gvi patagonia expedition science report (jan-march 2009)

GVI Patagonia

Research and Wilderness Training Expedition

Phase Report 091

January - March 2009

GVI Patagonia Expedition Report 091

Submitted to Global Vision International

S. Diaz (Biologist, Universidad Nacional del Comahue) S. Lambertucci (Biologist, Universidad Nacional del Comahue)

H. Pastore (Biologist, Universidad Nacional del Comahue) S. Peris (Professor, Universidad de Salamanca, Spain)

J. Sanguinetti (Biologist, Parque Nacional Lanín)

Produced by

Stephen Meyer – Country Director Catherine McCune – Science and Logistics Manager

Rich Turley – Base Manager

And

Ian Baker Expedition Staff Jacky Hau Expedition Member

Tom Rehaag Expedition Staff Kirsten Jones Expedition Member Debbie Steer Expedition Staff Samuel LaRue Expedition Member Emma Wager Expedition Staff Sarah Long Expedition Member Jaspar Adams Expedition Member Michelle Nagy Expedition Member

Stephen Capron Expedition Member Karin Lundin Expedition Member Caitlin Cleaver Expedition Member Justine Paradis Expedition Member Allyson Daniels Expedition Member Stephanie Proudfoot Expedition Member Jenny Hamilton Expedition Member

Edited by

Catherine McCune – Science and Logistics Manager

GVI Patagonia Address: Casilla de Correo 725, San Carlos de Bariloche 8400, Rio Negro, Agentina

Email: [email protected] Web page: http://www.gvi.co.uk and http://www.gviusa.com

© Global Vision International – 2007 i

Executive Summary

In January 2009 Global Vision International started their tenth expedition in Patagonia.

The expedition finished successfully, further completing data sets that have been

continued from past expeditions. As all of these projects are constantly evolving, new

methodologies were also developed and others improved.

In summary, during this expedition GVI Patagonia worked on the following projects:

• Regional Andean condor population census. In collaboration with S.

Lambertucci of the Universidad del Comahue (San Carlos de Bariloche) and

Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET).

• Condorera and cliff characterisations. In collaboration with S. Lambertucci of

the Universidad del Comahue (San Carlos de Bariloche) and CONICET.

• Red deer transects. In collaboration with J. Sanguinetti of Parque Nacional

Lanín.

• Wild boar transects. In collaboration with H. Pastore of the Universidad

Nacional del Comahue (San Carlos de Bariloche) and Parque Nacional Lanín.

• Austral parakeet behavioural surveys. In collaboration with S. Diaz of the

Universidad Nacional del Comahue (San Carlos de Bariloche) and Parque

Nacional Lanín.

• Waterfowl surveys. In collaboration with S. Peris of the Universidad de

Salamanca (Salamanca, Spain) and Parque Nacional Lanín.

© Global Vision International – 2007 ii

Table of Contents

Executive Summary ............................................................................................... i Table of Contents.................................................................................................. ii List of Figures ...................................................................................................... iii 1. Introduction .......................................................................................................1 2. Patagonian Steppe Projects..............................................................................3

2.1 Regional Andean Condor Population Census.........................................4 2.1.1 Introduction.....................................................................................4 2.1.2 Methodology ...................................................................................5 2.1.3 Results............................................................................................5 2.1.4 Discussion ......................................................................................6

2.2 Condorera and Cliff Characterisation......................................................7 2.2.1 Introduction.....................................................................................7 2.2.2 Methodology ...................................................................................7 2.2.3 Results..........................................................................................14 2.2.4 Discussion ....................................................................................15

2.3 Additional Notes....................................................................................15 3. Parque Nacional Lanín Projects......................................................................17

3.1 Red Deer (Cervus Elaphus) ..................................................................18 3.1.1 Introduction...................................................................................18 3.1.2 Methodology .................................................................................19 3.1.3 Results..........................................................................................19 3.1.4 Discussion ....................................................................................20

3.2 Wild Boar (Sus scrofa ferus) .................................................................21 3.2.1 Introduction...................................................................................21 3.2.2 Methodology .................................................................................22 3.2.3 Results..........................................................................................24 3.2.4 Discussion ....................................................................................24

3.3 Austral Parakeet (Enicognathus ferrugineus) .......................................25 3.3.1 Introduction...................................................................................25 3.3.2 Methodology .................................................................................27 3.3.3 Results..........................................................................................28 3.3.4 Discussion ....................................................................................28

3.4 Waterfowl survey ..................................................................................29 3.4.1 Introduction...................................................................................29 3.4.2 Methodology .................................................................................29 3.4.3 Results..........................................................................................29 3.4.4 Discussion ....................................................................................30

4. References......................................................................................................32 5. Appendices .....................................................................................................33

Appendix A. Condor Flapping Datasheet....................................................33 Appendix B. Fragua Grande Last Light Datasheet .....................................34 Appendix C. Map showing León Valley, Lago Lolog...................................35 Appendix D. Location of wild boar Transects (Tromen area) ......................36 Appendix E. Austral parakeet: Diet and Habitat Use Datasheet .................37

iii

Appendix F. Austral parakeet: A. araucana Datasheet ...............................38 Appendix G. Waterfowl Survey Datasheet..................................................39 Appendix H. Map of Lakes Surveyed, Lanín National Park ........................40

List of Figures

Figure 2-1. Landscape, Estancia Arroyo Blanco and the Alicurá Dam, located in the steppe and one of the main hydroelectric sources for the surrounding provinces. ............................................................................................................... 4 Figure 2-2. Fluctuations in condor numbers in the study area from September 2007 to March 2009......................................................................................................... 6 Figure 2-3. Height and width measurement points of cliff / condorera (extract from characterisation data sheet).................................................................................. 10 Figure 2-4. Key for perches on cliff diagram (extract from characterisation data sheet).................................................................................................................... 11 Figure 2-5. Key used for photo characterizations.................................................. 11 Figure 2-6. Mala Espina north cliff diagram characterized in February 2009 ........ 12 Figure 2-7. Vegetation recording sheet (extract from characterisation data sheet)14 Figure 3-1. Volcán Lanín and A. araucana branches, Lanín National Park .......... 17 Figure 3-2. Example of data sheet for a red deer transect.................................... 19 Figure 3-3. Example of plot recording for wild boar transect AP1 ......................... 23 Figure 3-4. Habitat use by wild boar January – March 2009................................. 24 Figure 3-5. Austral parakeets pair in a nest hole, Lanín National Park ................. 26 Figure 3-6. Number of waterfowl individuals at lakes surveyed, Lanín National Park.............................................................................................................................. 30

© Global Vision International – 2009 Page 1

1. Introduction

With a new title, the GVI Patagonian Research and Wilderness Training Expedition

completed its tenth phase.

