Skip to main content
  • Short report
  • Open access
  • Published:

Density and abundance of Rhea pennata garleppi (Struthioniformes: Rheidae) in the Puna ecoregion of Argentina

Abstract

Background

Rhea pennata is classified internationally as a near-threatened species, with the subspecies R. p. garleppi being listed as endangered.

Finding

The aim of this study was to provide updated information on the density and abundance of R. p. garleppi in the southern Puna ecoregion of Argentina. Density was estimated indirectly on the basis of monthly feces counts during 2011 and 2012, using line-transect surveys. Monthly abundance was calculated by multiplying the density of each month by the area of the reserve (400 km2). Population size range was calculated considering the average of the months with the highest abundance (and density) as the upper limit and the average of the months with the lowest abundance (and density) as the lower limit. The population size of this subspecies varied between 300 individuals (±60), with a density of 0.75 individuals/km2 (±0.15) during the non-breeding season, and 188 individuals (±40), with a density of 0.47 individuals/km2 (±0.10), during the reproductive season.

Conclusion

This work shows the highest density record for R. p. garleppi so far and highlights changes in population size related to life history characteristics of rheas, as well as human factors that negatively affect the survival of wild populations.

Findings

The family Rheidae is endemic to the Neotropics and comprises two species of large flightless birds: Rhea americana and Rhea (Pterocnemia) pennata (Blake [1977]). R. pennata includes three subspecies: R. p. pennata, present in southern Chile and west-central and southern Argentina, in the Andean Precordillera steppes and Patagonian plateaus up to 2,000 m above sea level (a.s.l.); R. p. tarapacensis, which is distributed throughout northern Chile; and R. p. garleppi, occurring in southern Peru, southwestern Bolivia, and northwestern Argentina. The latter two subspecies inhabit open plains with grasslands, shrublands, and in the intermountain valleys of the Puna plateau above 3,500 m a.s.l. (Plenge [1982]; Cajal [1988]; Folch [1992]).

Wild populations of R. p. garleppi are found in low densities, with severe fluctuations throughout the species' distribution range, and with a tendency to decrease or become locally extinct in many cases (Cajal [1988]; Chebez [2008]). In the Puna, the main factors that negatively affect wild populations of this ratite are hunting for meat consumption and egg harvesting as subsistence resources (Barbarán [2004]; Hernandez [2011]). Another threat is the use by local people of by-products, such as feathers, skin, fat, and bones (Barbarán [2004]). In this scenario, and in order to ensure their long-term conservation, the subspecies R. p. garleppi is considered at risk of extinction (CITES [2014]) and R. pennata has been categorized as near-threatened (IUCN [2014]). However, the lack of knowledge regarding the current status of wild populations of R. p. garleppi hinders the conservation of this subspecies. The aim of this study was to provide updated information on the density and abundance of R. p. garleppi in the southern Puna ecoregion of Argentina.

This study was conducted in Don Carmelo Private Reserve (400 km2), located on the Andean Precordillera of San Juan province in Argentina (30°56′52″ S, 69°05′02″ W; 3,100 m a.s.l.). The Reserve is located in the Argentine Puna ecoregion, in the southeastern border of the Altiplano in the central Andes (Bonaparte [1978]). The climate is arid and cold, with intense solar radiation, strong winds, and daily temperature fluctuations that may exceed 30°C (Reboratti [2006]). Precipitations are scarce and occur between November and February, decreasing to the west and south of the Puna (Cabrera and Willink [1973]). The reserve is located in the subregion known as dry Puna due to the lack of permanent rivers and lakes (Cabrera [1976]). The dominant habitat is the shrub-steppe, with a mean altitude of 13.9 cm (±0.72), and the vegetation is xerophilous, with 88% of bare soil (Cappa et al. [2014]). Wild populations of R. p. garleppi inhabiting similar environments use indistinctly both the grassland plains of Stipa spp. and low shrublands of Adesmia spp, as well as the rocky and non-rocky mountain slopes with shrubs of Lycium spp. and Adesmia spp. and low cover of Stipa spp. (Cajal [1998]). Don Carmelo Private Reserve is a suitable site for the subspecies garleppi because it is not fragmented or disturbed by mining or agricultural activities, and massive tourism is banned.

