Study of the population of capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) in the protected area “El Morejón”, Campana (Buenos Aires)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25260/EA.20.30.2.0.982Keywords:
population size, population structure, transects of traces, camera traps, seasonality, private reserveAbstract
In Argentina, the Pampa ecoregion has a low level of protection due to its high economic value and private domain. The replacement of its natural environments by productive uses has caused the numerical retraction of species such as the capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris), which inhabits its wetlands. The biological and ecological aspects of this species have been scarcely studied in the province of Buenos Aires. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to estimate the relative, real abundance, density, population size; and determine the structure of the population, the pattern of activity of the individuals in the two lagoons present in the protected natural area “El Morejón”, Campana, Buenos Aires. For this purpose, transects of traces and camera traps were made in the four seasons, throughout 2014. Despite being immersed in an urbanized and industrialized area, a larger population size than expected was obtained. An average of 15 individuals in Laguna 1 and 154 in 2 was estimated, in estimated areas of use of 3 and 10 ha, respectively. The largest number of individuals was observed during winter, while fall, spring and summer showed the smallest. The differences may be associated with the alimentary activity. These results are relevant for a correct planning of management measures, and confirm the importance of the existence of private reserves that conserve the natural ecosystem of the region.
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