorship estimates the survival curve of A.

araucana seeds through time. Experiments in the past included only the largest A.

araucana stand in the area, the border forest, which has marked trees from previous

studies. However, during this expedition, the areas studied have been increased to three

populations of A. araucana. Three areas of study are used to determine if wild boar are

having an impact on all the A. araucana forests in the area or only on the border forest,

where a more abundant and more constant food supply is expected. The two new areas of

study include an A. araucana forest by Lago Tromen along the Rio Malleo, and another at

Bolsico del Diablo.

For this experiment, EMs learn how to select suitable female trees for the study, how to set

up the experiments, and how to distinguish between the eating habits of seed consumers,

mostly rodents, wild boar and austral parakeets.

3.1.3. Methodology

The seed survivorship experiments are conducted at 10 marked female A. araucana trees

in each of the three sites. Each tree has two established transect lines and seed sites are

located in plots along these transect lines.

The microhabitat of each plot along the transect lines is described as either short shrub,

cane, lenga (Nothofagus pumilio), ñire (Nothofagus antartica), berberis, dead leaves, bare

soil, or high grass.

In the border forest, the previously marked trees are used and the plots are marked at five

metre intervals from the base of the trunk, to 25 metres (Figure 3-1).


Figure 3-1: Set-up for the seed survivorship experiment in the border forest.

At the other two sites (Rio Malleo and Bolsico del Diablo), suitable female trees are

chosen and transect lines set up. The criteria for suitability are that the tree be female and

with no other female trees within 30 metres. The transect lines need to be as far from other

female trees as possible, and are chosen so that they run through different habitats

(wherever possible). Once a tree is chosen, it is marked with a numbered metal tag (on the

west side wherever possible) and the GPS position is recorded. From the trunk of these

marked trees plots run along the transect line at five metre intervals, to a distance of 20

metres. Another plot only one metre from the trunk is also used (Figure 3-2).

Figure 3-2: Set-up for the seed survivorship experiments at Rio Malleo and Bolsico del Diablo.

1m

15m

20m

10m

5m

1m5m

10m

15m

Female Tree

TRANSECT LINE

TRANSECT LINE

20m

25m

15m

20m

10m

5m

5m

10m

15m

20m

Female Tree

TRANSECT LINE

TRANSECT LINE

25m


Piles of 20 marked seeds (marked with a permanent marker) are placed at each plot along

the transect lines, scattered evenly over a circle of one metre diameter. Each plot is

marked with pink tape. Seven days later (eight days for Rio Malleo) the surviving seeds

are counted and categorised as either ‘alive’ (i.e. not eaten at all), or ‘eaten’. Eaten seeds

are recorded as having been eaten by rodents, wild boar or austral parakeet; the

distinctive way these animals eat the seeds enable us to identify the consumer. Missing

seeds are classed as having been eaten by rodents because these animals often take the

seeds away to eat them.

3.1.4. Results

In the border forest 11 A. araucana were originally planned but one tree could not be

located until a week later. This tree (tree 86) was then set up but will not be re-visited until

the spring.

The data from this expedition has not yet been analysed, but initial observations by J.

Sanguinetti suggest that the two small A. araucana forests (Malleo and Bolsico) had less

seed predation by wild boar compared to the biggest A. araucana forest in the region (the

border forest).

3.1.5. Discussion

Initial observations seem to indicate that the data confirms one of J. Sanguinetti’s

hypotheses. The fact that that the two small A. araucana forests had less seed predation

by wild boar compared to the biggest A. araucana forest in the region may indicate that

wild boar select only the larger forest during a poor seed production year in order to

maximize food intake whilst minimizing energy expenditure. The experiment will now need

to be repeated in a mast year to see if the animals spread all over the region, using all the

forests when seeds are abundant, or if they maintain the pattern observed in this

experiment.


Another possible conclusion could be that the wild boar population is currently low, despite

the fact that last year was a mast year and so reproduction should have been high,

because otherwise seed predation should occur on all three sites.