It is difficult to perform direct observation or monitoring of R. p. garleppi in the study area because these birds run long distances at great speed, their plumage color allows them to mimic the environment, and the topography of the area is irregular. Therefore, we decided to use the fecal count technique as an indirect method for estimating population density (Ojasti and Dallmeier [2000]). This method has been used effectively in other studies on wild populations of rheas (Bazzano et al. [2002]; Herrera et al. [2004]; Kusch and Henríquez [2011]). Six samplings were conducted between 2011 and 2012 (September and November 2011; March, April, July, and November 2012). In each sampling, 20 randomized transects were spaced at least 400 m apart. This randomized design ensured sample independence, allowing us to consider each transect as true replicates by avoiding repetition of a single transect in successive monthly samplings. Transects of 500 m long were walked by a single observer in search of feces. The exact perpendicular distance from the path to each encountered feces was measured with metric tape by an assistant. Thus, the observer never left the transect, avoiding the record of additional feces. All encountered feces were collected to avoid double counting. Density of R. p. garleppi was calculated monthly using Distance 6.0 software (Thomas et al. [2009]), which requires entering data on individuals' defecation rate and feces permanence in the study area (Buckland et al. [2001]). As we did not have defecation rate data for R. p. garleppi, we used data from a similar species R. americana, following Buckland et al. ([2001]). These species are phylogenetically closely related (Delsuc et al. [2007]), have similar body weight and size (Fowler [1991]; Navarro et al. [1998]; Navarro et al. [2005]), and exhibit a primarily herbivorous diet (Bonino et al. [1986]; Martella et al. [1996]). The defecation rate used was 13.5 feces/individual/day (± 3.1; n = 8) and the permanence time of the feces was 88.15 days (±6.4; n = 14) (NV Marinero, personal observation). To calculate monthly density, we used the negative exponential model with cosine extension (Figure 1). The monthly abundance of R. p. garleppi was determined by multiplying density value of each month by the reserve area (400 km2), following Ojasti and Dallmeier ([2000]). Population size range of R. p. garleppi was calculated considering the average of months with highest density as the upper limit and the average of months with lowest density as the lower limit. Abundance (dependent variable) as a function of months (fixed effect) was calculated using a heteroscedastic mixed model, considering the sampling years (2011 and 2012) as random effect. In addition, given the heteroscedasticity of our data, we indicated that error variance of abundance was different for each month (grouping criterion) in the mixed model, using the function VarIdent (Di Rienzo [2011]). An a posteriori comparison of means of monthly abundance was performed using the Fisher's least significant difference (LSD) test, when differences were significant at P ≤ 0.05 (Balzarini et al. [2008]). Data were Log10-transformed for normalization of residuals. Non-transformed data were expressed as mean ± standard error of the mean. Statistical analyses were performed using Infostat (Di Rienzo et al. [2014]).

Figure 1
figure 1

Histogram of the perpendicular distance of feces of R. p. garleppi recorded at Don Carmelo Private Reserve, San Juan, Argentina. The line represents the fit of the negative exponential function with cosine extension.