The change of the expedition’s name brought with it a re-structured and expanded

expedition training program provided to the volunteers. Some of these include a

lengthened navigation module, more focus on the geology and history of the region and its

people, and a longer training trek to practice and embed the skills learned.

The summer expedition of 2009 also found itself witnessing some exciting forces of nature.

The Chaitén volcano in southern Chile once again awakened and showed its forces.

Fortunately, it did not experience the magnitude of eruption that it did in May 2008, when

the expedition was forced to move indoors due to falling ash. Closer to our bases, a more

dramatic event occurred in early March 2009, when the Tromen area of Parque Nacional

Lanín was devastated by a bush fire. While GVI was never in imminent danger, having left

the Tromen camp five days before the fire began, our ever-dependable trailer was forced

to endure fire and winds for a week before it could be retrieved (surprisingly without any

damage!). The area around Tromen did not fare so well – starting near the information

centre and travelling through the valley towards Junin de los Andes, the force of the fire

was so strong that an international body of fire fighters could do nothing, but only wait for

temperatures to cool, winds to cease and hope that the fire would not jump the

surrounding ridges. Though the damage was intense, the fire miraculously stayed

contained within the valley of Malui Malal. There have also been reports that the austral

parakeets, one of our main study subjects in the area, have survived and that most of their

nests are unharmed. GVI will have to wait until winter 2009 to know the full damage of the

fire.

On a more positive note, the expedition successfully collected a substantial amount of

scientific data. This data is already helping to identify potential future research areas and

providing important information for the national and international scientific community.

Methodologies continue to be improved and focused as experience is gained collecting

data in the field. As all data is collected for our local partners, the report does not include


any specific data analysis, but provides a careful overview of the methodologies and the

work accomplished.

We would like to thank our main project partners (in alphabetical order): S. Diaz of the

Universidad Nacional del Comahue (San Carlos de Bariloche), S. Lambertucci of the

Universidad del Comahue (San Carlos de Bariloche), H. Pastore of the Universidad

Nacional del Comahue (San Carlos de Bariloche), S. Perris of the Universidad de

Salamanca (Salamanca, Spain), as well as J. Sanguinetti of Parque Nacional Lanín.

Amongst others, we would also like to thank the kind support of the National Parks in

Argentina.


2. Patagonian Steppe Projects

The steppe area to the east of San Carlos de Bariloche is dry and rugged, and is part of

the home range of one of the strongest populations of Andean condors in South America.

Being one of the biggest birds in the world, the Andean condor makes a remarkable

impression in the sky, with a wingspan reaching up to three metres and a height of 1.3

metres. However, the distribution of the Andean condor in South America is declining. It is

vulnerable to human impact because it has a slow reproduction rate and requires large

foraging areas. Specific threats to the species include intentional hunting by humans,

ingestion of poisoned carcasses, collision with high-tension wires, loss of traditional

foraging grounds, and competition with other animals. GVI Patagonia is monitoring the

population in the area to understand more about the natural history of the condor and to

ultimately help towards protecting the species and its habitat. The Andean condor is

currently listed in Appendix I by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered

Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES, 2008) and is considered ‘Near-Threatened’ by

the International Union for Conservation of Nature (Birdlife International, 2008).

GVI works in conjunction with Sergio Lambertucci, a biologist and condor expert from the

Universidad Nacional del Comahue, San Carlos de Bariloche and CONICET, a

government national research agency.

S. Lambertucci has been studying condors for over a decade, with the aim of prioritising

locations for protection based on their importance to the Andean condor. Due to the

condors’ large home range, it would be difficult to conserve the entire area. Thus, S.

Lambertucci has directed his focus to the cliffs that are used by the condors as roosting or

resting places, like a form of refuge. These cliffs are known as condoreras. There are a

number of known condoreras in the province of Río Negro and Neuquén, over 90% of

which are not in protected areas (see Figure 2-1).


Figure 2-1. Landscape, Estancia Arroyo Blanco and the Alicurá Dam, located in the steppe and one of the main hydroelectric sources for the surrounding provinces.

The work carried out for S. Lambertucci by GVI Patagonia includes:

• Regional Andean condor population census

• Condorera and cliff characterisations

• Monitoring flapping behaviour

• Sample collection of feathers, fur, and pellets

Before beginning the Andean condor and raptor research, all volunteers were tested on

the identification and morphology of V. gryphus, with special focus on age and sex. They

were also taught about the history of the Andean condor as well as its current threats.

2.1 Regional Andean Condor Population Census

2.1.1 Introduction

The Andean condor regional census, completed six times a year, is used to record the

number of adult and juvenile condors (and their sex, when possible) roosting on specified

condoreras in the area around San Carlos de Bariloche. This is completed twice during

every expedition, once after training and once again at the very end of the expedition. By

accumulating this data over a period of years, S. Lambertucci is able to understand the

total size and population trends of the Andean condor population in the region (one census

would be insufficient as condor numbers fluctuate due to seasonal and climactic changes).


The regional census is also used to compare the difficulty condors have using different

condoreras. To do this, expedition members (EMs) observed how often an individual

condor flaps its wings before landing on a cliff. This physical exertion equates to its

expended energy, which signifies the skill a condor would need in order to use certain

condoreras and questions what factors could cause a condor to use condoreras with

easier, or more difficult, approaches.

The regional census also allows S. Lambertucci the opportunity to gather genetic

information on condors and other species in the area through feather, pellet and fur

sample collection. These are also used to study toxins present in the condors’

environment.

2.1.2 Methodology

The position of the condors at last light and first light is noted on a diagram of the

condorera, as well as the condors’ age and sex when possible. Last light is determined by

when an expedition member (EM) can no longer confidently distinguish a juvenile condor

from the similarly-coloured rock face, and first light is determined by when an EM can

confidently distinguish a juvenile from the rock face.