Few problems were encountered during this project. Some marked trees were difficult to

find due to poor GPS signal strength in certain areas and lack of detailed and accurate

maps (tree 86 in the border forest was not found until the following week). The metal tags

are not always easy to see and in some cases have fallen off and been replaced by small

coloured ribbons.

Coloured ribbons from previous transect lines in the border forest were sometimes

confusing. It was not necessary to use exactly the same transect lines and where there

were two previous lines, the ones with orange ribbon (from last expedition) were to be

followed in preference to the ones with pink ribbon (from two expeditions ago) if the

transect lines were still deemed to be suitable. In this study we used pink ribbon to mark

plots, and this led to some confusion when going back to re-count seeds; EMs were not

sure whether all the seeds had been removed or whether they just had the wrong plot (it

was not always easy to find seeds, especially in cane). In future it is recommended that all

ribbon be removed bar the current ribbon.


3.2. Wild boar (Sus scrofa ferus)

3.2.1. Introduction

The wild boar (‘jabalí’ in Spanish) is an introduced species to Argentina. As in other parts

of the world, it has efficiently established itself in Lanín National Park, where its foraging

activities continue to cause significant impacts. Given the poorer volcanic soils of Lanín

National Park, the rooting habits of the wild boar are particularly destructive as they

prevent seedling establishment.

GVI Patagonia continues work with Hernán Pastore, a biologist from the National

University of Comahue on the wild boar project, which is part of the A. araucana forest

ecosystem project with J. Sanguinetti. H. Pastore is studying different habitats around

Tromen and signs of wild boar within these habitats. The study is accomplished by doing

one kilometre transects through the various habitats, collecting data on the following:

• the presence and size of rooting areas

• the presence and size of wild boar tracks

• the presence and number of faeces

The survey transects cover the following habitats:

1. Pure Araucaria

2. Secondary Araucaria

3. Open Forest

4. Humid forest

5. Marsh

6. Shrub land

7. Steppe

The aim of this study is to determine a) seasonal habitat use by wild boar, b) variations in

wild boar diet through out the year (determined by analysis of faeces), and c) group sizes

(determined using the data collected on rootings).

According to H. Pastore, previous results have shown that wild boar migrate in response to

food availability throughout the year. The seeds of A. araucana form a substantial part of

their late summer/autumn diet.


For a map showing transects near Tromen, see [Appendix H]

3.2.2. Methodology

GPS is used to find the start and end coordinates of each transect. EMs go to one end of

the transect and use the GPS to determine the bearing to the other end. They then pace

out each plot of 100 metres, recording their position at the end of each 100 metre plot

using the GPS.

EMs walk along the line of the transect looking at the ground for signs of wild boar in a

three metre wide band (1.5 metres to either side of the line). At the end of each 100 metre

plot of the transect line, notes are taken of the location, altitude, slope, distance from water,

canopy cover, and general habitat type (see Figure 3 for data sheet). The same details, as

well as the distance from start point, are recorded whenever signs of wild boar, including

new faeces or new rootings, are found along the transect line.

Figure 3-3. Example of plot recording for a wild boar transect

Plot/ Signs of Jabalí: (e.g.: 0-100; rooting, faeces, etc.)

381 Jabalí tracks = Photo AP1F5 Rooting 12m x 6 m = Photo AP1F6

Location: (As given by the GPS including the USR)

1546775 USR 5618243

Lat & Long: for GVI purposes (only at the start and finish of the transect)

South West

Altitude: (metres) 1204 Slope: of the Land (ring the relevant one) 0-5º 5-10º 10-15º 15-20º > 20 º

Canopy Cover: 0% 0-25% 25-50% 50-75% 75-

100% Vegetation (be specific; list species and type e.g.; mature tree, sapling seedling, shrub, herbaceous) Species/Type: % Cover Species/Type: % Cover Species/Type: % Cover Distance from Water: (if within 20m)

Local Habitat: (Ñirantal, Lengal, Araucaria etc.)

Araucaria


A sample of all the faeces found along the transect are collected and dried for analysis of

diet. Photos of all faeces are also taken to allow confirmation of origin by H. Pastore (in

case the actual faeces were damaged in transit or degraded by fungi before analysis).

