Range Management Affects Native Ungulate Populations in Península Valdés, a World Natural Heritage

In Península Valdés, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, guanaco populations thrive more in areas where ecotourism complements livestock production compared to traditional sheep ranching alone. The study found that smaller paddocks with higher stocking rates and greater vegetation productivity (measured by EVI) correlated with fewer guanaco sightings. However, when ecotourism was integrated into ranch management, guanaco encounter rates increased regardless of paddock size, suggesting reduced human disturbance. Land subdivision emerged as a key predictor of guanaco distribution in sheep-only ranches, while the addition of ecotourism appears to mitigate negative impacts on native ungulates. The research highlights potential strategies for balancing livestock production and wildlife conservation in Patagonian rangelands.

Nabte, M. J., Marino, A. I., Rodríguez, M. V., Monjeau, A., & Saba, S. L. (2013). Range Management Affects Native Ungulate Populations in Península Valdés, a World Natural Heritage. PLoS ONE, 8(2), e55655. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0055655