Every time a condor approaches or lands on a condorera, the hour, time it takes for the

bird to land, and the number of wing flaps completed during this time are recorded. The

condor’s sex and age are very important, and an extended effort is made to note these

details. For an example of the flapping data sheet, see [Appendix A]

Finally, samples are collected, both around and on the way to the condorera. Samples

include feathers, pellets, and the hairs of dead animals. All items are placed into plastic or

paper bags, and their location and the date are recorded on the outside.

2.1.3 Results

For the expedition of summer 2009 a two day regional census was undertaken for the first

time. This was agreed with S. Lambertucci in order to expand the data collected during

each census. For each census count, one taken over the 17-19 January, and the other

taken from the 17-19 March, ten condoreras were monitored, five by GVI EMs and staff.


During the January census, almost 70 condors were counted by GVI Patagonia. In the

March census, the figure was much lower, with less than 20 condors counted by GVI

Patagonia. For both of these censuses, most of the condoreras were observed without any

condor presence. Data concerning a condor’s landing flaps was collected when the birds

were present. At all approachable condoreras, samples were collected.

At the time of writing, S. Lambertucci has yet to publish the data collected by GVI

Patagonia and has therefore asked that raw data not be included in any GVI reports. He

has, however, given permission for general trends to be displayed. The graph below

(Figure 2-2) illustrates the pattern that has emerged from the data collected from these

regional censuses over the past five seasons.

Figure 2-2. Fluctuations in condor numbers in the study area from September 2007 to March 2009

2.1.4 Discussion

The number of condors found in the two regional censuses this expedition follows the

general trend that has emerged over the past three years. Illustrated in Figure 2-2, the

trend shows condor numbers in the study area as low in the summer months, rising

through the autumn to a peak in late winter and early spring, and then falling again as

summer approaches. The condor population uses a larger area than the area being

monitored, and the birds move to different parts of their range in the summer months when

better weather allows them to move to higher, more exposed areas.

Annual fluctuation in condor populations within the steppe

Num

ber

of C

ondo

rs

Summer Autumn Winter Spring Summer


2.2 Condorera and Cliff Characterisation

2.2.1 Introduction

With an increased knowledge of how certain condoreras in the region are used by

condors, S. Lambertucci is expanding his research to examine the surrounding steppe

area. He wants to know why certain condoreras are used more than others, and why some

cliffs are used as condoreras whilst nearby similar cliffs are not. What are the factors that

make a cliff suitable for use as a condorera?

To do this, S. Lambertucci is focusing on the physical characteristics of the condorera as

well as the physical and human geographical features of the area, taking into

consideration weather and seasonal variation. At the same time, he is observing how other

plant and animal species also depend on the areas around these cliffs, which provide

protection, food and water resources within the arid steppe region. By understanding what

makes a certain cliff or surrounding area a good place for a condorera, he will have a

better understanding of where conservation of condoreras, with their rare and richly

diverse ecosystem of local flora and fauna, will be most beneficial.

During the 2009 summer expedition, GVI characterised six condoreras and some or all of

the cliffs around them.

2.2.2 Methodology

During a condorera or cliff characterisation several types of data are collected: physical

characteristics of the cliff; physical characteristics of perches; and physical characteristics

of the area. These variables, and the methodologies, are explained in more detail in the

following sections.

In order to locate suitable cliffs to characterise around a condorera, EMs are provided with

maps and satellite images of the area. The aim is to find one suitable cliff at roughly each

cardinal point around the condorera that looks steep enough and large enough to be

useful in the study. Once in the area, EMs then walk to these pre-determined locations and

selected cliffs to characterise. Where possible, one of the four cliffs being characterised in

the area around the condorera should have the same aspect as the condorera itself. Cliffs


also need to be similar to a condorera in terms of size and steepness and presence of at

least some ledges. Cliffs are to be within five kilometres of the condorera if possible,

though up to ten kilometres away is acceptable if necessary.

2.2.2.1 Condor behaviour and use of the area

If the cliff being characterised is a condorera, and the EMs are staying in the area

overnight, they also carry out first and last light censuses and flap counts This provides

data on condor behaviour and use of the area.

Data on condor age, sex and movements allows S. Lambertucci to understand the

behaviour of the condors using the particular condoreras. Though this is only a window

into the overall usage of the area throughout the year, it allows S. Lambertucci to

understand if older, more experienced birds or younger, less experienced birds use

particular condoreras or particular areas of a condorera, and if males or females are more

common in the area. For this reason, it is especially important for the EMs to take the time

to try and identify the age and sex of every condor in the area. This part of the data

collection includes three parts:

First Light and Last Light monitoring

This consists of a census count of the condors on the condorera and in the sky at first light

and at last light. Again, last light is determined by when an EM can no longer confidently

distinguish a juvenile condor from the similarly-coloured rock face, and first light is

determined by when an EM can confidently distinguish a juvenile from the rock face. The

position of each condor is recorded on a diagram according to the particular shelf or area

of the condorera that is occupied. Counts are completed at last light and again at first light

to ensure the closest accurate count of birds roosting that night. For an example data

sheet, see [Appendix B].

Flapping

Every time a condor approaches or lands on a condorera, the hour, time it takes for the

bird to land, and the number of wing flaps (differentiating between flying flaps and landing

flaps) are recorded. The age and sex of the condor is also recorded. By monitoring the

amount of energy a bird needs to land (in terms of flapping, number of landing attempts

and time taken to land), S. Lambertucci can begin to understand whether some cliffs are


harder to land at than others, and if more experienced birds benefit from using a particular

cliff more than inexperienced birds. In conjunction with other data from the condorera

characterisation, he can also start to understand whether a certain age class would

choose to use a particular condorera, and if so, why they would do this. For an example of

the flapping data sheet, see [Appendix A].

Sample collection

Feathers, pellets, and the hairs of dead animals are collected, both around and on the way

to the condorera. If the cliff is not a condorera, sample collection is limited to feathers of

other birds and hair samples from other animals. All items are placed into plastic or paper

bags, and their location and the date are recorded. S. Lambertucci uses these samples to

collect genetic information on the birds using the area, information on condor diet, and

information on toxic substances in the condors’ environment.

2.2.2.2 Physical characteristics of the cliff

This part of the characterisation looks at the physical variables that may affect condor use

of a cliff. Properties examined include:

Rock type

Only a general geological rock type is needed (i.e. metamorphic, sedimentary or basaltic).