Before completing transects, EMs are trained to recognise the vegetation types and

identify tracks and signs of wild boar, deer, and livestock. They also continue to develop

skills in navigation, including use of GPS and route choices.

3.2.3. Results

The data collected in previous expeditions indicates that in 2006, use of A. araucana

forests by wild boar was low, coinciding with low seed production that year (06 3, 2006).

The data from the summer 2008 expedition showed that there was much more wild boar

activity in A. araucana forests than in summer 2006 (08 1, 2008). H. Pastore thinks that

this is because 2007 was a masting year for A. araucana, which favoured wild boar

reproduction as there was an abundant food supply, so the population in 2008 would be

high.

The data collected during the course of the winter 2008 expedition is yet to be analysed.

3.2.4. Discussion

Previous results from GVI expeditions and H. Pastore’s work indicate that the wild boar

tend to be seasonally migratory based on food availability. Seed production by A.

araucana was low in 2008, so it would be expected that wild boar would move to other

habitats in search of food. The data collected on the winter 2008 expedition seems to

confirm this; a very rough and simplified analysis indicates that only 3.6% of all signs found

were in A. araucana forests as compared to other habitats.

The expedition attempted transects in the Huaca Mamuil area but they were not possible

due to the weather and vegetation/ground conditions. Transects in the Caña Plantada area

were not attempted due to bad weather, deteriorated trail conditions, as well as health and

safety risks.


3.2.5. In addition

J. Sanguinetti is using the results of H. Pastore’s work to introduce a management

program to reduce numbers of wild boar in the park; as part of this program, EMs got the

chance to set and check a wild boar trap.


3.5. Austral parakeet (Enicognathus ferrugineus)

3.5.1. Background

Austral parakeets (‘cachaña’ in Spanish) are the most southerly parakeet species in the

world. They can be found along the Patagonian Andes from Neuquen province to Tierra

Del Fuego. Austral parakeets do not have as many conservation problems as other

psitacids, however they do face some, namely deforestation, the introduction of exotic

species and pet trade. Basic information about the breeding and ecology of these relatively

unstudied birds is important for the National Parks in order to protect the austral parakeets,

and also other cavity nesters in austral forests.

This expedition, Soledad Diaz is collecting information on the birds’ autumn-winter habits.

The aim was to clarify diet and movement patterns out of the breeding season.

It is known that austral parakeets are specialist feeders. Their habits include the following:

• Spring and early summer: feeding on lenga flowers with high extraction rates of

protein rich pollen

• Summer: feeding on lipid-rich seeds of lenga

• Autumn: feeding on lipid-rich seeds of lenga, then moving onto A. araucana seeds

• Winter: feeding on mistletoe as well as other parasitic fungi

Austral parakeets lay three to seven eggs during December and three to five chicks will

fledge in late summer (around the beginning of March). Both parents take care of the eggs

and chicks through out the entire breeding season.

They nest in cavities in trees (either natural holes, or abandoned magellanic woodpecker

nests) which they re-use year after year. There are some records of austral parakeets

using cavities during the winter, which means that it is important to continue observing the

parakeets year-round in order to fully understand their use of the available habitats.


3.5.2. Methodology

Expedition Members walk through three different study areas recording sightings and

behaviour of austral parakeets. The three study areas are as follows:

• Lenga forest reaching from the base of Volcán Lanín to the road at the border

• A. araucana forest in the border area between Argentina and Chile

• Mixed lenga and A. araucana forest from the base of Volcán Lanín to the Tromen

Gendarmeria

Observations include time of sighting, number of individuals, activity (flying, vocalizing,

feeding, etc.), and location.

3.5.3. Results

The data collected by GVI volunteers to date shows a clear use of the A. araucana forest

as foraging habitat and the lenga forest as breeding habitat. Fewer austral parakeets

inhabit Tromen in winter, which S. Diaz suggests is due to food scarcity and the cold

temperatures, both of which lead to increased mortality of juveniles.

One possible new nest was found by GVI volunteers in the A. araucana forest.

