ÁMBITO DE HOGAR, FIDELIDAD AL SITIO Y SELECCIÓN DE RECURSOS DE LA CORTARRAMA PERUANA (PHYTOTOMA RAIMONDII) EN EL BOSQUE SECO DE TALARA, NOROESTE DE PERÚ

Abstract

Home range, site fidelity and resource selection of the Peruvian Plantcutter (Phytotoma raimondii) in the Dry Forest of Talara, northwestern Peru. – The Peruvian Plantcutter (Phytotoma raimondii) is an endemic bird from northwestern Peru. It is considered endangered due to habitat fragmentation. Although there are many studies on this species, some aspects of its natural history and habitat requirements remain little studied. Here, I assess home range, site fidelity, and resource selection in four pairs of Peruvian Plantcutters in the dry forest of Talara-Piura between February and August 2013. Home ranges varied from 0.68 to 3.44 ha (mean = 1.70 ± 0.99). There was strong evidence for site fidelity of all eight individuals. Plantcutters favored the use of palo negro (Grabowskia boerhaaviaefolia) and algarrobo (Prosopis pallida). These plants are used by the Peruvian Plantcutter for foraging, nesting, and shelter; therefore both plants constitute important resources, which must be considered in conservation plans for the species.