Ecological extinction of native prey of a carnivore assemblage in Argentine Patagonia

• Published in: Biological conservation Vol. 92; no. 1; pp. 25 - 33
• Main Authors: Novaro, Andrés J, Funes, Martı́n C, Susan Walker, R
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 2000; Elsevier
• Subjects: Animal and plant ecology; Animal, plant and microbial ecology; Applied ecology; Argentina; Biological and medical sciences; Conservation, protection and management of environment and wildlife; Ecological extinction; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Parks, reserves, wildlife conservation. Endangered species: population survey and restocking; Patagonia; Predator–prey interaction; Synecology; Terrestrial ecosystems; South America; Argentina; America; Predator–prey interaction; Patagonia; Ecological extinction; Predator prey relation; Fissipedia; Carnivora; Introduced species; Population extinction; Interspecific comparison; Carnivorous animal; Feeding; Felis concolor; Vertebrata; Mammalia; Diet; Animal conservation; Native species
• ISSN: 0006-3207; 1873-2917
• DOI: 10.1016/S0006-3207(99)00065-8

The Patagonia region of South America has been severely modified by the introduction of livestock and wild exotic species. We studied diets of culpeo foxes ( Pseudalopex culpaeus), chilla foxes ( P. griseus), hog-nosed skunks ( Conepatus chinga), Geoffroy's cats ( Oncifelis geoffroyi), and pumas ( Puma concolor) between 1989 and 1994, and evaluated prey biomass on rangelands in Neuquén, Argentina. The carnivores consumed primarily (and selected) introduced hares ( Lepus europaeus), red deer ( Cervus elaphus), or carrion of introduced species. Native species represented 6% of the potential-prey biomass, and similar percentages of carnivore diets. We conclude that native large-bodied species (guanacos, Lama guanicoe, and rheas, Pterocnemia pennata) are ecologically extinct as prey and sources of carrion in our study area, and likely throughout Argentine Patagonia. Other ecological implications of their currently low biomass are unknown. Measures to control introduced species, prevent new introductions, and create protected areas are urgently needed.