To verify the classification of the rock, a sample is collected, labelled and brought back to

S. Lambertucci.

Height and width of the wall

A GPS and clinometers are used to record these measurements. EMs walk to the actual

edges of the condorera and, using a GPS, record the latitude, longitude, and elevation

(above sea level) at each side and at top and the base (Figure 2-3). Using the GPS

function ‘Go to,’ the width can be calculated and the height can be obtained using the

elevations recorded at the top and bottom of the condorera. If a condorera is made up of

several different parts, multiple points are used to record its full length and height.

Whenever the base or top of the cliff are unable to be reached safely, a clinometre is used

to calculate the angle to the top of the cliff and to the base of the cliff from the viewing

station.


General aspect of the wall

Using a compass, the direction in which the cliff is facing is recorded.

Figure 2-3. Height and width measurement points of cliff / condorera (extract from characterisation data sheet)

2.2.2.3 Physical characteristics of perches

Drawing Perches

Data includes information on perches along the condorera, allowing insight as to the total

population of condors the area may hold. EMs draw a diagram of the cliff and then

superimpose over this a 15-squared grid. Ledges that could be, or are, used as perches

are located within this grid and then categorised as follows:

Size: There are three categories used to measure the length of the cliff. If the perch is

bigger than the ‘Large’ category, it is divided into multiple parts and smaller categories are

used. The categories used are:

Small: holding one to two condors

Medium: holding five condors

Large: holding six to 10 condors

Aspect: Using only cardinal points, this is done by grid square rather than individual perch.

Faeces: A perch is categorised as either having or not having faeces.

Vegetation: A perch is described as having vegetation, or as being barren (no vegetation).

Cave: A perch may be a shallow ledge along the cliff, or may go deeper into the rock face.

If so, it is classified as a cave. Each perch is categorised as either having or not having

faeces.


The following symbols are used on the diagram:

Perches without faeces:

Perches with faeces:

Other:

= chico perch

= chico perch

V = perch with vegetation

= medium perch

= medium perch

= cave

= grande perch

= grande perch

Figure 2-4. Key for perches on cliff diagram (extract from characterisation data sheet)

Photo Analysis

This methodology has now been developed to try and reduce the subjectivity of different

EMs drawing condoreras. Therefore in addition to the work described above, detailed

photographs are taken of the condorera or cliff face, these photos are then analysed using

photo editing software in the same way as above. This work is normally performed back at

the GVI field base before being sent to S. Lambertucci. This allows both GVI staff and S.

Lambertucci to moderate the results more effectively therefore giving a more accurate

comparison of condoreras and cliff faces. See Figure 2-5 for the key used in photo

characterisations, and Figure 2-6 for an example of perches analysed on a photo.

Figure 2-5. Key used for photo characterizations


Figure 2-6. Mala Espina north cliff diagram characterized in February 2009

Height

After examining the entire cliff face, the perch lowest to the ground is measured using the

clinometre and the distance from the ground is recorded. This is also repeated for the

perch highest on the cliff, and its distance from the top of the condorera is recorded.

Predator Access

After examining the layout of the condorera and the location of the perches along the cliff

face, EMs assess the likelihood of a predator accessing the perches. If the cliff is slightly

sloping, or broken into many parts, it may be easier for predators to approach roosting

locations, as opposed to a steep cliff with difficult access.


2.2.2.4 Physical characteristics of the area

This part of the data collection examines the environment on a larger scale to see if factors

from around the cliff itself make it an appealing condorera. Aspects include:

Availability of food

This examines the number of animals in the area and their rough density per hectare.

Animals include sheep, goat, cow, horse, red deer and guanaco. Data is collected by

speaking to the owner, manager, or worker of the estancia. By understanding what food is

potentially available in the area, it is possible to see the type and quantity available to

supply a condor population of a certain size, as well as the risks posed by certain foods.

Human activity

This includes anything within sight of the condorera, such as buildings (cities, towns,

farms, houses, etc.), tourism (and the type), livestock (percentage of area covered), and

plantation (percentage of area covered). Location and distance from the condorera are

recorded using a GPS. Whenever an object is too far away from the cliff to take GPS

coordinates, a bearing and estimated distance are taken.

Roads

The locations of all trails and roads (paved, dirt or gravel) within sight of the condorera are

recorded using GPS. If the road is too far away to measure using a GPS, its distance is

estimated and a bearing from the cliff is recorded.

Water

The locations of all water resources in the area within sight of the condorera are recorded

using GPS. If the distance to the water source is too far to measure using a GPS, its

distance is estimated and a bearing from the cliff is recorded.

Vegetation

In order to understand the general environment of the area, six 10 metre by 10 metre

squares of vegetation are examined (see Figure 2-7). Vegetation is described in basic

terms (grasses, bushes, trees, water, etc.) and the percentage of each type is measured

within the square.


Figure 2-7. Vegetation recording sheet (extract from characterisation data sheet)

2.2.3 Results

In total, GVI Patagonia EMs spent a combined total of 19 days studying six locations (in

one location the actual condorera itself had already been characterised so EMs only had

to characterise the surrounding cliffs). In total, 26 cliffs were characterised, five of which

were condoreras and 21 of which were surrounding cliffs not used as condoreras. GVI

Patagonia travelled over 1,000 kilometres by Land Rover and foot to study these sites.

Of the five condoreras characterised, condors roosted at two of them whilst EMs were in

the area. EMs therefore carried out first and last light monitoring and flap counts. Large

amounts of samples were also gathered during the characterisations.

At one of the more remote condoreras, Arroyo Blanco, one dead unidentified condor was

found in the valley below the condorera during the summer expedition. Though the body

was unable to be retrieved due to the difficult terrain and steep slope, the location was

marked and a photograph taken, information that was subsequently passed onto S.

Lambertucci.

As S. Lambertucci has yet to formally publish the data collected by GVI Patagonia, he has

asked that we refrain from using raw data in any GVI reports until he has published his

results.


2.2.4 Discussion

It is, as yet, too early to be able to analyse any data. Until GVI and S. Lambertucci have

collected data on all the condoreras in the study, and until S. Lambertucci has analysed

the data, no trends or conclusions can be drawn.

As for the condor carcass found near the condorera, this was the third dead condor found

at Arroyo Blanco over the past nine months. During the winter expedition of 2008, EMs

found and retrieved two other condors, which were passed on to S. Lambertucci for further

analysis as well as clues indicating why they may have died.