3.5.4. Discussion

The data collected are useful for management purposes, as they show a clear pattern of

local movements by the parakeets out of the western lenga forests (used for breeding) in

winter. This shows that the valleys close to the austral parakeet’s breeding habitats are an

important refuge for the population in winter.


3.6. Huiña cat (Oncifelis guigna)

3.6.1. Introduction

The rare and elusive huiña cat (‘gato huiña’ in Spanish) is the smallest cat of the Valdivian

forest and is the only carnivore endemic to Southern Andean forests. They are found in

evergreen temperate rainforests, deciduous temperate moist forests, sclerophyllous scrub,

and coniferous forests particularly near water. This cat is unusual in that it nests in

bamboo thickets in the understory.

The huiña cat is considered one of the two most threatened wild cats in South America

and has one of the most restricted distributions of any carnivore. It is listed in Appendix II

in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora

(2008) and is categorised as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of

Nature (Acosta, G. & Lucherini, M., 2008) and by the Argentinean Society for the Study of

Mammals (Diaz and Ojeda, 2000). It is fully protected in Argentina and Chile by National

Legislations (Monteverde, 2006).

The huiña cat is small; an average adult weighs around two kilograms, is 42–51

centimetres long and 25 centimetres tall at the shoulder. It ranges in colour from brownish-

yellow to grey-brown with dark spots, with melanistic varieties quite common. It has a pale

underside and a ringed tail with black bands across its throat. The cat’s diet includes birds,

small mammals and reptiles.

Preliminary data indicates that the huiña cat has been declining over the past few decades.

There are many possible reasons for this, mostly linked to the movement of humans into

areas inhabited by the huiña cat. This has lead to habitat loss as forests are cleared for

housing and grazing, and livestock trample and eat surrounding vegetation. Conflicts

between huiña cats and humans occur when the two come in close contact; huiña cat

have been known to kill domestic fowl, and settlers will kill the cat as a result. Settlers have

also been known to kill huiña cats due to a misconception that it is a ‘vampire cat’.

Exotic carnivores such as dogs and cats can spread disease and sometimes kill, or

interbreed with, the huiña cat. Other exotic species, such as hare, red deer and wild boar,

have also lead indirectly to the decline of the huiña cat. These species, though not prey for


the huiña cats, are abundant food for the puma, culpeo fox and other large carnivores. The

abundance of these introduced species allows populations of the larger carnivores to

increase; and, as a result, competition for food increases. The huiña cat may also become

prey for these larger carnivores.

One of largest populations of huiña cat is found in Lanín National Park. Martín Monteverde

has been studying the cats since 2001 and has now obtained motion sensitive and heat

sensitive cameras in order to start camera trapping, and eventually live trapping, this

elusive cat. The aim of his studies is to investigate the spatial ecology, the habitat use and

the relationship of the huiña cat with the rest of the carnivore assemblage of the Valdivian

forest.

During this project EMs learn how to tell identify different animal tracks and faeces,

including those from the dog and cat family, deer family, hare and rabbit family, weasel

family, and wild boar. They also learded about the habits and biology of the huiña cat, and

which areas and types of tree were suitable to set cameras.

3.6.2. Methodology

During this expedition, the huiña cat is monitored in two different impact areas within the

park: Ñorquinco and Hua Hum. Field work includes:

• Collecting faeces and hair for genetically testing. This will allow M. Monteverde to

know which carnivores are in the area. To do this, EMs walk through the forest,

especially along trails and rocky areas, collecting samples.

• Setting up and monitoring camera traps to identify individual cats living in an area.

In Ñorquinco, EMs assist M. Monteverde in setting up six cameras, and also locate

15 more trees suitable for further cameras in the area. In Hua hum, EMs set up

another six cameras at Hua Hum.

At both locations, EMs return to the cameras after a week and change the film in

the cameras. They also check the visual attractants, bait (rabbit pelts and cat food)

and feline attractant (scent) to make sure everything is still there to attract the feline.


