Characteristics and conservation of a fragmented population of huemul Hippocamelus bisulcus in central Chile

Abstract

The future of the endangered huemul deer in central Chile rests with efforts to recover a single surviving population located in the 3000 km 2 Nevados de Chillán Mountains-Polcura Valley area. Field survey data for 1975–1997 were used to assess size, spatial distribution, and trend of the population. In 1997, it was estimated at 60 individuals at 12 sites separated by an average cross-valley distance of 8.0 km. Data suggested a 58% population decline over two decades. Huemul had disappeared from at least five sites, and evidence for recolonization of vacant habitat was weak. A habitat evaluation and assessment of threats to the huemul, such as poaching and population fragmentation, help provide a basis for conservation action. Proposed measures include protection of two habitat core areas each consisting of 8–11 primary sites, conservation of connecting habitat between sites and core areas, land management practices limiting livestock, logging, and development impacts, and, if necessary, population augmentation. For long-term conservation of the huemul, renewed connectivity between central Chilean and Patagonia populations is recommended.