Despite the time-consuming and detailed nature of the data collection, GVI Patagonia EMs

and staff did a fantastic job collecting a huge amount of data characterising six locations in

the space of just a few weeks. A quicker methodology was developed involving high-

definition photographs of the cliffs to locate, label and categorise perches, which proved

time-saving and less subjective than the current method. Finally, there were also some

exhilarating close encounters with curious condors which flew within metres of some lucky

EMs.

2.3 Additional Notes

During their time on the condor project, Expedition Members were fortunate enough to

camp within the steppe area, incredible locations containing a great range of wildlife that

GVI Patagonia was only able to witness because of the scientific data they were collecting.

While completing condorera characterisations, EMs also had the privilege of visiting other

remote locations, including Estancia Arroyo Blanco, Estancia Siete Condores, Estancia

Los Pingos, Estancia Chacabuco and Estancia Pilpilcura.

While travelling to and staying at these locations, EMs spotted lesser rhea (Rhea

pennata), red deer (Cervus elaphus), and guanacos (Lama guanicoe), all of which occupy

the same ecosystem. They also saw black-chested buzzard-eagles (Geranoaetus

melanolecus), turkey vultures (Cathartes aura), a rare white tailed kite (Elanus leucurus),

neotropic cormorants (Phalacrocorax olivaceus) and there was a close encounter with a

hog-nosed skunk (Conepatus chinga). Several times EMs spotted hairy armadillos

(Chaetophractus villosus) and lesser grison (Galictis cuja), as well as puma (Puma


concolor) tracks and faeces. Unfortunately no pumas were actually seen, to the

disappointment of some EMs! (de Bolzón and Bolzón, 2005).

Other species spotted included the Patagonian green racer snake (Philodryas

patagoniensis), wild boar (Sus scrofa ferus), tuco tuco (Ctenomys magellanicus), great

horned owl (Bubo virginianus), long-tailed meadowlark (Sturnella loyca), ringed kingfisher

(Ceryle torquata), Chilean lapwing (Larus Vallenus) and a Chilean swallow (Tachycineta

leucopyga). (de Bolzón and Bolzón, 2005).


3. Parque Nacional Lanín Projects

Parque Nacional Lanín, with an area of 4.100 square kilometres, is situated in the Lakes

District of Argentinean Patagonia, bordering Chile. It is named after Volcán Lanín which

dominates the northern end of the park and is the highest mountain in the area at 3776

metres. The park is diverse and complex, encompassing four major environments: steppe;

transition zone (between the forest and the steppe); humid forest; and alpine environment.

A significant portion of three unique forest types endemic to the northern regions of

temperate sub-Antarctic Argentina are found within the park. These three forest types are

characterised by two species of southern beech, roble pellín (Nothofagus oblique) and

raulí (Nothofagus nervosa), as well as the monkey puzzle or pehuén tree (Araucaria

araucana).

Figure 3-1. Volcán Lanín and A. araucana branches, Lanín National Park

During this expedition GVI Patagonia continued to work directly with the Lanín park

biologist, Javier Sanguinetti, on a red deer control program. GVI also continued surveys of

the distribution and movements of wild boar with Hernán Pastore in Tromen and at a new

location, around the base of Mount Tronador within Nahuel Huapi National Park. GVI also

continued to assist Soledad Diaz with surveys of austral parakeet populations in Tromen.

During this expedition, a survey of waterfowl populations on the lakes in the northern half

of Lanín National Park, a project overseen by Professor Salvador Peris, was also

completed.


3.1 Red Deer (Cervus Elaphus)

3.1.1 Introduction

Red deer (‘ciervo colorado’ in Spanish) is an exotic species introduced to Argentina in the

1920s for trophy hunting. They rapidly spread across the northeast section of Patagonia

region and large numbers of them can be found in the eastern region outside the park and

in some areas of Lanín National Park. Red deer put pressure on the native, and very rare,

huemul deer by competing for the same food as well as for space (H. Pastore pers comm

2009). Red deer also change the composition of the forest under story with their

destructive eating habits, making it impossible for some tree species to reach mature

stages, which, by altering the habitat, also affects other species living in that environment.

In fire-damaged areas of the park the red deer are preventing succession and forest

regeneration because they eat the seedlings.

This expedition GVI worked with Javier Sanguinetti, the biologist of Lanín National Park,

investigating the abundance and distribution of red deer in four different areas. The León

Valley near Lago Lolog (for map see [Appendix C]) and Cañadon Chica and Cañadon

Grande and Potrero del Tromen near Lago Tromen. This data will help to inform decisions

about red deer culling and hunting quotas within a Red Deer Management Plan

implemented in 2007. The request from J. Sanguinetti to go and investigate red deer in

this fire-damaged valley originally came as a result of park rangers spotting large herds of

deer in the Leon Valley area in spring 2008. J. Sanguinetti expanded the research areas

for the summer of 2009 to properly understand the deer populations in other parts of the

park.

GVI was asked to hike in and set up transects in the area to give more information about

the animals’ presence. In total GVI spent a total of 15 days completing deer transects

involving over 115 kilometres of hiking into remote valley regions. Before commencing with

deer transects, the EMs were taught how to recognise and distinguish deer faeces and

tracks and also how to discern the age and sex of red deer.


3.1.2 Methodology

Each transect is 400 metres long, with 20 plots, one every twenty metres. At each plot a

five metre diameter circle is measured using trekking poles or marked string, and within

the circle the vegetation type and number of signs of deer are recorded. Signs

documented include the number of tracks and the number of pellet groups. A deer ‘track’ is

defined as a path of deer prints left by more than one animal following along the same line.

A pellet group is a group of more than five pellets. Transects are set a minimum of 100

metres apart from one another.

This same information is also recorded between plots (see Figure 3-2 for an example of

data sheet).

Signs of live deer are also recorded. If deer are spotted, the GPS location, habitat, number

of animals, sex of animals and age of animals are noted.

Transect Plot GPS Latitude

GPS Long.

Vegetation type

# pellet groups

Presence of tracks on the way to the plot

Presence of tracks

within plot

0

1

2

Figure 3-2. Example of data sheet for a red deer transect

3.1.3 Results

Leon Valley

GVI Patagonia completed 21 transects in the steppe area of Leon Valley near Lago Lolog,

expanding on data collected in the same valley during the previous spring expedition. A

total of 16 transects, 400 metres apart, were completed along the valley floor and five

transects, 200 metres apart, were completed along the ñire hill at the eastern end of the

valley.


