The enigma of guanacos in the Falkland Islands: the legacy of John Hamilton

摘要: Aim To address the biogeographical enigma of why guanacos (Lama guanicoe) are in Falkland Islands we investigated following questions: (1) What was origin introduced guanacos? (2) were initial population sizes? (3) Why they found only on one island? and (4) Who John Hamilton what role did he play? Location The located South Atlantic Ocean 600 km east Patagonia at southern end America. While dominated by East West Islands, archipelago is composed some 750 islands. Sedge Staats two small outlying islands Falkland, focus this paper. Methods Historical information collected from known relevant documents housed Government Archives Stanley, personal interviews conducted with past present residents Falklands. Research expeditions made to Island 1999, 2002 2003 assess guanaco size, distribution social structure. Results Guanacos unsuccessfully 1862 south Mt Pleasant where Prince Alfred hunted them 1871. Hamilton, Scottish immigrant Falklands Argentina Chile, driving force introduction region Rio Gallegos, during 1930s. several wildlife species introduced, however, guanaco, grey fox (Dusicyon griseus) perhaps sea otter (Lutra felina) survive. Hamilton's acting agent, Jimmy Miller, imported four shipments totalling 26 1934 1939. In authorized Miller introduce Island, all 11 which disappeared. Whether intentional or accidental, 15 taken an islet 500 ha western edge archipelago. Historically, unexpected because documentation authorizing their unknown. Guanaco numbers have fluctuated widely for 65 years primarily due culling. 1959 dangerously close extirpation, but today 400 thrive there. A severely reduced gene pool genetic bottlenecking suggested recent field studies, revealing preliminary evidence deleterious consequences inbreeding. Main conclusions spirited visionary early 1880s, responsible into Islands. there gaps historical events, how a single island understood. Today, as closed system, rare natural experiment progress. It offers unique opportunities addressing advanced questions ungulate population, behavioural ecology. potentially also represents breeding stock farming guanaco's highly valuable wool other Thus, among his many efforts practice land stewardship promote economic diversity through Patagonian wildlife, remaining legacy unmistakably Island.