Distribución, abundancia y ciclo reproductivo del Cormorán Gris Phalacrocorax gaimardi en la costa patagónica, Argentina

Abstract

This study reports new information about distribution and population size of the Red-legged Cormorant (Phalacrocorax Gaimardi) at the Atlantic coast of Argentina. Population size of the 13 colonies of this species are reported. At each nesting colony, active nests were completely counted during october and november of 1992, 1993 and 1994. Species range is restricted to Santa Cruz province, between 47° 05' S and 50° 23' S. A total of 1100 breeding pairs in 13 colonies was counted. According to their geographic distribution and their numbers, the Red-Iegged Cormorant must be considered as a vulnerable species. Puerto Deseado is a key area for the conservation of this species because it holds half of all the colonies along the Argentine coast.