It was immediately obvious that there were large numbers of deer in the area and that they

were active along both the valley floor and the burned forest. There was very little sign of

new growth in the forest, suggesting that the red deer are eating new seedlings and

preventing regeneration. Out of 287 plots completed in the valley floor (steppe area) signs

of deer were recorded within plots 60.1% of the time. Out of the 114 plots completed in the

burned ñire forest area, plots showed signs of deer 8% of the time.

Lago Tromen

Deer studies were completed in three different areas around Lago Tromen: Cañadon

Grande, Cañadon Chica and Potrero del Tromen. Vegetation maps were provided by J.

Sanguinetti for Cañadon Grande and Cañadon Chica and transects were completed in a

variety of different habitats in order to provide an indication of which habitats the deer are

using. For Cañadon Chica and Cañadon Grande, EMs completed 26 transects in different

vegetation zones. For Portrero del Tromen, EMs completed six transects in the steppe

area between National Parks buildings and the Rio Malleo.

The data from Tromen revealed that there a lesser abundance of deer in the area. Out of

617 plots completed, signs of deer were recorded within plots 9.6% of the time.

3.1.4 Discussion

The results indicate extremely heavy red deer activity in the Leon valley with less activity in

and around the Tromen area. According to J. Sanguinetti, this is due to the habit of the red

deer to use the valley of Lolog as a winter habitat. Here, larger numbers of animals come

down from the high mountains to concentrate in a smaller area compared to the Tromen

area (J. Sanguinetti pers comm 2009).

Using the data collected, J. Sanguinetti estimates the deer population in Leon Valley to be

close to 140 individuals, and in Tromen to be between 10 to 40 individuals. Over the past

month, these estimates were confirmed as either accurate or conservative by professional

hunters employed to implement a managed cull. It also confirmed J. Sanguinetti’s belief

that there was an overpopulation of deer in these areas. The information provided to J.

Sanguinetti will be used in conservation management plans regarding the culling of deer in

these areas over the next ten years. A 35% or more cull of the deer population is planned

in 2009 as a result of the data collected by GVI Patagonia.


Such a remote and immediate project, which involved hiking through difficult terrain into a

remote valley before the trails had been cleared by the rangers, allowed EMs to improve

their wilderness navigation skills, including use of compass, map and GPS, and gave them

ample opportunity to improve their river-crossing skills. EMs completed transects in areas

of the park rarely seen, and were able to provide information about the Cañadon Grande

area to the guardaparques based at Lago Tromen. They were also provided the

opportunity to directly see the results of a huge forest fire, and to gain a better

understanding of what happens to the ecosystem following such an event.

3.2 Wild Boar (Sus scrofa ferus)

3.2.1 Introduction

The wild boar (‘jabalí’ in Spanish) is an introduced species to Argentina. As in other parts

of the world, it has successfully established itself in Lanín National Park, where its foraging

activities continue to cause significant impacts. Wild boars eat the seeds of the A.

araucana and their rooting habits are very destructive as they prevent seedling

establishment, changing ecosystem dynamics and threatening native flora and fauna (H.

Pastore pers comm 2009). This is a particular problem given the poorer volcanic soils of

Lanín National Park.

GVI Patagonia continues work with Hernán Pastore, a biologist from the National

University of Comahue, on the wild boar project. Following the successful completion of

data collection in the Tromen area completed in the previous spring expedition, GVI was

asked to continue working with H. Pastore to compare the wild boar activity around Lago

Tromen with potential wild boar activity around Mount Tronador, located in Nahuel Huapi

National Park. The survey consists of one kilometre transects through various habitats,

collecting data on the presence and size of rooting area, the presence and size of wild

boar tracks and the presence and number of faeces and their composition.

The survey transects cover the following habitats:

1. Pure A. araucana

2. Secondary A. araucana


3. Open Forest

4. Humid forest

5. Marsh

6. Shrub land

7. Steppe

The aim of this study is to determine:

• seasonal habitat selection by wild boar

• variations in wild boar diet through out the year (determined by analysis of faeces)

• group sizes (determined using the data collected on rootings)

Previous results have shown that wild boar migrate in response to food availability

throughout the year.

3.2.2 Methodology

A GPS is used to find the start and end coordinates of each one kilometre transect. EMs

go to one end of the transect and use the GPS to determine the bearing to the other end.

They then pace out plots of 100 metres, recording their position at the end of each 100

metre plot using the GPS. Exceptions to this method occur when the transect does not

follow a straight line: in this case GPS points are used for each 100 metre plot. A map

showing the transects near Tromen is given in [Appendix D]

EMs walk along the line of the transect looking at the ground for signs of wild boar in a

three metre wide band (1.5 metres to either side of the line). At the end of each 100 metre

plot of the transect line, notes are taken of the location, altitude, slope, distance from

water, canopy cover, and general habitat type (see Figure 3-3 for data sheet). The same

details are recorded whenever signs of wild boar, including tracks, new faeces or new

rootings, are found along the transect line.


Figure 3-3. Example of plot recording for wild boar transect AP1

Deviations from the transect line occur if an obstacle (very thick vegetation, large body of

water, etc.) is in the way or if a wild boar trail is spotted close to the transect line. In the

case of obstacles, the transect is continued around the obstacle, ending up back on the

correct bearing. In the case of spotting a wild boar trail, the transect is continued along the

trail for as long as the trail remains near the transect line and on a similar bearing. When

the wild boar trail leads away from the transect line, EMs move back onto the original

course.

A sample of all the faeces found along the transect is collected and dried for analysis of

diet.

Before completing transects, EMs are trained to recognise the vegetation types and to

identify tracks and signs of wild boar, deer, and livestock. They also continue to develop

skills in navigation, including use of GPS and route choices.

Plot/ Signs of Jabalí: (e.g.: 0-100; rooting, track,

faeces, etc.)

