Methodology I
We are conducting long-term monitoring of the biotic components of the community.
Predators:
We monitor predator activity using scent station lines (foxes), and collections of scats and pellets (foxes and owls); the latter provide dietary data on predator consumption of major prey species.
Peter Meserve and Andrea Previtali
Monitoring scent stations
Burrowing Owl (left), and Magellanic Horned Owl pellets used for dietary determinations
Radio-tracking culpeo foxes in the study area
Small mammals:
We conduct monthly small mammal censuses with live traps and mark all animals with unique numbers
Capture and marking of small mammals
Birds:
We are monitoring birds at the site using twice-yearly inventories of fixed areas across the study site.
Chincol (Rufous-collared Sparrow)
Yal (Mourning Sierra-Finch)
Loica (Long-tailed Meadowlark)
Plants:
We measure perennial schrub and ephemeral plant cover, and soil seed densities several times/year.
