DSpace Angular :: Browsing by Author "Rozzi, Ricardo"

Browsing by Author "Rozzi, Ricardo"

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Abundance and habitat preferences of the southernmost population of mink: implications for managing a recent island invasion
(2009) Schüttler, Elke; Ibarra Eliessetch, José Tomás; Gruber, Bernd; Rozzi, Ricardo; Jax, Kurt
American mink in the Cape Horn Biosphere Reserve, southern Chile: a population and community approach to understand a recent island invasion
(2009) Ibarra Eliessetch, José Tomás; Schüttler, Elke; Altamirano Oyarzún, Tomás Alberto; Rozzi, Ricardo; Bonacic Salas, Cristian
Since 2001 exotic Mustela vison has been known to populate Navarino, an island located in the pristine Cape Horn Archipelago (54-55ºS). As an invasive predator, it could be affecting the biodiversity that evolved in absence of mammalian terrestrial predators. We report the abundance (using live-trapping and sign surveys) of mink and its seasonal impact (through bird sampling, diet analysis, and artificial nest predation) upon the wetland bird community. Mink signs were found in 79% of the surveys in all types of semi-aquatic habitats. Yet, relative population abundance (0.75 mink/km of coastline) was still below densities measured in other invaded or native areas. The habitat model accuracies indicated that mink were less specific in habitat use, probably due to the missing limitations normally imposed by predators or competitors. The selected models predicted that mink prefer to use shrubland instead of open habitat, coastal areas with heterogeneous shores instead of flat beaches, and interestingly, that mink avoid habitats strongly modified by beavers. Fifty-six bird species were registered with marked seasonal variations in richness and total number of birds. Near half (48%) of bird species were migratory, arriving to the area in summer. Seasonal differences in the diet of M. vison were observed (n=414 scats). Scat analysis showed fragments of birds in 36% of the samples collected during summer, but only 21% in winter scats. This agrees with the increase in the number of birds during their reproductive period. Species like Chloephaga picta and some passerine birds are at a greater risk of being predated by mink. Conversely, predation of mink on artificial nests was very low. Our results shows that mink have colonised the entire island and is opportunistically predating on birds. For the management of mink, we suggest the establishment of rocky coastal shores as priority sites deserving special conservation efforts.
Applied Montology Using Critical Biogeography in the Andes
(2017) Sarmiento, J. Fausto O.; Ibarra Eliessetch, José Tomás; Barreau, Antonia; Pizarro, J. Cristóbal; Rozzi, Ricardo; González, Juan A.; Frolich, Larry M.
Associations among MHC genes, latitude, and avian malaria infections in the rufous-collared sparrow (Zonotrichia capensis)
(2024) de Aguilar, Juan Rivero; Barroso, Omar; Bonaccorso, Elisa; Cadena, Hector; Hussing, Lucas; Jorquera, Josefina; Martinez, Javier; Martinez-de la Puente, Josue; Marzal, Alfonso; Miranda, Fabiola Leon; Merino, Santiago; Matta, Nubia E.; Ramenofsky, Marilyn; Rozzi, Ricardo; Valeris-Chacin, Carlos E.; Vasquez, Rodrigo A.; Vianna, Juliana A.; Wingfield, John C.
The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is a genetic region in jawed vertebrates that contains key genes involved in the immune response. Associations between the MHC and avian malaria infections in wild birds have been observed and mainly explored in the Northern Hemisphere, while a general lack of information remains in the Southern Hemisphere. Here, we investigated the associations between the MHC genes and infections with Plasmodium and Haemoproteus blood parasites along a latitudinal gradient in South America. We sampled 93 rufous-collared sparrows (Zonotrichia capensis) individuals from four countries, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Chile, and estimated MHC-I and MHC-II allele diversity. We detected between 1-4 (MHC-I) and 1-6 (MHC-II) amino acidic alleles per individual, with signs of positive selection. We obtained generalized additive mixed models to explore the associations between MHC-I and MHC-II diversity and latitude. We also explored the relationship between infection status and latitude/biome. We found a non-linear association between the MHC-II amino acidic allele diversity and latitude. Individuals from north Chile presented a lower MHC genetic diversity than those from other locations. We also found an association between deserts and xeric shrublands and a lower prevalence of Haemoproteus parasites. Our results support a lower MHC genetic in arid or semi-arid habitats in the region with the lower prevalence of Haemoproteus parasites.
