Social organization, distribution and movements of a migratory guanaco population in the Chilean Patagonia.

Revista Chilena de Historia Natural 68: 489-500.

Abstract:

Herein we document the distribution, movement, and social organization of a guanaco (Lama guanicoe) population in a 25-km² area at Torres del Paine National Park in southern Chile. In 1980, the population was censused 28 times. Four socioecological periods were recognized: summer territorial, fall transitional, winter aggregational, and spring transitional. Family groups, male groups, solo males, mixed groups, and female groups were the major social units recognized. Guanacos spent the summer in the east region, migrating 12 km to the west region during winter. Family groups (53% of all animals), male groups (35%) and solo male (8%) were the main social units in summer, and mixed groups (80%) in winter. Snow cover and availability of forage were the suspected causes of seasonal migratory movements, that in turn greatly influenced social organization, group size, and composition.

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