3.6.3. Results

At Ñorquinco the only carnivores caught on film were foxes. As a result M. Monteverde

modified the method and asked us to remove some elements. For example, he decided

that the rabbit pelts and cat food were attracting the foxes, so those were removed and

only the visual attractants and the feline attractant were left. Even with these changes, only

foxes were photographed. We await results from the films exposed in Hua Hum.

EMs located a cave at the foot of a rock band where large quantities of cat faeces were

found on several occasions. The GPS location was given to M. Monteverde.

3.6.4. Discussion

This is a potentially exciting project; carnivores are hard to study and the huiña cat is

especially elusive and rare. M. Monteverde hopes to use 30 more cameras in the near

future, this time digital, which will provide instant results. EMs learned how to set up the

cameras and various attractants, and learned which trees and areas were suitable for

camera trapping. Finding suitable trees involved a lot of exploratory walking and EMs got

to know the area around Ñorquinco and Hua Hum very well.


3.7. American mink (Mustela vison)

3.7.1. Background

American mink (‘visón’ in Spanish) were introduced to Argentina for fur farming. Escaped

minks have populated the waterways and are now a threat to native waterfowl, for

example the torrent duck (Merganetta armata). They live in forested areas near rivers,

streams, lakes, ponds and marshes, and are excellent swimmers. Mink are carnivorous,

eating rabbits, mice, fish, frogs and birds, and dig dens in river banks or use hollow logs,

though they do not use the same den for long. Their mating season is from mid-winter until

mid-spring (July to October in the southern hemisphere), and a female will have a litter of

three to six young in a fur-lined nest. The babies are weaned when they are five to six

weeks old, and stay with the mother until the autumn.

Mink are very territorial, marking their territory with scent, and males will fight other minks

that invade their territory.

One of the waterfowl species thought to be affected by minks is the torrent duck. These

ducks live in very fast-flowing rivers, diving for crustaceans and insect larvae. They live in

couples and are territorial, with each pair’s territory extending about one kilometre along a

river. They stand on exposed rocks and dive off them, swimming upstream underwater in

search of food, and then allow the current to carry them back to the rock again.

It has been noticed that the number of torrent ducks has fallen in recent years: J.

Sanguinetti would like to discover if this is linked to mink predation.

3.7.2. Trapping project

Mink are an exotic species and their presence is a threat to native waterfowl. Javier

Sanguinetti has successfully implemented a mink-trapping program in another area of the

park, where trapping over a two year period successfully controlled minks from the area

and as a result waterfowl numbers rose. With the help of GVI volunteers he has now

begun a trapping program in Hua Hum. It will be impossible to eradicate mink from this

area because rivers flow into Lakes Nonthue and Lacar from Chile, allowing the mink to


move freely from Chile into Argentina. There is currently no attempt being made to control

mink populations in Chile. However, J. Sanguinetti hopes to reduce mink numbers to a

level where waterfowl populations can recover.

This first mink trapping project with GVI will allow J. Sanguinetti to see if he can expand

the control area in the future to also cover the Queñi lake basin. If so, the trapping will be

repeated again in late spring (November).

3.7.3. Methodology

Seven mink traps are placed at intervals along the Hua Hum River and at the mouth of

Lake Nonthue where it runs out into the Hua Hum River. Ideally, the intervals are 500

metres apart, though this can be difficult due to the uneven terratin. At each 500 metre

trapping area a suitable place is chosen for the traps, making sure the bank is the correct

gradient and that there are dead logs. Each trap is checked twice a day, once in the

morning and then again in the evening, in order to ensure that no native species are

caught by mistake (grison and huiña cat would both fit into the traps).

The seven traps are left in place for 10 days. This is because seven traps placed at these

intervals will cover an area containing roughly two to six mink, and during a trapping period

of seven to 10 days all those mink should be caught. If this number of mink is not caught, it

indicates that abundance is less than expected.

Each time the traps are checked, EMs note any signs of activity (trap closed but no mink in

it, fish eaten but trap not closed, etc.). When a mink is caught, the trap is put in the lake

and the animal is drowned. The mink is then passed onto J. Sanguinetti for analysis of its

weight, length and stomach contents. This information tells J. Sanguinetti what the mink is

eating and also allows him to assess the physical condition of the animal, therefore giving

an indication of whether mink are able to reproduce and survive successfully in the

environment at Hua Hum.


