Anticipating the invasion of Patagonia by red deer (Cervus elaphus) by identifying habitable areas

FLUCK, W.T.; J.M. SMITH-FLUECK

Quebec

Congreso; 5th International Deer Biology Congress; 2002

Direction de la Recherche sur la Faune

Red deer (Cervus elaphus) were introduced about 1920 to the Andean foothills in Argentina and in the central valley of Chile. Later, there were several more introductions further south. The extent of current populations is between 37̊42´ S  -  54̊55´ S  and  73̊36´ W   -   69̊50´ W (not continuous). The velocity of the invasion is facilitated by focal populations along the foothills and many areas are being colonized from several directions. The historical northern limit of the native cervid huemul (Hippocamelus bisulcus) was 34̊S and assuming that huemul habitat is suitable for red deer, the potential northern limit for red deer would be at least an additional 500 km further north. To the south, suitable habitat exists to Tierra del Fuego. Considerations of energetics explained the successful colonization by wapiti (C. elaphus) of steppes with only 16 cm annual precipitation. It might indicate the limit of Patagonian steppes to invasion, which likely follows suitable habitat for guanaco (Lama guanicoe), a periodic drinkers. To assess the invasion throughout Patagonia, it is essential to consider the distribution and spread of red deer in Chile and Argentina as well as future activities of reforestation with exotic trees because of providing corridors and microclimates. Various factors like vegetation, topography, precipitation, and historical information are used to illustrate a potential temporal scenario for the future invasion in Patagonia and the Valdivian Rainforest eco-region of Chile and Argentina.