Revista Chilena de Historia Natural 75 (2): 449-461, 2002
REVIEW ARTICLE
The raptors of Torres del Paine National Park, Chile: biodiversity and
Conservation
Fifteen raptor species (Falconiformes and Strigiformes) breed and other two may breed
in Torres del Paine National Park (Chilean Patagonia), the highest raptor species richness documented in Chile. Accounts for each
raptor species in Torres del Paine are provided, including information on weight, habitat, diet, residence, conservation, and
miscellaneous observations in the Park. We compare raptor species richness in Torres del Paine with well studied localities in central
and northern Chile, and speculate on causes for the higher raptor diversity observed in the Park. Raptor macroniches in Torres del
Paine are assessed, describing primarily their use of two major habitat types and nine food resources. We examine food-niche
relationships for a subset of four mammal-eating raptors, in light of their different ecologies and body sizes. A monitoring program for
raptors in Torres del Paine is proposed, under the rationale that these indicator species may help foresee impending disruptions of
basic ecosystem processes that determine the relatively pristine conditions still prevailing in the Park.
Key words:
Falconiformes,
Strigiformes, Chile, Patagonia, diet, weight, habitat use, niche relationships
