Distribution of densities of guanacos (Lama guanicoe) in the Northern La Payunia protected area and its area of influence (Mendoza, Argentina)

PUIG, S.; FERRARIS, G.; SUPERINA, M.; VIDELA, F.

MULTEQUINA

IADIZA

Año: 2004 vol. 12 p. 37 - 48

0327-9375

The periodic monitoring of density distributions is essential for the management of wild camelid populations. This study estimates the guanaco densities and their seasonal variations in northern La Payunia during 2002-03, analyses differences in the density of guanacos between the inside of the protected area and the influence area, and compares them with densities obtained at the moment of the creation of this protected area and when its management was planned. Countings were carried out along terrestrial transects of fixed width on a network of internal trails. Spatial and temporal differences were analyzed with ANOVA, and selective use of the environment with c_. Densities were higher inside the protected area, showing a selective use of four sectors. This confirms the adequate delimitation of the conservation unit and its intangible area. Densities in 2002-03 were significatively higher than in 1982-84, result compatible with a moderate rate of increase. A guanaco’s preference for areas with temporary water sources during autumn was recently detected, besides the preference for areas with good food availability and absence of livestock, stable during the 20 years that were analyzed. The recently detected moderate movement of densities warns about a possible source of impact coming from the east-southeast. The applied methodology proved to be an expeditive and useful alternative for monitoring the guanaco population.