El coipo (Myocastor coypus) en el noroeste de Santa Cruz (República Argentina): ¿Evidencias de recuperación por el control del visón americano (Neogale vison)?

Abstract

. The coypu Myocastor coypus is widely distributed in Argentina. In southern Patagonia the subspecies M. c. melanops is associated to large wetlands and river valleys. Although, hunting has been recognized as one of the causes of population decline at a regional level, the American mink Neogale vison has been also mentioned as a threat. Through monitoring (more than 7,000 hours of observations) and interviews with local inhabitants of the upper basin of the Deseado River (12 estancias ), northwestern Santa Cruz Province, Argentina, we examine the potential causes of population recovery. The results suggest that the evident recovery in this basin seems to be due to two main factors: the reduction of hunting pressure, and the American mink control plan that has been carried out since 2013. It is essential to consider and analyze the threats, in order to carry out management actions of great impact for the communities.