Ecological Redundancy and Long‐Term Dynamics of Vertebrate Predators in Semiarid Chile

摘要: In the semidesert of Auco, Chile, four strigiform, six falconiform, and two fox species joined suite endothermic vertebrate predators at various times from 1987 to 1994. Different falconiforms entered exited roughly correlated with long-term fluctuations in density small mammals, but strigiforms foxes remained resident throughout 7 years. Using detailed data on diets (trophic guild structure) status 12 predator species, we assessed whether combination these criteria, if obtained a shorter study, would have been adequate make reasonable decisions about which should be conserved were it possible conserve only subset 12. particular, evaluated ecological redundancy, as gauged by high diet similarity, provide basis for concentrating conservation some more than others. Guild structure Auco consistent through first 3 years then shifted markedly, such that strategies based apparent redundancy (in diet) early misguided long term. Although transient sometimes redundant residents, other same transients played unique trophic roles, so apparently rational strategy efforts less-mobile, left gaps ecosystem function. Likewise, short-term, intensive inventory Auco’s underestimated overestimated others richness depending prey resources there. We conclude no short-term provided bases focusing or particular habitat patches. realistically decision-making process can delayed until 7-year (or longer) set has accumulated, suggest studies assemblages used cautiously when making decisions. En la localidad semidesertica de (Chile), cuatro especies strigiformes, seis falconiformes y dos zorros constituyeron un conjunto variable depredadores endotermicos en diversos periodos desde Diferentes ingresaron o salieron del tiempos aproximadamente correlacionados con fluctuaciones largo plazo densidad micromamiferos, pero las strigiformes los permanecieron como residentes lo siete anos. Usando datos detallados sobre dietas (estructura gremial trofica) estados residencia predadores, determinamos si es que combinacion estos criterios, obtenidos estudio corto plazo, hubiera sido adecuado para tomar decisiones razonables dada eventual necesidad conservar solo subconjunto dichas especies. Especificamente, evaluamos redundancia ecologica, estimada alta similitud dietaria, proveeria una base razonable concentrarse conservacion algunas mas otras. La estructura permanecio constante durante primeros tres anos continuacion cambio marcadamente, manera estrategias basadas aparente ecologica (en dieta) encontrada al principio habrian inadecuadas plazo. Aunque transitorias veces fueron redundantes residentes, otros mismas transtorias tuvieron papeles troficos unicos, estrategia aparentemente racional concentrar esfuerzos menos moviles habria dejado vacios importantes funcion ecosistema. De forma similar, inventario intensivo numero subestimado algunos sobrestimado otros, dependiendo niveles recursos presa. Concluimos ningun provisto adecuadas enfocar parches particulares. realistamente proceso toma debe paralizarse hasta se acumule mas, sugerimos estudios elosa ensambles deben usarse muy cautamente cuando toman biologica.