Avifauna en turberas del Cabo de Hornos: estacionalidad y singularidad del ensamble austral
(2008) Ibarra Eliessetch, José Tomás; Anderson,Christopher; Rozzi, Ricardo; Bonacic Salas, Cristian
Los humedales de turbera esfagnosa cubren una alta superficie en los ecosistemassubantárticos. Sin embargo, la temporalidad y utilización de estos ambientes por lasaves ha sido escasamente estudiado. Desarrollamos un estudio en la Reserva deBiosfera Cabo de Hornos para determinar la composición, estacionalidad y niveles desimilitud dentro y entre humedales con y sin turbera esfagnosa. Seleccionamos 10humedales (5 de turbera y 5 no turbera), y estacionalmente cuantificamos lacomposición específica, riqueza de especies y abundancias de aves. Registramos 56especies pertenecientes a 10 órdenes y 25 familias, donde un 64,3% de las especiesusaron las turberas. Existió una marcada estacionalidad, con menor riqueza yabundancia en el invierno, cuando los humedales se congelaron. Del total de especies,33,9% son residentes y 48,2% sólo pasaron primavera-verano en estos humedales.No existieron diferencias significativas entre los humedales con y sin turbera endiversidad. Sin embargo, y de acuerdo a los valores de similitud taxocenótica entrehumedales, la composición avifaunística de aquellos con turbera fue significativamentedistinta de aquellos sin turbera. Estos resultados indican que las turberas constituyenun hábitat singular para la alimentación, refugio y reproducción estival de algunasespecies y dado que la ley chilena clasifica a estos ecosistemas como mineral, esnecesario considerar que alberguen una avifauna singular en el archipiélagosubantártico que no se replica en otros tipos de humedales
Biocultural homogenization in elementary education degree students from contrasting ecoregions of Chile
(2023) Méndez, Manuela O.; Ibarra Eliessetch, José Tomás; Rozzi, Ricardo; Marini, Guillermo
Biocultural homogenization is a wicked problem that implies the loss of biological and cultural diversity at differentscales. It is promoted by globalized one-dimensional ways of thinking that ignore the biophysical and cultural singularities of theheterogeneous regions of the planet. In Chile, we find ecoregions as diverse as the arid Norte Grande, the semi-arid MediterraneanMetropolitan region, and the temperate rainforests in the south. We studied the perceptions that elementary education degree students(EEDS) have regarding the flora and fauna (co-inhabitants), their environments (habitats), and their daily customs or activities (habits)in these three ecoregions. We distributed 72 questionnaires to students from 3 universities in 2021, asking them about co-inhabitants,habitats, and habits. We identified similarities and differences between the responses. Similarities were associated with bioculturalhomogenization processes evidenced by the prevalence of vertebrate animals and vascular plants, or introduced species, such as domesticanimals, and cultivated plants for edible, ornamental, and medicinal purposes. Differences were associated with biocultural conservationprocesses such as the collection of native species of mushrooms, plants and animals for food use, or the knowledge of ritual celebrationstypical of their localities. We propose that teaching study programs should aim to redirect biocultural homogenization processes towardbiocultural conservation processes. That way teachers can play a key role in teaching future generations to learn and value both localand scientific knowledge about the diversity of co-inhabitants, habitats, and the life habits in each of their ecoregions.
Biodiversity knowledge loss in children's books and textbooks
(2016) Celis Diez, Juan Luis; Díaz Forestier, Javiera; Márquez Garcia, Marcela; Lazzarino, Silvia; Rozzi, Ricardo; Armesto, Juan J.
