INVESTIGADORES
BELLIS Laura Marisa
artículos
Título:
Habitat preferences of lesser rheas in Argentine Patagonia.
Autor/es:
BELLIS, L. M., M. B. MARTELLA J. L. NAVARRO AND P. E. VIGNOLO.
Revista:
BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION
Referencias:
Año: 2006 vol. 15 p. 3065 - 3075
ISSN:
0960-3115
Resumen:
This work reports the .rst results of a 3-year study (1998 2001) on habitat use and
preferences by wild lesser rheas (Rhea pennata pennata) in the ecotone MontePatagonian steppe of
Argentina. Ponds and four di.erent habitat alternatives for lesser rheas were determined using
satellite images and di.erent structural vegetation characteristics: steppe, shrubland, shrub steppe,
and mallines. Lesser rheas (adults, juveniles and chicks) used all habitats available to feed, although
they showed preference for mallines, open areas that o.er good visibility and abundant food
resource. Rheas used shrub steppe and steppe for nesting, but they did not show preference for
either habitat type. Nest site had a higher percentage of vegetation cover than control sites. Lesser
rheas apparently preferred concealed sites for nesting since they o.er protection from severe climate
conditions and from predators. Our results suggest that habitat preference by lesser rheas
counterbalances pro.tability of feeding to the corresponding cost of predation.This work reports the .rst results of a 3-year study (1998 2001) on habitat use and
preferences by wild lesser rheas (Rhea pennata pennata) in the ecotone MontePatagonian steppe of
Argentina. Ponds and four di.erent habitat alternatives for lesser rheas were determined using
satellite images and di.erent structural vegetation characteristics: steppe, shrubland, shrub steppe,
and mallines. Lesser rheas (adults, juveniles and chicks) used all habitats available to feed, although
they showed preference for mallines, open areas that o.er good visibility and abundant food
resource. Rheas used shrub steppe and steppe for nesting, but they did not show preference for
either habitat type. Nest site had a higher percentage of vegetation cover than control sites. Lesser
rheas apparently preferred concealed sites for nesting since they o.er protection from severe climate
conditions and from predators. Our results suggest that habitat preference by lesser rheas
counterbalances pro.tability of feeding to the corresponding cost of predation.Rhea pennata pennata) in the ecotone MontePatagonian steppe of
Argentina. Ponds and four di.erent habitat alternatives for lesser rheas were determined using
satellite images and di.erent structural vegetation characteristics: steppe, shrubland, shrub steppe,
and mallines. Lesser rheas (adults, juveniles and chicks) used all habitats available to feed, although
they showed preference for mallines, open areas that o.er good visibility and abundant food
resource. Rheas used shrub steppe and steppe for nesting, but they did not show preference for
either habitat type. Nest site had a higher percentage of vegetation cover than control sites. Lesser
rheas apparently preferred concealed sites for nesting since they o.er protection from severe climate
conditions and from predators. Our results suggest that habitat preference by lesser rheas
counterbalances pro.tability of feeding to the corresponding cost of predation.