Nest Predators in Lapataia Bay, Tierra del Fuego National Park, Argentina: Implications for the Conservation of Flightless Steamer Ducks (Tachyeres pteneres) and Flying Steamer Ducks (T. patachonicus)

LILJESTHRÖM, M.; FASOLA ,L; A VALENZUELA,; RAYA REY, A; SCHIAVINI, A.

WATERBIRDS (DE LEON SPRINGS, FLA.)

WATERBIRD SOC

Lugar: Leon Springs; Año: 2014

1524-4695

A combination of infrared cameras and plasticine eggs were used to identify nest predators of Flightless Steamer Ducks (Tachyeres pteneres) and Flying Steamer Ducks (T. patachonicus) and to evaluate methods to detect predators in Lapataia Bay, Tierra del Fuego. Cameras were set up at 31 artificial nests with plasticine eggs and at six duck nests. From the photos at artificial nests four potential nest predators were identified, two avian (the Chimango Caracara Milvago chimango and the Southern Crested Caracara Caracara plancus) and two mammalian (the native Fuegian Culpeo Fox Pseudalopex culpaeus lycoides and the introduced American Mink Neovison vison). Active nests were only found on islets and from the photos we identified the Chimango Caracara and the Southern Crested Caracara as the main nest predators. Mammalian predators were not photographed on islets (neither on artificial nor natural nests). Though the potential predator community at Lapataia Bay was small, there was overlap in some predator patterns and considerable similarities in physical evidence and marks left at nests, especially within avian predators. Also, there were nests revisited by other predators and these multi-predator visits can cause changes to the appearance of the depredated nest following departure of the initial predator. Therefore, only cameras provided an objective method and a definitive identification of predators.