Population size of the subspecies R. p. garleppi presented significant variations among months (F5.84 = 3.61; P = 0.002). The upper limit of the population was 0.75 ind/km2 (±0.15) and was recorded in March, April, and July (2012) (P ≤ 0.05) (Figure 2). This density is the highest published until now, but close to other records obtained in Argentina: 0.67 ind/km2 (29°25′60′ S, 66°50′60″ W, La Rioja) and 0.52 ind/km2 in Laguna de Pozuelo Biosphere Reserve (22°28′S, 66°02′W, Jujuy) (Cajal [1988]; Cajal [1998]; and references therein). The differences in density estimates might be due to the different methods used, considering that Cajal ([1988]) states that the use of a motor vehicle to conduct the surveys of R. p. garleppi might have led to density underestimation. By contrast, we used the line-transect method and fit a detection function of probability of signs, which decreases with distance to the observer. This method reduces the potential bias of the density estimator (Buckland et al. [2001]) and provides a more realistic value of a population's density and abundance in a given area (Thomas et al. [2013]). The lower limit of R. p. garleppi population density was 0.47 ind/km2 (±0.10) in November (2011 and 2012) (P ≤ 0.05) (Figure 2). Although this record is the lowest for our study population, it is still higher than records reported for other wild populations inhabiting Argentina and Perú: 0.41 ind/km2 in Olaroz (23°43′ S, 66°48′ W, Jujuy) (Cajal [1998] and references therein), 0.12 ind/km2 in Laguna Blanca Biosphere Reserve (26°28′ S, 66°48′ W, Catamarca), 0.03 ind/km2 in San Guillermo Biosphere Reserve (29°25′ S, 69°15′ W, San Juan) and 0.01 ind/km2 in Tacna (16°44′ S, 70°16′ W) (Cajal [1988]; Lleellish et al. [2007]). Taking into account the important wild population of the subspecies garleppi present in the study area, it is necessary to promote its in situ conservation because it might become a source of individuals for possible recolonization and/or reinforcement of other populations undergoing higher conservation threat.

Figure 2
figure 2

Variation of monthly abundance of R . p . garleppi in 2011 and 2012 in Don Carmelo Private Reserve, San Juan, Argentina. Solid line, upper limit of population size; dashed line, lower limit of population size. Different letters indicate significant differences (Fisher's LSD, P ≤ 0.05).

The higher abundance values of R. p. garleppi, with 300 individuals (±60), were recorded during March, April, and July 2012 (P ≤ 0.05) (Figure 2). The record of this upper limit in population size coincided with the occurrence of social groups of R. p. garleppi composed of juveniles, females with juveniles, and males in the reserve (NVM, pers. obs.); this group composition is characteristic of the non-reproductive season of rheas (Hanford and Mares [1985]; Sarasqueta [1990]; Carro and Fernandez [2008]). Thus, the observed increase in population size might be due to a reduction of aggressive behaviors among individuals during the non-breeding season, favoring the formation of groups of numerous individuals that tend to move together (Sarasqueta [1990]). However, it is also very important to consider that the upper limit in the population size of R. p. garleppi could be due to the movements made by the individuals to the reserve in search of refuge from poaching and livestock production, two activities that are more intensively conducted in the surrounding fields during the non-breeding season of the subspecies garleppi (Ordoñez [2006]). This perception of a protected area as refuge from the surroundings has also been described for other native herbivores, such as Lama guanicoe in the Monte arid ecoregion in Argentina (Acebes et al. [2010]). Moreover, abundance fell to 188 individuals (±40) in November (2011 and 2012) (Figure 2). This lower limit of population size corresponds to the breeding season of R. p. garleppi. While there was a record of an orphan egg in September 2012, no nest was found, despite the intensive search made inside the reserve. This drop in the number of individuals may be related to the species' nesting preferences, since individuals tend to select sites with high shrub cover, instead of pastures, which favors concealment and protection against predators and severe climate conditions (Bellis et al. [2006]; Barri et al. [2009a]). These sites are scarce in the study area, where shrub cover is only 16%, and pastures are 24%, whereas the remaining cover corresponds to bare soil (NV Marinero, unpublished data). Therefore, it is likely that during the reproductive season, R. p. garleppi individuals move toward surrounding areas about 14 km away from the reserve and below 2.500 m a.s.l. (NVM personal observation), where the habitat is dominated by an open shrubland of L. divaricata (Márquez [1999]). Indeed, reproductive groups of males with females, males with chicks, and juveniles have been observed in this environment adjacent to the reserve (NV Marinero, unpublished data).

