Abstract
The American ostriches Rhea americana and Pterocnemia pennata comprise an important item of the wildlife trade in Argentina. In addition to the trade in animal products, their eggs are also collected for food by local settlers. Very little is known about the distribution, densities, and ecology of these species. The present paper deals with habitat use, diet and population density of the subspecies P.p. garleppi which is located in the Andean region. between 3000 and 4000 m. These animals are entirely herbivorous and occupy open grasslands on the plains as well as rocky slopes and ravines with dense shrub cover. Studies reveal very low population densities which fluctuate considerably from year to year. Unless the present problems of human exploitation can be controlled, their prospects are very poor. Suggestions for their conservation and management are outlined.
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