Breeding strategies of open-cup-nesting birds in sub-Antarctic forests of Navarino Island, Chile
(2019) Altamirano Oyarzún, Tomás Alberto; Ibarra Eliessetch, José Tomás; Jara, Rocío Fernanda; Crego, Ramiro Daniel; Arellano, Francisco Javier; Rozzi, Ricardo; Jiménez, Jaime Enrique
Abstract Background There is limited knowledge about the breeding strategies of birds inhabiting in South American temperate forests. This is particularly true for open-cup forest passerines breeding at high latitudes (> 42°). To better understand the ecology of these species, in this study we described and compared the breeding strategies (i.e., nest dimensions, nest height from the ground, egg laying rhythm, clutch size, length of the developmental periods, breeding phenology, and diversity of nesting substrate) of five passerine birds that inhabit sub-Antarctic ecosystems. Methods During three breeding seasons (2014–2017), we monitored 103 nests of the five most abundant open-cup forest-dwelling passerines (Phrygilus patagonicus, Anairetes parulus, Turdus falcklandii, Elaenia albiceps, and Zonotrichia capensis) on Navarino Island (55°S), Cape Horn Biosphere Reserve, southern Chile. Additionally, we compared the breeding strategies of T. falcklandii to another population breeding at lower latitude (39°S). Results Most of the species started laying eggs the last week of September; only E. albiceps started 2 months later. During the breeding season of 2016–2017 both E. albiceps and Z. capensis started laying eggs earlier than the previous year. Anairetes parulus and Z. capensis were the most specialized in terms of nesting substrate. Turdus falcklandii had larger clutch sizes and nested closer to the ground on Navarino Island compared to the northern population, which might put this and other ground nesting species of this island at a higher risk of predation by the recently introduced American mink (Neovison vison). Conclusions Our five study species breed exclusively in open-cups (not in cavities) in sub-Antarctic forests, and some of them built their nests closer to the ground compared to populations breeding at lower latitudes. This may be associated with the lack of terrestrial predators on Navarino Island. Our study opens further questions about the mechanisms driving differences in breeding strategies among populations.
Critical biogeography of mountains: towards a biocultural landscape frontier of montology
(2016) Sarmiento, Fausto O.; Ibarra Eliessetch, José Tomás; Barreau, Antonia; Pizarro, J. Cristóbal; Rozzi, Ricardo; González, Juan A.; Frolich, Larry M.; Milligan, Richard A.
Mountains have remained stronger targets of geographical enquiry than most other landforms. Whether physical edifices, cultural manipulations on slopelands, or even metaphorical ethical and spiritual heights, many angles of mountain research have informed current narratives of global environmental change. In this paper we review how Mountain Geography as a disciplinary field has developed through stages of shifting geographic paradigms, from the Humboldtian to the sustainability paradigm at present. We propose advancing theoretical frameworks for mountain research by analyzing contributions of critical biogeography on integration of biocultural heritage and biodiversity conservation narratives of nature—culture hybrids, and how bridging sciences and humanities enlightens the development of geographical enquiry on the Americas. In all these sites biocultural frameworks of original research guide the understanding and agency of biocultural mountain landscape dynamics. With situated exemplars from wild edible plants, medicinal plants, sacred trees, agrifoodstuff, ritualistic plants, terrestrial and marine mammals, birds and amphibians, we seek to convey the need for a cohesive understanding of mountains as both biocultural and social—ecological systems. The transdisciplinary field of Montology deserves integration to engage future geographers and interdisciplinary researchers in assessments for resource protection, food sovereignty, and sustainable development of fragile biocultural and social—ecological mountain systems throughout the Americas
Cultivating a garden of names in the cape horn miniature forests: extending biocultural conservation and ethics to little perceived living beings
(2018) Lewis, Lily; Gottschalk-Druschkec, Caroline; Saldias, Camila; Mackenzie, Roy; Malebran, Javiera; Goffinet, Bernard; Rozzi, Ricardo
Development of food and gastronomy in the sub-Antarctic end of the world
(2024) Aguilera, Jose Miguel; Rozzi, Ricardo
Regional food and gastronomy flourish worldwide driven by unique local foods, the remembrance of old culinary traditions, and the visitors' desire to taste memorable dishes in an environment evoking cultural heritage and geographical uniqueness. The sub-Antarctic Magellan region of Chile is the southernmost zone of the planet and is unique in centenary food and culinary practices. A detailed description of marine and terrestrial local food sources and biocultural traditions is documented. This article presents a PCF to develop local food and gastronomy in this region. Collection and analysis of bibliometric data led to three pillars supporting the FPC: the nutritional value and uniqueness of local foods and culinary traditions; a booming sustainable tourism that drives the development of gastronomic endeavors, and; lessons from past experiences in other remote places. The proposed PCF may be adapted to different regions worldwide. Recent gastronomic initiatives to implement this PCF at the Cape Horn International Center in Puerto Williams (Chile) are also described.