We were not able to compare our results with wild populations from Bolivia because there are no studies published on the density of R. p. garleppi in that country, despite the heavy use of this subspecies by local communities, to the extent that wild populations may be decimated (Balderrama [2009]).

Our density records of R. p. garleppi (Figure 2) are higher than density values of R. p. tarapacensis present in different protected areas of Chile, which vary between 0.002 ind/km2 (Isluga Volcano National Park, 19°9′5″ S, 68°49′27″ W) and 0.022 ind/km2 (National Monument Salar Surire, 18°49′41″ S, 69°3′39″ W) (Acuña et al. [2008]). However, our estimations are lower than the values recorded for R. p. pennata in the Patagonia of Chile and Argentina, with records of 8 ind/km2 (50°46′S, 74°6′W, Ultima Esperanza, Chile), 2.93 ind/km2 (Santa Cruz, Argentina), 2.51 ind/km2 (Chubut, Argentina), 2.06 ind/km2 and 1.55 ind/km2 (Rio Negro, Argentina), and 1.94 ind/km2 (Neuquén, Argentina), although higher than in some areas of its northern distribution in Neuquén province, Argentina (Servicio Agrícola y Ganadero SAG [2002]; Navarro et al. [1999]; Secretaría de Ambiente y Desarrollo de la Nación SAyDS [2000]; Novaro et al. [2000]; Barri et al. [2009b]). In Argentina, in general, R. p. garleppi would occur at lower densities than R. p. pennata, which could be related to the primary productivity of the ecosystems. Specifically, the subspecies R. p. garleppi is distributed throughout the Puna ecoregion, where the low biomass production in the environment determines a lower carrying capacity. By contrast, the Argentine Patagonia, where R. p. pennata occurs, comprises a wider range of environments; the Monte and the Patagonia phytogeographic provinces, the Monte-Patagonia ecotone as well as ‘mallines’ (patchily distributed wetland areas), which provide habitat this ratite with important food resources (Oesterheld et al. [1998]; Bellis et al. [2006]; Guevara et al. [2006]; Bianchi and Bravo [2008]).

This work provides the highest density record for R. p. garleppi so far and highlights changes in population size related to the characteristics of the life history of rheas and human factors that negatively affect the survival of wild populations.

Authors' information

NVM is a fellow and JLN and MBM are researchers of the Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) and teachers of the Universidad Nacional de Córdoba.

References

  • Acebes P, Traba J, Malo JE, Ovejero R, Borghi CE: Density and habitat use at different spatial scales of a guanaco population ( Lama guanicoe ) in the Monte Argentina. Mammalia 2010, 74: 57–62. 10.1515/mamm.2009.071

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Acuña MP, Estades CM, Gonzáles BP, Hernández JP, Vukasovic MF, Villaseñor NP: Evaluación poblacional del suri (Rhea pennata tarapacensis) en las regiones de Arica, Parinacota, y de Tarapacá. Informe Final, CONAF, Chile; 2008.

    Google Scholar 

  • Balderrama JA: Libro rojo de la fauna silvestre de vertebrados de Bolivia. Ministerio de Medio Ambiente y Agua, La Paz; 2009.

    Google Scholar 

  • Balzarini MG, Gonzalez L, Tablada M, Casanoves F, Di Rienzo JA, Robledo CW: Manual del Usuario. Editorial Brujas, Córdoba, Argentina; 2008.

    Google Scholar 

  • Barbarán F: Usos mágicos, medicinales y rituales de la fauna en la Puna del Noroeste Argentino y Sur de Bolivia. Contribuciones al Manejo de Vida Silvestre en Latinoamérica 2004,1(1):1–26.

