Proyecto Biodiversidad de Aysén: “Marine Mammal Survey” 2003, CONAF, Museo de Historia Natural de Londres, Universidad del Mar.
Cientificos:
Coordinador de proyecto (UK): A. Rus Hoelzel, Investigador (Chile): Carlos Olavarría, Field Scientist (Chile): Marcelo Flores (collection of field data in 2001 and coordination of field work in 2003), Field Scientist (Chile): Francisco Viddi (collection of field data in 2003), Research Assistant (UK): Rebecca Crawshaw (analysis of 2001 survey data), Research Assistant (UK): Aimee Robinson (analysis of 2001 photographic data)
Resumen del Proyecto
This study was initiated with two primary objectives. The first was to run surveys in the Aysén park systems to provide preliminary data on the distribution and abundance of marine mammal species there. The second was to collect photographic data and tissue samples to test the feasibility of future photo-identification and population genetic studies. Towards these objectives, line transect surveys were run through the study areas and sightings were documented in the context of quantified sighting effort. Survey efforts were suspended when cetaceans were encountered, and attempts were made at photo-ID and biopsy sampling. Approximately 1,400 images were collected, primarily from two species, the Chilean dolphin (Cephalorhynchus eutropia) and Peale’s dolphin (Lagenorhynchus australis). Nicked dorsal fins and dorsal and ventral scaring provided the best opportunity for individual identification for the Chilean dolphins, while pigmentation patterns were deemed most useful for Peale’s dolphins. A total of 10 tissue samples from Chilean dolphins and 13 from Peale’s dolphins were collected and some of the 2001 samples have been extracted to DNA and sequenced for mtDNA. It was concluded that both photo-ID and population genetic work would be feasible in future. The survey data suggested differential distribution during the period of study for the two focal cetacean species, with Peale’s dolphins being seen most often in Reserva Nacional Las Guaitecas & Reserva Nacional Katalalixar, and Chilean dolphins being seen most often in more protected bays and lagoons, especially in Laguna San Rafael. In San Rafael photo-ID provided preliminary information on abundance and habitat use, with a minimum of 15 individuals identified in 2001, and re-sightings of some individuals in the northern end of the Laguna in both 2001 and 2003. Records of South American sea lion (Otaria flavescens) colonies in 2001 provided an update of earlier surveys, and documented some colony locations not previously known. Together these data form a good foundation for future work on the distribution and abundance of these species in the Aysén area, and these data will be fundamental to future management and conservation strategies.
Recursos Relacionados
- Centro de Investigación en Ecosistemas de la Patagonia (CIEP) - busca promover el desarrollo de investigación científica y tecnológica en ecosistemas patagónicos, optimizar el uso de las capacidades científicas regionales que demandan o desarrollan investigaciones relacionadas con el estudio de las cuencas y sus ecosistemas asociados, promover el desarrollo de actividades productivas sustentables de la región y constituir un referente nacional e internacional de excelencia en investigación científica fundamental y aplicada en ecosistemas patagónicos.
- Ocean Sounds (en inglés) - es una organizacion privada dedicada a las investigaciónes, educacion del publico, y conservacion de cetáceos y el enviro marina.
