Social organization and movements of a migratory guanaco population in southern patagonia
This study documents the distribution, movement, social organization, and feeding habitats of a migratory guanaco (Lama guanicoe) population at Torres del Paine National Park in southern Chile. Feeding utilization of guanaco male groups was observed based upon 6 identified vegetation types. Four socioecological periods were recognized: Summer territorial, Fall transitional, Winter aggregational and Spring transitional. Family groups, male groups, solo males, mixed groups and female groups were the major social units. Guanacos spent the summer in the East region, migrating 12 km to the West region during the winter. Family and male groups and solo males were the more important social units in summer and mixed groups in winter. Groups size and composition was greatly influenced by migratory movements and social instability. Overall sex ratio was 41 percent females: 59 percent males. In summer 70 percent of all males were in male groups, 15 percent territorial with family groups, and 15 percent territorial but solitary. In summer 95 percent of all females were in family groups. In winter 85 percent of the males and 70 percent of females were in migratory mixed groups. Grasses were highly preferred, but shrubs were utilized when grasses were snow covered in winter
| Main Authors: | , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Texto biblioteca |
| Language: | eng |
| Published: |
Cuzco (Perú)
1985
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