    Google Scholar 

  • Barri FR, Martella MB, Navarro JL: Reproductive success of wild Lesser Rheas ( Pterocnemia - Rhea - pennata pennata ) in north-western Patagonia, Argentina. J Ornithol 2009, 150: 511–514. 10.1007/s10336-009-0374-6

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Barri FR, Martella MB, Navarro JL: Nest-site habitat selection by Lesser Rheas ( Rhea pennata pennata ) in northwestern Patagonia, Argentina. J Ornithol 2009, 150: 511–514. 10.1007/s10336-009-0374-6

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bazzano G, Martella MB, Navarro J, Bruera N, Corbella C: Uso de hábitat por el Ñandú ( Rhea americana ) en un refugio de vida silvestre: implicancias para la conservación y manejo de la especie. Ornitol Neotrop 2002, 13: 9–15.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bellis LM, Navarro JL, Vignolo PE, Martella MB: Habitat preferences of lesser rheas in Argentine Patagonia. Biodivers Conserv 2006, 15: 3065–3075. 10.1007/s10531-005-5398-5

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bianchi AR, Bravo GC: Ecorregión norandina. Descripción, subregiones, agroecosistemas, sistemas productivos y cartografía regional. Ediciones INTA, Salta; 2008.

    Google Scholar 

  • Blake ER: Manual of neotropical birds: volumen 1: Spheniscidae to Laridae. Chicago Univ. Press, Chicago, Illinois; 1977.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bonaparte J: El mesozoico de América del Sur y sus tetrápodos. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Fundación Miguel Lillo, Tucumán; 1978.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bonino N, Bonvissuto G, Pelliza-Sbriller A, Somlo R: Hábitos alimentarios de los herbívoros en la zona central del área ecológica sierras y mesetas occidentales de Patagonia. Revista Argentina de Producción Animal 1986, 6: 275–287.

    Google Scholar 

  • Buckland ST, Anderson DR, Burnham KP, Laake JL, Borchers DL, Thomas L: Introduction to distance sampling: estimating abundance of biological population. OXFORD University Press, Great Britain; 2001.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cabrera A: Regiones fitogeográficas Argentinas: Enciclopedia de agricultura y jardinería. Tomo II, Fascículo 1. ACME, Buenos Aires; 1976.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cabrera A, Willink A: Biogeografía de América Latina. Secretaría General de la Organización de Estados Americanos, Washington D.C; 1973.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cajal JL: The Lesser Rhea in the Argentine Puna region: present situation. Biol Conserv 1988, 45: 81–91. 10.1016/0006-3207(88)90040-7

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cajal JL: Una especie frágil: el ñandú petizo: bases para la conservación y Manejo de la Puna y Cordillera Frontal de Argentina. In El rol de las Reservas de Biosfera. Edited by: Cajal J, Tecchi R. UNESCO, Uruguay; 1998.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cappa F, Borghi CE, Campos VE, Andino N, Reus ML, Giannoni SM: Guanacos in the Desert Puna: a trade-off between drinking and the risk of being predated. J Arid Environ 2014, 107: 34–40. 10.1016/j.jaridenv.2014.04.004

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Carro M, Fernandez G: Seasonal variation in social organization and diurnal activity budget of the Greater Rhea ( Rhea americana ) in the Argentinean pampas. Emu 2008,108(2):167–173. 10.1071/MU07052

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chebez J: Los que se van: Individuos. Ed. Albatros, Buenos Aires, Argentina; 2008.

    Google Scholar 

  • CITES: Convention on international trade in endangered species of wild fauna and flora. 2014. www.cites.org. Acceso 2 July 2014

    Google Scholar 

  • Delsuc F, Superina M, Ferraris G, Tilak M, Douzeri EJ: Molecular evidence for hybridization between the two living species of South American ratites: potential conservation implications. Conserv Genet 2007, 8: 503–507. 10.1007/s10592-006-9179-9

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Di Rienzo JA: Modelos lineales mixtos: aplicaciones en InfoStat /JA Di Rienzo, RE Macchiavelli; F Casanoves - 1a. Grupo Infostat, Córdoba; 2011.