Track 8cm x 6cm, photo AP1 0-100Ai

Rooting 20m x 20m, photo AP1 0-100Aii

Location: (As given by the

GPS - use USR)

Altitude: (meters)

Slope: of the Land (ring the

relevant one) 0-5º 5-10º 10-15º 15-20º > 20 º

Canopy Cover: 0% 0-25% 25-50% 50-75% 75-100%

Distance from Water: (if

within 20m)

Local Habitat: (Ñirantal,

Lengal, A. araucana etc)


3.2.3 Results

Initial analysis of the results from the summer expedition shows that wild boars are using

lenga / ñire woodland and steppe areas more than A. araucana woodlands, with most of

the activity being in areas of ñire. This can be seen in the chart below, which illustrates

how many signs of wild boar activity were found in each type of habitat.

13%

22%

16%

0%

49%

0%0%

Lenga

Estepa

A.araucana

Bush

Nire

Mallin

Bare

Figure 3-4. Habitat use by wild boar January – March 2009

3.2.4 Discussion

Previous results from GVI expeditions and H. Pastore’s work indicate that wild boar tend to

be seasonally migratory based on food availability. Wild boars move around to occupy

sites with more food, for example when A. araucana drop seeds the boars move to A.

araucana forests to exploit this resource.

Seed production by A. araucana was low in the summer of 2008 (08 1, 2008), so H.

Pastore expected that wild boar would subsequently move to other habitats in search of

food. The data collected appears, on initial analysis, to confirm this: Figure 3-4 illustrates

that out of seven different types of environment studied, A. araucana forests were fourth

on the list in terms of where signs of wild boar activity were found. 62% of all signs of wild

boar activity were found in forests of southern beech species (lenga and ñire), far more

than the 16% found in A. araucana forests. The only environments which showed less wild

Percentage of wild boar signs in Tromen and Tronador, Summer 2009


boar activity than the A. araucana forests were the marshes and areas of bare rock,

indicating that A. araucana forests are indeed poor foraging grounds at the moment.

However, compared to data collected in the spring of 2008 (08 3, 2008), the amount of

wild boar foraging in A. araucana forests has doubled, and the amount of wild boar

foraging in bush environments has ceased, perhaps due to the hotter, drier weather of

summer.

The data that was collected in Tronador this expedition is designed to compare the wild

boar activity in an area without A.araucana forests.

Initial data analysis seems to suggest that the prevalence of wild boar in the Tronador area

is less than in the Tromen area. However, further monitoring over the following expeditions

will be needed to confirm this. Wild boar signs were also lower in the Tromen area than in

the spring expedition, which is in line with expectations as wild boar are expected to move

to higher areas in the hotter summer months.

3.3 Austral Parakeet (Enicognathus ferrugineus)

3.3.1 Introduction

The Austral parakeet (‘cachaña’ in Spanish) is the most southerly parakeet species in the

world. They can be found along the Patagonian Andes from the province of Neuquén to

the province of Tierra del Fuego. Austral parakeets are not seen as being as threatened as

other psitacids; however they do face some, namely deforestation, the introduction of

exotic species and pet trade. They are protected by several national and provincial laws,

and are currently listed in Appendix II by the Convention on Trade in Endangered Species

of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES, 2008). As austral parakeets have had little scientific

study, basic information about their breeding and ecology of is important in order to

properly protect them as well as other cavity nesters in austral forests.

It is known that austral parakeets are specialist feeders (S. Diaz pers comm 2009). Their

habits include the following:

• Spring and early summer: feeding on lenga flowers with high extraction rates of

protein rich pollen


• Summer: feeding on lipid-rich seeds of lenga

• Autumn: feeding on lipid-rich seeds of lenga, then moving onto A. araucana seeds

• Winter: feeding on mistletoe as well as other parasitic fungi

Austral parakeets lay three to seven eggs during December (though up to 11 eggs have

been recorded) and three to five chicks will fledge in late summer (around the beginning of

March). Both parents take care of the eggs and chicks through out the entire breeding

season (S. Diaz pers comm 2009).

They nest in tree cavities that either occur naturally or are abandoned magellanic

woodpecker (Campephilus magellanicus) nests (see Figure 3-5). They re-use their nests

year after year, and there are some records of austral parakeets using cavities during the

winter. This means that it is important to continue observing the parakeets year-round in

order to fully understand their use of the available habitats (S. Diaz pers comm 2009).

Figure 3-5. Austral parakeets pair in a nest hole, Lanín National Park

For the GVI Patagonia summer expedition, S. Diaz is interested in information on the birds’

habitat use and their pre-breeding and feeding habits. The aim is to compare this

information with that collected in previous years in order to see if there is a link with A.

araucana seed production cycles. S. Diaz is also interested to discover whether the

preceding two dry years have affected the parakeet population; it is suspected that the

lack of rain and high temperatures have resulted in the austral parakeets not having an

adequate food supply.


3.3.2 Methodology

The austral parakeet studies are carried out in three different study areas, which are

chosen to cover three forest types:

• Lenga forest reaching from the base of Volcán Lanín to the road at the border

• A. araucana forest in the border area between Argentina and Chile

• Mixed lenga and A. araucana forest between the aforementioned forests

EMs carried out three different types of Austral Parakeet work this expedition:

3.3.2.1 Location of austral parakeet nests

The aim of this work is to locate possible nesting sites within the three forest types so that

they can be monitored during the breeding and nesting seasons. Random locations are

identified within the forests and all trees within a 25 metre radius are plotted. Each tree is

then observed to identify whether there are possible nesting holes within them. This

information will then be used by S. Diaz to see if the holes are active nests.

3.3.2.2 Observations of austral parakeet behaviour

The aim of these observations is to find out how austral parakeets are using the three

different forest habitats; for example, where are they nesting, feeding, playing and resting

(See [Appendix E] for data sheet). The information (sightings, hearings and behaviour) is

collected whilst walking in a random pattern through selected areas of forest, typically

whilst walking to areas where other work is being carried out.

3.3.2.3 Productivity studies on A. araucana

The aim of the A. araucana studies is to determine the amount of seed production this

year, in order to compare it with other years (see [Appendix F] for data sheet). In each

forest type, EMs complete cone counts on 19 female A. araucana trees. All visible female

cones on a tree are counted. If only a portion of the tree is visible, this fraction is recorded

along with the number of cones counted.

For each of the 19 selected female A. araucana in each study area, EMs record the height

and breadth of the tree. In addition, EMs measure the distance from the selected A.

araucana to the four nearest trees and record the species and age of these four nearest


trees. Immature trees are not recorded, and are identified as immature if they are lenga

below five metres in height or A. araucana without cones.

