Structural parameters as tolos for monitoring populations: study case of a herpetological assemblage in Central Andes of Argentina

LASPIUR A.; SALOMON M.V.; ACOSTA J.C.

Mendoza

Otro; 28 Reunión Científica Anual Sociedad de Biología de Cuyo; 2010

  Population dynamics is the study of how and why populations change over time in response to both natural environmental changes as to anthropogenic alterations. The aim of this work was to propose basic parameters, taking into account biological aspects in a herpetological assemblage in Central Andes, and discuss their applicability for management and conservation decisions. The study was performed in Quebrada Vallecito, Calingasta (San Juan) during fall seasons of 2008 to 2010. The monitoring parameters were selected by following criteria: detect changes capacity, represent the system with measurable basis, temporal replication and provide criteria to decision making about conservation. The application of methods to quantify the population structure, both intra and interspecific relationships as with physical environment, allowedus detect intrinsic variations in natural dynamics. When monitoring assemblages are carried out only through frequency and relative abundance data did not show the properties here described. In those cases, dynamic changes in relationship to what population’s elements are affected and how the resources vary, are not explain.  For these reasons, when this kind of parameters are used is possible predict individual or broad population behavior, important information to anticipate future trends and guide the generation of corrective policies in terms of conservation.