Dinámica estacional y patrones de distribución de la avifauna asociada a humedales subantárticos de la Reserva de Biosfera Cabo de Hornos (54-55ºS), Chile
(2009) Ibarra Eliessetch, José Tomás; Rozzi, Ricardo; Gilabert, Horacio; Anderson, Christoper B.; McGehee, Steven M.; Bonacic, Cristián
El rol de las aves en la ecología de los ecosistemas subantárticos de la Reserva de Biosfera Cabo de Hornos (RBCH), Chile, ha sido poco estudiado. Se estudió el efecto de la altitud, distancia al borde costero, tamaño del espejo de agua, estación del año y cobertura vegetacional sobre la diversidad y abundancia de aves de humedales y de sus hábitats adyacentes en isla Navarino (54–55ºS, 67ºW) en la RBCH. Se cuantificó la composición específica, riqueza de especies y abundancias relativas de aves de humedales y de sus hábitats adyacentes, de manera estacional. Se registró un total de 56 especies pertenecientes a 10 órdenes y 25 familias, con una marcada estacionalidad en riqueza (P = 0,001) y número total de individuos (P < 0,01). De ellas, 33, 9% fueron residentes, 48,2% llegan en primavera-verano y para un 17,9% se desconoce su estacionalidad. La distancia a la costa marina es la variable que mejor explica tanto la riqueza (P < 0,01) como el número total de individuos (P < 0,05). Humedales a mayor distancia de la costa y altitud, presentaron menor diversidad de aves, a pesar de que los cambios en altitud fueron bajos (<300 m). Este trabajo muestra los patrones de estacionalidad y dinámica, así como los mecanismos subyacentes, de la avifauna de humedales y sus hábitats adyacentes en la RBCH. Aceptado el 20 de Mayo de 2009
Discovery and implementation of Magellanic woodpecker (Campephilus magellanicus) as an emblematic species: A biocultural approach for conservation in Cape Horn Biosphere Reserve
(Universidad de Magallanes, 2007) Arango, Ximena; Rozzi, Ricardo; Massardo, Francisca; Anderson, Christopher B.; Ibarra Eliessetch, José Tomás
At the southernmost part of South America there is Cape Horn Biosphere Reserve where the Magellanic sub-Antarctic evergreen unfragmented the Nothofagus forests still persist. This zone has been considered as one of the world's most pristine regions and this area is currently subject to increasing development pressures from new connectivity, urban expansion and tourism development. Using a biocultural approach we found that the Magellanic Woodpecker (Campephilus magellanicus) is the favorite bird for the community of Puerto Williams, the world's southernmost town and the biggest human centre in the Cape Horn Biosphere Reserve. Although, significant differences (P < 0,05) exists between the preferences of the sociocultural groups toward birds, all groups agreed in their preferences toward the Magellanic woodpecker. This species of bird was the preferred for the people who have been longer in Cape Horn: the members of the Yahgan Indigenous Community and long time residents. The analysis of these results as well as the discovery of ten attributes that this species of picid presents which in addition is the largest of South America, have taken us to consider it like a charismatic or emblematic species with a high potential for the conservation of the austral forests of Cape Horn Biosphere Reserve. For this previous reasons the Magellanic woodpecker could be transformed into a symbol or a charismatic species for the conservation of the pristine austral forest. Between the year 2005 and 2007 we developed the Magellanic Woodpecker Implementation Program with the objective to increase both its intrinsic value and habitat valuation and the knowledge from the local community. The discovery of this species potential as well as their later implementation may contribute to the conservation of the fragile, singular and beautiful austral forests and its singular biological and cultural diversity.
Diversity and singularity of the avifauna in the austral peat bogs of the Cape Horn Biosphere Reserve, Chile
(2010) Tomas Ibarra, Jose; Anderson, Christopher B.; Altamirano, Tomas A.; Rozzi, Ricardo; Bonacic, Cristian
Ibarra, J.T., C.B. Anderson, T.A. Altamirano, R. Rozzi, and C. Bonacic. 2010. Diversity and singularity of the avifauna in the austral peat bogs of the Cape Horn Biosphere Reserve, Chile. Cien. Inv. Agr. 37(1): 29-43. Sphagnum-dominated peat bogs that are strongly embedded within the southern temperate forest matrix are increasingly being used for agriculture. Nevertheless, little is known about their biodiversity. Moreover, the remote areas of southern Chile where peat bogs are found, such as the Cape Horn Biosphere Reserve (CHBR, 54-55 degrees S), where birds are the most diverse and best represented group of vertebrates, have not been well-investigated. With the aim to broaden this knowledge in the CHBR, we studied the diversity of the avian assemblage in peat bogs on Navarino Island. We compared the composition of avian species between wetlands with and without peat bogs to test if Sphagnum bogs represented a singular habitat for birds in this area. Furthermore, the 37 bird species recorded in these habitats were classified according to guild structure. The community similarity values showed that peat bogs hosted a bird composition that was different from that present in wetlands without Sphagnum, suggesting that peat bogs are a singular type of habitat for birds in the CHBR. The most frequently feeding groups recorded in these wetlands were insectivores (48.7%), followed by omnivores (23.1%). Our results showed that, in contrast to previous studies of birds in peat bogs, these environments constituted a distinct wetland habitat for feeding, reproduction and sheltering for some species in the CHBR. Thus, plans for the conservation and rational use of peat ecosystems should consider the high value of these habitats for biodiversity on a landscape scale, especially for birds of the southernmost extreme of the Americas.
