Spatial distribution of guanaco mating sites in southern Chile: conservation implications

We investigated the distribution, habitat characteristics and conservation value of mating areas in a wild population of guanacos in Torres del Paine National Park, Chile. Copulating guanacos were observed directly during December-January 1994-1995, 1995-1996 and 1997-1998. The timing of the breeding season was homogeneous across years. Copulation sites occurred in vega (ephemeral wetland) habitats (48.6%) greater than expected based on their relative availability (12.6%). A multivariate habitat analysis revealed that habitat composition of breeding habitats differed significantly from non-breeding areas (P < 0.001). Availability of trees and shrubs (breeding = 5.5%; non-breeding 35.6%; P < 0.001) and grassland (breeding = 34.6%; non-breeding =9.5%; P < 0.001) contributed most to the variation in habitat types among areas. Relative occurrence of pumas was significantly lower in breeding areas (P = 0.04). The spatial arrangement of mating sites was similar among years suggesting that adult female and male guanacos exhibited site fidelity to breeding sites. Since vegas were important habitats for mating it is critical that natural resource managers consider the importance of these ephemeral wetland resources to ensure for proper reproduction and viability of local guanaco populations. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.