Abstract

ORLANDO, C. Gabriel. Análisis demográfico para la población de maras (Dolichotis patagonum) del Jardín Zoológico de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires. Mastozool. neotrop. [online]. 2017, vol.24, n.1, pp.145-152. ISSN 0327-9383.

We studied the dynamics of a closed population of Patagonian maras (Dolichotis patagonum) at the Zoological Garden of Buenos Aires City, in order to provide recommendations for effective management. Data collected between December 2005 and December 2013 allowed us to determine the status of the population in the final year. Population dynamics was compared against models assuming density-dependence and density-independence. We determined the population structure based on three age classes (young, juveniles and adults) and we assessed sensitivity and elasticity of their vital rates. The results indicate that population growth fits a density-dependent logistic function and has reached carrying capacity of the environment (due to spatial factors), but has yet to achieve a stable distribution of age classes. Elasticity analysis suggests that adult survival is the parameter that most influences the population growth rate, so the management of abundance should emphasize this parameter. This study provides information for better man­agement of the species’ population in captivity and allows for the analysis of alternatives for future decisions (harvest, translocation, castration or modifications of the environment).

Keywords : Captive population; Carrying capacity; Management; Population dynamics.