Diversity and singularity of the avifauna in the austral peat bogs of the Cape Horn biosphere reserve, Chile.
(2010) Ibarra, José Tomás; Anderson, Christopher B.; Altamirano, Tomás A.; Rozzi, Ricardo; Bonacic, Cristián
Estudios socio-ecológicos de largo plazo en los sitios fundadores de la red LTSER-Chile: desafíos y oportunidades para el futuro
(Universidad Austral, Facultad de Ciencias Forestales, 2014) Gaxiola Alcantar, Aurora; Celis Diez, Juan Luis; Rozzi, Ricardo; Gutiérrez, Julio; CEDEUS (Chile)
La investigación que se desarrolla en los tres sitios fundadores de la red Chilena de Sitios de Estudios Socio-Ecológicos de Largo Plazo (LTSER-Chile) intenta responder preguntas que reflejan el contexto regional de cada sitio. La conformación de la LTSER-Chile en 2008 ofrece una oportunidad para generar estudios comparativos y analizar los potenciales efectos del cambio socio-ambiental global en los diferentes ecosistemas de Chile. Este estudio presenta un análisis de las líneas de investigación desarrolladas en cada uno de los tres sitios y el contexto en el que se han establecido. Cada sitio fundador ha identificado aspectos claves de necesidades locales y del interés de los grupos de investigadores que han iniciado y dirigido los estudios ecológicos o socio-ecológicos a largo plazo. A nivel nacional estos diversos enfoques resultan complementarios. Primeramente, se presentan los análisis y evaluaciones que realizan cada uno de estos grupos de investigación, y luego, un breve diagnóstico del trabajo de las últimas dos décadas en los sitios que actualmente son parte de la LTSER-Chile, con el fin de identificar vacíos y oportunidades de investigación. Asimismo, esta caracterización contribuirá a abordar los retos y oportunidades en investigación socio-ecológica de largo plazo, básica y aplicada.
First record of Vespula vulgaris (Linnaeus 1758) (Hymenoptera: Vespidae); on Navarino Island, Chile
(EDICIONES UNIV, CONCEPCION, 2016) Rendoll Carcamo, Javier; Contador, Tamara; Crego, Ramiro D.; Jordan, Natalia I.; Schuttler, Elke; Ganan, Melisa; Jimenez, Jaime E.; Rozzi, Ricardo; Massardo, Francisca; Kennedy, James H.
The common wasp Vespula vulgaris (Linnaeus 1758) is an introduced species in the Southern Hemisphere that has been reported in Australia, New Zealand, Tasmania, Argentina and South-central Chile. This report documents the presence of V. vulgaris on Navarino Island, Cape Horn Biosphere Reserve, Southern Chile.
Haematozoa in forest birds from southern Chile
(2008) Merino, Santiago; Moreno, Juan.; Vasquez, Rodrigo A.; Martinez, Javier; Sanchez-Monsalvez, Inocencia; Estades, Cristian F.; Ippi, Silvina; Sabat, Pablo; Rozzi, Ricardo; Mcgehee, Steven
The existence of latitudinal gradients in species richness and their abundance is known for many free living organisms but few cases have been reported for parasitic diseases. In addition, asymmetries between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres in several characteristics may affect the distribution and diversity of species at all ecological levels. In this respect, we study the distribution of several genera of blood parasites infecting birds along a latitudinal gradient that includes the world's southernmost forests ecosystems. Birds were mist-netted and sampled for blood in localities across Chile ranging from 33 degrees S to 55 degrees S during the years 2003-06. Overall, 26 bird species were sampled and 27 parasite lineages were identified. The latter belonged to three genera: Plasmodium (8), Haemoproteus (8) and Leucocytozoon (11). We found a positive significant relationship between prevalence and latitude for Leucocytozoon lineages and a negative relationship for Haemoproteus, Plasmodium and mixed infections. However, we did not find a significant relationship between parasite diversity and latitude. We found 18 lineages infecting only one species of host, and 19 lineages appear in only one of the localities of sampling. This pattern implies that some parasite lineages may evolve in isolation in some species/localities. In addition, specificity at the host-family level was only found for Haemoproteus lineages infecting birds in the family Emberizidae. Individuals of the long distance migrant bird white-crested elaenia (Elaenia albiceps), were found infected by the same parasite lineages in localities separated by 20 degrees of latitude. Infections by these lineages were detected in other sedentary birds including juveniles and nestlings of different bird species. Therefore, long distance migrants are able to distort the presence of latitudinal gradients of diseases due to the potential role of migrants in spreading infections. Geographical gradients in prevalence of avian haematozoa differ between parasite genera and hemispheres, probably in relation to the existence of appropriate vector-parasite-host interactions.
