Description: This article discusses ecological theory and values in the determination of conservation goals. Abstract: The definition of conservation goals is a complex task, which involves both ecological sciences and social values. A brief history of conservation strategies in Germany (protection of cultural landscapes), United States (wilderness ideal), and southern Chile (preservation paradigm and the more recent interest in ecotourism) illustrates a broad range of conservation goals. To encompass such an array of conservation dimensions and goals, the ecosystem approach adopted by the Conference of the Parties of the Convention on Biological Diversity represents a good approach. However, to become effective, this kind of approach requires clarifying and agreeing upon basic concepts, such as ecosystem. To serve that purpose, the authors present a scheme that considers the selected phenomena, internal relationship, and the component resolution to define an ecosystem. The authors conclude that: (1) conservation traditions encompass interests in the preservation of both natural and cultural heritages, which also appear as mutually dependent dimensions. Hence, nature and humans are brought together as much in the goals as in the processes of conservation. (2) In the context of current global change, it is impossible to completely "isolate" protected areas from direct or ...

Description: This article discusses the late-summer presence of the Patagonian tyrant, Colorhamphus parvirostris (Darwin) on Navarino Island, Cape Horn County, Chile. Abstract: The southernmost representative of the Tyrannidae, a diversified family with approximately 420 species endemic to the Americas, belongs to a monotypic genus Colorhamphus with only one species: C. parvirostris. Little is known about the Patagonian tyrant, which is considered rare throughout its breeding range and vulnerable to the forest disturbances and habitat fragmentation. Even its distribution and life history are poorly known. During the breeding season it migrates to higher latitudes (>40°S) in southern Chile and Argentina, but small numbers remain within central-southern latitudes year-round (30-40°S). In the high latitudes of Tierra del Fuego it is said to be an accidental visitor, but records of C. parvirostris are extremely rare. As part of the long-term mistnetting and bird census program at the Omora Ethnobotanical Park on Navarino Island, Cape Horn County, Chile (55°S) a total of 1,542 birds belonging to 17 species have been captured with mistnets on Navarino Island. Only 12 were C. parvirostris (<1%). Therefore, this species is indeed rare. However, from 2000 to 2003 all of the few Patagonian tyrants have been captured from late March ...