Description: This article discusses the hunting behavior of black-shouldered kites in central Chile. Abstract: Kites of the genus Elanus are found throughout the world principally in open areas such as grasslands, sparse shrublands, and agricultural fields (Brown and Amadon 1968). Because of their characteristic hover-hunting, and their widespread distribution, these kites make interesting subjects for analyses of their hunting behavior. Such studies have been conducted in several regions, including North America (Waian and Stendall 1970, Warner and Rudd 1974, Koplin et al. 1980), Europe (Amat 1979, Heredia 1983), Africa (Tarboton 1978, Mendelsohn 1982), and Australia (Baker-Gabb 1984). However, quantitative information on the hunting behavior of South American kites was nonexistent until now, and is reported here from a locality in central Chile.

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 ...

Description: This article offers comment by the author on the Patagonian Archipelago as the Final Frontier, as written about in a book by Matthew B. Martinic titled, 'Patagonia Archipelago. The Final Frontier.

Description: This article discusses ten principles for biocultural conservation at the southern tip of the Americas. Although there is general agreement among conservation practitioners about the need for (1) social involvement on the part of scientists; (2) interdisciplinary approaches; (3) working on local, regional, and global levels; and (4) implementing international agreements on biodiversity and environmental protection, a major challenge we face in conservation today is how to integrate and implement these multiple dimensions. Few researchers have actually offered hands-on examples for showing in practical terms how such integration can be accomplished. To address this challenge the authors present an innovative case study: the Omora Ethnobotanical Park, a long-term biocultural conservation initiative at the southern extreme of the Americas. Located near Puerto Williams (55° S), Cape Horn Archipelago region, Chile, the Omora Park is a public-private reserve that provides material and conceptual foundations for three complementary conservation actions: (1) interdisciplinary scientific research; (2) informal and formal education, i.e., school, university, and training courses; and (3) biocultural conservation. The latter entails an actual reserve that protects biodiversity and the water quality of Puerto Williams' watershed, as well as programs on Yahgan traditional ecological knowledge and interdisciplinary activities, such as "field environmental ethics" ...