Spatial abundance models and seasonal distribution for guanaco (Lama guanicoe) in central Tierra del Fuego, Argentina

FLORES, CELINA E.; DEFERRARI, GUILLERMO; COLLADO, LEONARDO; ESCOBAR, JULIO; SCHIAVINI, ADRIÁN

PLOS ONE

PUBLIC LIBRARY SCIENCE

Año: 2018 vol. 13

1932-6203

Spatially explicit modelling allows to estimate population abundance and predict species´distribution in relation to environmental factors. Abiotic factors are the main determinants ofa herbivoreÂs response to environmental heterogeneity on large spatiotemporal scales. Weassessed the influence of elevation, geographic location and distance to the coast on theseasonal abundance and distribution of guanaco (Lama guanicoe) in central Tierra delFuego, by means of spatially explicit modelling. The estimated abundance was 23,690 individualsfor the non-breeding season and 33,928 individuals for the breeding season. Thefactors influencing distribution and abundance revealed to be the elevation for the nonbreedingseason, and the distance to the coast and geographic location for the breedingseason. The southwest of the study area presented seasonal abundance variation and thesoutheast and northeast presented high abundance during both seasons. The elevationwould be the driving factor of guanaco distribution, as individuals move to lower areas duringthe non-breeding season and ascend to high areas during the breeding season. Our resultsconfirm that part of the guanaco population performs seasonal migratory movements andthat the main valleys present important wintering habitats for guanacos as well as up-hillzones during summer. This type of study would help to avoid problems of scale mismatchand achieve better results in management actions and is an example of how to assessimportant seasonal habitats from evaluations of abundance and distribution patterns.