    Google Scholar 

  • Di Rienzo JA, Casanoves F, Balzarini MG, Gonzalez L, Tablada M, Robledo CW: InfoStat versión 2014. Grupo InfoStat, FCA, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Argentina; 2014.

    Google Scholar 

  • Folch A: Order Struthioniformes. In Handbook of the birds of the world. Edited by: Hoyo J, Elliot A, Sargatal J. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona; 1992.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fowler ME: Comparative clinical anatomy of ratites. J Zoo Wildlife Med 1991, 22: 204–227.

    Google Scholar 

  • Guevara JC, Bertiller MB, Estevez OR, Grünwaldt EG, Allegretti LI: Pastizales y producción animal en las zonas áridas de Argentina. Science et changements planétaires Sécheresse 2006, 17: 245–256.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hanford PT, MARES MA: The mating systems of ratites and tinamous: an evolutionary perspective. Biol J Linn Soc 1985, 25: 77–104. 10.1111/j.1095-8312.1985.tb00387.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hernandez JH: Percepción por parte de los pobladores en la zona de influencia de la reserva de Biósfera San Guillermo (San Juan) acerca de aspectos relacionados con la fauna silvestres y su manejo. Tesina de grado. Universidad Nacional de San Juan, San Juan, Argentina; 2011.

    Google Scholar 

  • Herrera LP, Camparatore VM, Laterra P: Habitat relations of Rhea americana in an agroecosystem of Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. Biol Conserv 2004, 119: 363–369. 10.1016/j.biocon.2003.10.030

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • IUCN: Red list of threatened species. 2014. www.iucnredlist.org. accessed 2 July 2014

    Google Scholar 

  • Kusch A, Henríquez M: Preferencias de hábitat del Ñandú ( Rhea pennata D’Orbigny, 1834) en matorrales intervenidos de Chile austral. Anales Instituto Patagonia 2011,39(1):43–50. 10.4067/S0718-686X2011000100003

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lleellish M, Salinas L, Chipana E: Estado de conservación del Suri Pterocnemia pennata en el Perú: serie de publicaciones de flora y fauna silvestre. Instituto Nacional de Recursos Naturales, Lima; 2007.

    Google Scholar 

  • Márquez J: Las áreas protegidas de la provincia de San Juan. Multequina 1999, 8: 1–10.

    Google Scholar 

  • Martella MB, Navarro JL, Gonnet JM, Monge SA: Diet of greater rheas in an agroecosystem of central Argentina. J Wildlife Manage 1996,60(3):586–592. 10.2307/3802076

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Navarro JL, Bellis LM, Lábaque MC, Martella MB: Crecimiento de pichones de choiques en criaderos: implicancias en el consumo y costos de alimentación: conservación y manejo del choique en patagonia. In Ediciones 2000. Edited by: Robles C, Navarro J. INTA, Bariloche, Argentina; 1998.

    Google Scholar 

  • Navarro JL, Cabrera MB, Funes M, Cardón R, Manero A: Abundancia de Choiques en granjas de Patagonia. Informe a la Dirección de Fauna y Flora Silvestres, Secretaría de Recursos Naturales y Desarrollo Sustentable 1999.

    Google Scholar 

  • Navarro JL, Vignolo PE, Demaria MR, Maceira NO, Martella MB: Growth curves of farmed Greater Rheas ( Rhea americana albescens ) from central Argentina. Archiv Für Geflügelkunde 2005, 69: 90–93.

