The Magellanic woodpecker (Campephilus magellanicus), the largest woodpecker in Central and South America, is declining throughout its range. Notably, limited research has been conducted on the Campephilus genus, especially for island populations. Mostly during austral summers 2015-2017, I explored the ecological importance and population structure of Magellanic woodpeckers on Navarino Island, Chile (55°04′S, 67°40′W). First, I assessed how coleopteran larval density and distribution within trees may influence Magellanic woodpecker foraging behavior. Second, I designed an experiment to determine which of three detection methods would best elicit a woodpecker detection. Third, I conducted a population genetics study to elucidate trends within and among Magellanic woodpecker populations to better inform management decisions. I identified two coleopteran species: one lucanid (Erichius femoralis) and one cerambycid (Microplophorus magellanicus) within two lenga (Nothofagus pumilio) trees foraged on by Magellanic woodpeckers. Maximum woodpecker excavation depths were 71-90 mm; most larval gallery depths were 51-70 mm. The drumming device most effectively influenced the likelihood of a woodpecker detection. The odds of a woodpecker responding were 2.14 times more likely than responding to either a playback or control. On Navarino Island, I observed a pattern of isolation by distance among sampled woodpeckers, slight female sex-biased dispersal, and family groups likely consisted of nuclear families with partner replacement. Genetic diversity estimates were lower for Navarino woodpeckers than for mainland populations. Future research should build upon these results to better understand Magellanic woodpecker life history characteristics and its role in the ecosystem.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:unt.edu/info:ark/67531/metadc1703287 |
| Date | 05 1900 |
| Creators | Wynia, Amy Lynn |
| Contributors | Jiménez, Jaime E, Johnson, Jeff, Bednarz, James, Kennedy, James, Rolland, Virginie, Rozzi, Ricardo |
| Publisher | University of North Texas |
| Source Sets | University of North Texas |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis or Dissertation |
| Format | ix, 142 pages, Text |
| Rights | Public, Wynia, Amy Lynn, Copyright, Copyright is held by the author, unless otherwise noted. All rights Reserved. |
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