3.3.3 Results

The data collected by GVI volunteers to date shows a clear use of A. araucana forests as

foraging habitat and the lenga forest as breeding habitat. This year it has been noted that

there are far fewer austral parakeets in all three forest types as compared to previous

years. S. Diaz suspects that this is because of the low levels of seed production by A.

araucana last year, which means that there is now a low food supply for the parakeets.

However it was clear that this was a significant breeding season with large number of

chicks in the nests observed by GVI and S. Diaz.

3.3.4 Discussion

The data collected is useful for management purposes as they show a clear pattern of

local movements by the parakeets regarding habitat use, in particular A. araucana forests.

The affect of the A. araucana seed production cycles on the austral parakeet population is

evident in the patterns emerging this expedition. The A. araucana cycle of last fall, which

produced less seeds than usual, has coincided with a summer population of austral

parakeets that is 60% lower than previous years (S. Diaz pers comm 2009). This drop in

the population could be due to death of individual parakeets, most likely juveniles, or to the

movement of the parakeets to other, better feeding grounds. However, with the high

number of chicks spotted this summer, perhaps due to a spring and summer rich in pollen

and seeds respectively, shows the continuing cycle of balancing the population of the

austral parakeet with the cycles of the A. araucana.


3.4 Waterfowl survey

3.4.1 Introduction

Professor Salvador Peris, of the Universidad de Salamanca, Spain, has a project in

Patagonia determining the impact of American mink (Musteal vison) on the abundance

and diversity of waterfowl populations. Mink are known to be in the lakes in the southern

part of Lanín National Park, where they are thought to be affecting waterfowl numbers.

The waterfowl survey of the lakes in the northern part of the park is undertaken to

determine if mink have moved north within the park and, if so, whether or not they are

affecting numbers of waterfowl there.

3.4.2 Methodology

Over a seven day period, 25 waterfowl species (see [Appendix G] for data sheet) are

monitored in 13 lakes in the park, from the Tromen area northwards to Lago Ñorquinco

(see [Appendix H] for map of lakes). EMs record the numbers of observed waterfowl

species and also record any signs of mink.

Each lake has between one and four established monitoring points (depending on the size

and shape of the lake), and each monitoring point is surveyed for half an hour. All

waterfowl species present are counted, taking care not to count individuals more than

once. A diagram of the lake is drawn, indicating vegetation around the shore, and

information is collected regarding the height and extent of reeds, and the extent of grassy

areas around the lake. Weather conditions are also recorded.

The survey is carried out by two teams of EMs at different locations within the park, and

lakes are reached either on foot or by car.

3.4.3 Results

A total of 681 individuals of 21 species of waterfowl were observed during the survey. The

total number of birds observed at each lake is shown in the graph below (Figure 3-6). The

lakes are arranged in order, with the northern-most lakes at the left of the graph, moving

gradually south to the right of the graph. The trend line shows a higher concentration of


birds in the centrally located parts of the lakes, rather than those located in the more

southern or northern areas. No signs of mink were found at any of the lakes surveyed.

Populations of waterfowl recorded innorthern lakes, Lanín National Park

0

100

200

300

400

Pulmar

eGille

s

Nompe

huen

Ñorqu

inco

entre

Ñan

co y

Rucac

hero

i

Ñanco

Rucac

hero

i

Verde

Coipus

Hui Hui

Quillen

Hauca

Mam

uail

Chico

Lake

Tota

l num

ber o

f bird

s N S

Figure 3-6. Number of waterfowl individuals at lakes surveyed, Lanín National Park

3.4.4 Discussion

The total number of birds counted during the summer of 2009 was over double the total

counted in the spring of 2008 (08 3, 2008), even though most lakes had shrunk in size, or

in the case of Laguna Los Coipos, disappeared altogether, during the dry summer. The

presence of more birds may be due to the warmer weather, as well as the seasonal

demands on the birds and their migration patterns.

Historically it was possible to see a trend line showing that the numbers of waterfowl were

higher in the northern lakes than in lakes further to the south. This may be because the

lakes further south are nearer to the area where mink are found, and therefore populations

in the southern part of the park are weaker in general. However this was not seen during

the March 2009 survey, which was distorted by an unusually high number of birds counted

at Lago Ñanco.


In past waterfowl censuses (08 3, 2008), Lago Ñanco has had a higher number of

waterfowl than its surrounding lakes, perhaps having something to do with the fact that the

lake is very close to human settlements and so food availability could be higher here.

During this census, there was an extremely large population of ashy-headed geese

(Chloephaga poliocephala), with over 300 individuals counted. The lake’s high number of

reed beds and grassy areas, suitable for nesting, may be additional factors helping to

explain the presence of these birds.

During their time at these lakes, EMs also observed ringed kingfishers (Ceryle torquata),

South American stilits (Himantopus mexicanus), and a snowy egret (Garcina blanca) while

performing the survey. (de la Pena, 1998).


4. References

Birdlife International, 2008. Vultur gryphus. 2008 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. www.iucnredlist.org. Retrieved on 28 November 2008. Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. 2008. Appendices I, II, III, http://www.cites.org/eng/app/E-Jul01.pdf, 17. Retrieved on 28 November 2008. De Bolzón, M.L.P., Bolzón, N.D., 2005. Patagonia y Antártica, Vida y Color, 1st edn. Neuhaus Industria Gráfica, Buenos Aires. De la Peña, M.R., Rumboll, M., 1998. Birds of Southern South America and Antarctica, 1st edn. Harper Collins Publisher, London. GVI Patagonia Expedition Report 06 3. December 2006, pp 5-9, 15, 22. GVI Patagonia Expedition Report 08 1. April 2008, pp 15-18. GVI Patagonia Expedition Report 08 3. December 2008, pp 32-33, 39-40.


5. Appendices

Note: All Appendices have been modified to fit this page layout.

Appendix A. Condor Flapping Datasheet


Appendix B. Fragua Grande Last Light Datasheet

(similar, but not exact, diagram used for Frague Grande condorera)

(


Appendix C. Map showing León Valley, Lago Lolog


Appendix D. Location of wild boar Transects (Tromen area)


Appendix E. Austral parakeet: Diet and Habitat Use Datasheet


Appendix F. Austral parakeet: A. araucana Datasheet


Appendix G. Waterfowl Survey Datasheet


Appendix H. Map of Lakes Surveyed, Lanín National Park

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