Feeding habitat of the Magellanic woodpecker (Campephilus magellanicus) across forest ecosystems at Nahuelbuta National Park, La Araucanía Region, Chile

Abstract

In this study we described the feeding habitat of the Magellanic woodpecker (Campephilus magellanicus) across forest ecosystems at Nahuelbuta National Park (37° 48'S y 72° 59'W), La Araucanía region, Chile. The study aims at filling the gaps on base line and scientific information needed for the elaboration of native forest management schemes oriented to the protection of wild fauna. Environmental and vegetation attributes related to the presence of C. magellanicus were identified in two samples applied: October 2008 and March 2009. Fifty count spots with three replications in each were sampled. We estimated population attributes of the bird assemblage from which C. magellanicus is an integral part. We identified 30 bird species and 4 forest types associated with the habitat of C. magellanicus. The forest types are combinations of Chilean birch species as "coigüe" (Nothofagus dombeyi), "lenga" (N. pumilio) and ñirre (N. antarctica), and monkey puzzle tree "araucaria" (Araucaria araucana). The forest types are "coigüe-araucaria", "coigüe-araucaria-lenga", and "coigüe" and "ñirre". We found significant correlations between C. magellanicus and crown-cover of dominant trees in 2008 and 2009, herbaceous-cover in 2009 and a very significant correlation with the decay degree of standing trees and herbaceous-cover in 2008. We concluded that the three most correlated attributes with the presence of C. magellanicus on the study area were the crown-cover of dominant trees, herbaceous-cover and the decay degree of standing trees.