The spatial ecology of the Guina (Oncifelis guigna) in Southern Chile

摘要: This thesis describes the diet, activity, home range and habitat utilisation of guina (Oncifelis guigna) within two populations located inside regions minimal anthropogenic disturbance in southern Chile. Fieldwork was comprised several components: captured live traps were fitted with radio collars monitored on foot using standard radiotelemetry techniques; landcover maps created for each study area from satellite data, aerial photography ground truthing, relative abundance diversity potential small mammal prey assessed by means grid-based live-trapping studies tree-mounted hair-traps. The behavioural data obtained analysed RANGES V to assess requirements determine how ranges movements individuals distributed respect those conspecifics. also investigated reference generated site identify categories that preferentially utilised or avoided guina. diet this species determined via faecal analysis. composition then related abundances field. Small mammals, particularly rodents represented major component no evidence selection determined. Trapping surveys indicated both sites had abundant resources form relatively dense rodent populations. Radiocollared largely arrhythmic their activity pattern neighbouring showed a high degree spatial overlap, between sexes. Core use areas overlapped extensively, found indicate actively avoid These cats exhibited consistent preference dense, thicket-forest over less complexly structured vegetation, including stands Nothofagus forest, category previously assumed be key species. results are discussed context conservation management continued survival endangered felid.