Introducción al visón norte-americano (Neovison vison): impacto de un carnívoro invasor sobre las aves de una de las zonas más "prístinas" del planeta
(University of North Texas, 2014) Ibarra Eliessetch, Jose Tomas; Anderson, Cristopher B.; Rozzi, Ricardo; Jiménez, Jaime E.
La creciente dispersión de organismos por parte del ser humano a través de barreras naturales que antes parecían insuperables, tales como océanos, cordilleras, desiertos, ríos y zonas climáticamente hostiles, se ha convertido en un fenómeno global con causas y consecuencias tanto ecológicas como socio-culturales a escala local. Incluso lugares relativamente libres de otros impactos antrópicos no han escapado a la introducción, naturalización y expansión de especies foráneas. Por ejemplo, a partir de la investigación de largo plazo implementada en el archipiélago Cabo de Hornos con la creación del Parque Etnobotánico Omora, desde el año 2000, se ha registrado que esta zona austral y remota del continente americano también ha experimentado la llegada y establecimiento de numerosas especies exóticas (Anderson et al. 2006). A su vez, la introducción de esta nueva lora y fauna sería un relejo de una "mentalidad exótica" que prioriza y muchas veces valora más a las especies no-nativas, principalmente de origen europeo o norteamericano (Rozzi et al. 2003), siendo así la homogeneización biótica, en parte, una consecuencia última de la homogeneización cultural. Los nuevos hallazgos de especies exóticas en la zona más austral del continente americano provocan una relexión acerca del papel, tanto académico como social, que pueden jugar los sitios de investigación a largo plazo como el Parque Omora (Anderson et al. 2010). Si evaluamos la aseveración de que el bosque subantártico es una de las ecorregiones más prístinas del planeta, encontramos que este "reconocimiento" se puede fechar a una publicación en la prestigiosa revista Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences del año 2003. Un grupo de investigadores de la organización Conservation International, con sede en Nueva York, estableció que esta ecorregión, junto a otras 23 áreas, era una de las últimas "wilderness areas" del planeta. Esta identificación se basó en tres criterios que se pueden medir con sensores remotos e información demográica, siendo ellos: i) un alto porcentaje de cobertura vegetacional intacta, ii) una baja densidad humana, y iii) una gran extensión de la ecorregión (Mittermeier et al. 2003). Además, los autores destacaron el alto porcentaje de áreas protegidas en la región (> 50% de su supericie total).
Invasive American mink Mustela vison in wetlands of the Cape Horn Biosphere Reserve, southern Chile: what are they eating?
(CAMBRIDGE UNIV PRESS, 2009) Ibarra Eliessetch, José Tomás; Fasola, Laura; Macdonald, David W.; Rozzi, Ricardo; Bonacic, Cristian
The impact of alien American mink on the native fauna of oceanic islands has been demonstrated in a number of locations. In the sub-Antarctic Cape Horn Biosphere Reserve of southern Chile the species is currently expanding in an area where the native fauna evolved in the absence of terrestrial predators. To evaluate any emerging problems we therefore investigated seasonal variation in prey use by mink on Navarino Island within the Reserve. We identified undigested remains in 414 scats collected from the shores of 27 ponds over January-November 2006. Diet consisted mainly of mammals and birds. Mammals, including both native and exotic rodents, were the predominant prey in all seasons but birds were of equal importance during the summer (when birds breed and their abundance and diversity increases on the island). Exotic rodents were the only identifiable mammalian prey item during winter. Native wetland birds constituted a substantial proportion of mink diet, and greater than that reported in other areas. Many birds breeding on Navarino Island are ground-nesting, a strategy that evolved in the absence of native mammalian predators. Considering the international importance of this region, our results emphasize the need for an assessment of the impact of mink predation on the populations of native prey.

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