Pasture Carnivores Project of GECM
Date: 2006
Investigator: Dr. Mauro Lucherini, GECM.
Area: Biología de mamíferos
Related Institution : Universidad Nacional del Sur, Argentina
Description:
The once widespread Pampas grassland ecosystem is presently facing a serious threat of destruction. The conservation of this ecosystem strongly depends on our understanding of its mechanisms. Unfortunately, very little of the natural history of most Pampas wildlife and the ecology of its communities is known. Carnivores, which play an important role both in conservation strategies throughout the world and in natural ecosystems, are particularly vulnerable in the Pampas because of the extensive habitat alterations and direct persecution.
Since 1996, the GECM is carrying on a long-term project in the Ernesto Tornquist Provincial Park, Laguna Chasicó Provincial Park and a private farm in Buenos Aires Province, the first one in Argentina aiming to investigate an entire carnivore community. Our general objective is to understand how we can conserve the Pampas fox, Geoffroy’s cat, lesser grison, common hog-nosed skunk, Pampas Cat and Puma, and, through them, the endangered wildlife of the Pampas grasslands.
Ecological niche and its segregation in carnivores is studied through the use of camera trapping, scat analysis, DNA analysis of samples, sign counts and radio telemetry.
Through the contact with local communities, results will be used to promote the conservation and management of the natural ecosystems of central Argentina.
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