Identification of important species and priority areas for the study of reproduction of raptors in Argentina

Abstract

Ninety seven publications on raptor breeding biology in Argentina (until 2006) were analyzed and classified according to species, year of publication, province, habitat associations, and subject. The amount of publications has increased, especially since 1970. Almost all provinces are represented. There is no quantitative information for 33 species, 19 diurnal and 14 nocturnal. To determine priority areas for the study of reproduction, species richness, number of endemic or exclusive species, conservation status and degree of information on the species were considered for each life zone. On this basis, Selva Paranaense, Yungas, Chaco, and the Andean-Patagonian forests were established as the most important areas. Analyzing the preferred habitat of the 33 species with no information, 85% are typical forest species. An evident disparity exists between the achieved knowledge and the necessity of conserving a vulnerable fauna (for its low habitat utilization flexibility and higher conservation risk). This is due to two fundamental factors: scarcity of researchers, and structural complexity of the habitat.