NEW RECORD AND EGG PREDATION OF Crypturellus notivagus (AVES, TINAMIDAE) IN THE STATE OF RIO GRANDE DO SUL, BRAZIL

Abstract

The Yellow-legged Tinamou ( Crypturellus noctivagus ) is an endemic and threatened Brazilian forest bird. In the Rio Grande do Sul state, the species was reduced to only one relictual population estimated in 18 adult individuals. Here, we unveil a second population of C. noctivagus for this state and a record of eggs predation by a Black-and-white Tegu ( Salvator merianae ). The population was discovered in an enclave of Atlantic Forest domain fragment into the Pampa biome in the municipality of Passo do Sobrado, based on the observation of an adult and a nest containing 10 eggs - an unusual number of eggs for this species. Through this new population of C. noctivagus in the state, further ecological studies are needed aiming at its local conservation.