Nest-site habitat selection by Lesser Rheas (Rhea pennata pennata) in north-western Patagonia, Argentina

BARRI F.R.; MARTELLA M. B.; NAVARRO J.L.

Journal of Ornithology

Springer

Año: 2009 vol. 150 p. 511 - 514

1439-0361

Selection of nest-site habitat by a population ofwild Lesser Rheas (Rhea pennata pennata) was studied inthe northwestern Patagonia steppe, Argentina, during tworeproductive seasons (2004/2005 and 2005/2006). Nestspatial distribution was compared with randomly selectedpoints in the study area. Contrary to observations in otherratite species, nest distribution showed an aggregate patternassociated with ??mallı´n?? (meadow) areas, which are habitatsof higher productivity in the Patagonia steppe.Moreover, similar to observations made on the GreaterRhea (Rhea americana), vegetation cover was higher innest sites than in randomly selected sites, probably becausehigher vegetation provides concealment from predators andprotection from the strong westerly winds that frequent inthis region. Our results reinforce the importance of ??mallı´n?? areas for the reproduction and conservation of thisthreatened ratite species.