Relative abundance and activity patterns of terrestrial carnivorous mammals in Península Valdés, Patagonia, Argentina

A study on Península Valdés, Argentina, reveals distinct activity patterns among terrestrial carnivorous mammals. Conepatus chinga and Leopardus geoffroyi exhibit cathemeral activity, while Lycalopex gymnocercus shows a more nocturnal pattern. Puma concolor and Leopardus colocolo were less frequently detected, limiting detailed behavioral analysis. The research used camera traps over 18 months, capturing 256 independent events across diverse plant communities in San Pablo de Valdés Wildlife Reserve. Findings underscore the need for expanded sampling to better understand population dynamics and inform conservation strategies, emphasizing the importance of ecological data in monitoring threatened species.

D’Agostino, R. L., & Udrizar Sauthier, D. E. (2020). Relative abundance and activity patterns of terrestrial carnivorous mammals in Península Valdés, Patagonia, Argentina. Mammalia, 85(1), 8–15. https://doi.org/10.1515/mammalia-2019-0089