PERSONAL DE APOYO
PIA Monica Valeria
artículos
Título:
Trophic interactions between puma and endemic culpeo fox after livestock removal in the high mountains of central Argentina
Autor/es:
PIA, M V
Revista:
MAMMALIA
Editorial:
WALTER DE GRUYTER & CO
Referencias:
Lugar: Berlin; Año: 2013 vol. 77 p. 273 - 283
ISSN:
0025-1461
Resumen:
This study presents the first data on the diet ofthe puma ( Puma concolor ) and an endemic culpeo fox( Pseudalopex culpaeus smithersi ) in the high mountainsof central Argentina, based on scat analysis. Trophicinteractions of both carnivores were examined from 2003to 2008 inside a protected area after livestock removal.A total of 604 scats were analyzed. Native species (smallcavids and cricetine rodents) were most frequently consumed(58 % ? 100 % ) by both carnivores. Exotic prey wereconsumed more in 2003 than in other years by both carnivores.Culpeo foxes consumed a higher number of preyitems and a lower mean weight of mammalian prey thanpumas. Niche breadth was high for pumas in 2003 andfor culpeo foxes in 2004, decreasing in subsequent yearswith the same tendency in both carnivores. Diet overlapwas high in all years. Pumas seemed to prey on availableprey items, suggesting a trend toward diet specializationin small prey in both carnivores. Native prey are the mostimportant food items for both carnivores inside the park;these results are encouraging in terms of the resilienceof at least some components of the predator-prey assemblagein the high mountains of central Argentina.