3.7.4. Results

Two minks were caught, one in the first trapping area and one in the second. We are

awaiting results of the other trapping areas; the rotation ended before the end of the

trapping project, so the Park Rangers are continuing the work until 22 August 2008.

Due to a breakdown in communication the first traps placed were moved further along the

lake shore as soon as the first mink was caught. Once the second mink was caught they

were moved a second time to the lake shore near the Pucara River. The traps were then

left here for a period of 10 days and were then moved back to the Hua Hum River for a 10

day period. It is possible that the movement of these traps lessen the number of mink

captured during this period of time.

3.7.5. Discussion

This was the beginning of what will be a long-term project with Parque Nacional Lanín. At

this point, it is too early to tell if the project will be a success, although the time EMs spent

in the field certainly shows that there is a presence of mink in the area.

As for the two mink captured and killed during the expedition, they have begun to be

analysed by park officials. GVI is still waiting the results.

3.7.6. In addition

In a small side project, EMs aided in a project currently being carried out by Gerardo

Ceron, a PhD student at the Universidad Nacional del Comahue completing his thesis on

the torrent ducks, their territories and their reproduction. GVI Patagonia was able to help

him by walking stretches of river and looking for torrent ducks. Although one male was

spotted on the Hua Hum River, for the most part heavy rain caused the rivers to rise,

obscuring any rocks that the torrent duck might use. In the future, J. Sanguinetti hopes to

combine the mink project and the torrent duck project, as they cover the same

geographical areas and the data from each can be useful to the other.


4. References

Acosta, G. & Lucherini, M., 2008. Leopardus guigna. 2008 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. www.iucnredlist.org. Retrieved on 28 November 2008.

Birdlife International, 2008. Vultur gryphus. 2008 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. www.iucnredlist.org. Retrieved on 28 November 2008.

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. 2008. Appendices I, II, III, http://www.cites.org/eng/app/E-Jul01.pdf, 17. Retrieved on 28 November 2008.

De Bolzón, M.L.P., Bolzón, N.D., 2005. Patagonia y Antártica, Vida y Color, 1st edn. Neuhaus Industria Gráfica, Buenos Aires.

De la Peña, M.R., Rumboll, M., 1998. Birds of Southern South America and Antarctica, 1st edn. Harper Collins Publisher, London.

Dias, G.B., Ojeda, R. A., 2000. Libro Rojo de los mamíferos Amenazados de la Argentina. 2000. Sociedad Argentina para el Estudio de los Mamíferos, SAREM.

GVI Patagonia Expedition Report 06 3. December 2006, pp 5-9, 15, 22.

GVI Patagonia Expedition Report 08 1. April 2008, pp 15-18.

Monteverde, M., 2006. Conservation and ecology of the huiña cat (Oncifelis guigna) in northwestern Patagonia (Argentina). The IUCN/SSC Cat Specialist Group. www.catsg.org. Retrieved on 28 November, 2008.

Sanguinetti, J., Kitzberger, T., 2008. Patterns and mechanisms of masting in the large-seeded southern hemisphere conifer Araucaria araucana. Austral Ecology 33, 78-87.


5. Appendices Note: All Appendices have been modified to fit this page layout.

Appendix A. Condor Flapping Datasheet


Appendix B. Fragua Roca Last-/First Light Datasheet

(similar, but not exact, diagram used for Frague Grande condorera)


Appendix C. Raptor Transects Diagram


Appendix D. Raptor Transects and Point Counts Datasheet


Appendix E. Bird Species

Reference: De la Peña and Rumboll, 1998


Appendix F. Hourly Monitoring Datasheet


Appendix G. Migratory Bird Census Datasheet


Appendix H. Location of wild boar transects (Tromen area)

Note: This map does not include five transects found near Caña Plantada in the Valle Magdalena area of the Park.

GVI Patagonia Expedition Science Report (April-July 2008)

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