    Google Scholar 

  • Novaro AJ, Funes MC, Walker R: Ecological extinction of native prey of carnivore assemblage in Argentine Patagonia. Biol Conserv 2000, 92: 25–33. 10.1016/S0006-3207(99)00065-8

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Oesterheld M, Aguiar MR, Paruelo JM: Ecosistemas patagónicos. Ecología Austral 1998, 8: 75–84.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ojasti J, Dallmeier F: Manejo de Fauna Silvestre Neotropical: SI/MAB Series 5. Smithsonian Institution/MAB Biodiversity Program, Washington D.C; 2000.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ordoñez C: Uso del hábitat por Pterocnemia pennata e interacciones con herbívoros silvestres (Ctenomys y Lama guanicoe) y domésticos (Equus caballus) en la reserva privada de uso múltiple Don Carmelo (Puna sanjuanina)”: Tesina de licenciatura. Univ. Nacional de San Juan, San Juan. Argentina; 2006.

    Google Scholar 

  • Plenge M: The distribution of the lesser rhea Pterocnemia pennata in southern Perú and northern Chile. Ibis 1982, 124: 168–172. 10.1111/j.1474-919X.1982.tb03755.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Reboratti C: Situación ambiental en las ecorregiones Puna y Altos Andes. In La situación ambiental argentina 2005. Edited by: Brown A, Martinez U, Acerbi M, Corchera J. Fundación Vida Silvestre Argentina, Buenos Aires; 2006.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sarasqueta DV (1990) Aspectos de la biología reproductiva del Ñandú petiso (Pterocnemia pennata). Comunicación técnica N°1. INTA

    Google Scholar 

  • Secretaría de Ambiente y Desarrollo de la Nación SAyDS: Propuesta de enmienda para transferir Pterocnemia pennata pennata desde el Apéndice I al Apéndice II de CITES. Jefatura de ministros, Buenos Aires, Argentina; 2000.

    Google Scholar 

  • Servicio Agrícola y Ganadero SAG: Propuesta de enmienda para transferir Pterocnemia pennata pennata desde el Apéndice I al Apéndice II de CITES. XII Conferencia de las Partes de CITES, Santiago, Chile; 2002.

    Google Scholar 

  • Thomas L, Laake JL, Rexstad E, Strindberg S, Marques FC, Buckland S, Borchers DL, Anderson DR, Burnham KP, Burt ML, Hedley SL, Pollard JH, Bishop JRB, Marquez TA: Distance 6.0: release 2. St Andrews Research Unit for Wildlife Population Assessment, University of St Andrews, Scotland; 2009.

    Google Scholar 

  • Thomas L, Buckland ST, Burnham KP, Anderson DR, Laake JL, Borchers DL, Strindberg S (2013) Distance sampling. Encyclopedia of Environmetrics 2

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

We are grateful to Arturo Curatola for allowing us to carry out this research on Don Carmelo Private Reserve. This work was funded by grants to MBM from the Secretaría de Ciencia y Tecnología de la Universidad Nacional de Córdoba (SECyT UNC) and the Agencia Nacional de Promoción Científica y Tecnológica de Argentina (FONCyT). We are grateful to the anonymous reviewers for their comments that helped improve a previous version of this manuscript.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Nancy Verónica Marinero.

Additional information

Competing interests

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Authors' contributions

NVM designed the study, collected the data, carried out the statistical analysis, and drafted the manuscript. RCO contributed to data acquisition and drafted the manuscript. JLN participated in the analysis and interpretation of results and in writing the manuscript. MBM conducted the fund raising, participated in the design of the study, the analysis, and interpretation of results, and in writing the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Authors’ original submitted files for images

Below are the links to the authors’ original submitted files for images.

Authors’ original file for figure 1

Authors’ original file for figure 2

Rights and permissions

Open Access This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits use, duplication, adaptation, distribution, and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license, and indicate if changes were made.

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Marinero, N.V., Cortez, R.O., Navarro, J.L. et al. Density and abundance of Rhea pennata garleppi (Struthioniformes: Rheidae) in the Puna ecoregion of Argentina. Rev. Chil. de Hist. Nat. 87, 17 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40693-014-0017-z

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40693-014-0017-z

Keywords