ABSTRACT: The Reloncaví Sound (41°S) is located in the northern Patagonia of Chile and is characterized by a significant local marine productivity. In the place where this sound connects with the fjord of the same name is the Caicura Islands (41°42'S; 72°41'W). During three consecutive breeding seasons (2013-14, 2014-15, 2015-16) we studied the biodiversity of birds and marine mammals present on these islands, mainly on Pirén Islet. The taxonomic composition of the total number of birds observed was structured into five orders and 10 families, represented by 20 species. The most abundant birds were Larus dominicanus, Phalacrocorax atriceps, Phalacrocorax magellanicus, and Phalacrocorax gaimardi. We recorded the nesting of nine species of seabirds, of which L. dominicanus and P. atriceps presented the most abundant reproductive populations, followed by P. magellanicus and P. gaimardi. On the other hand, the taxonomic composition of marine mammals was structured in two orders and three families, represented by three species. The mammal with the greatest abundance was Otaria flavescens, which presented resting and breeding sites in the place. The Caicura Islands make up the most important site for the conservation of the diversity of birds and marine mammals of the Reloncaví Sound, which mostly corresponds to endemic species and with conservation problems.

RESUMEN: El seno de Reloncaví (41°S) se ubica en la Patagonia norte de Chile y se caracteriza por una importante productividad marina local. En el lugar donde este seno se conecta con el fiordo del mismo nombre se ubican las islas Caicura (41°42'S; 72°41'O). Durante tres temporadas reproductivas consecutivas (2013-14, 2014-15, 2015-16) estudiamos la biodiversidad de aves y mamíferos marinos presentes en estas islas, principal mente en el islote Pirén. La composición taxonómica del total de aves observadas se estructuró en cinco órdenes y 10 familias, representadas por 20 especies. Las aves más abundantes fueron Larus dominicanus, Phalacrocorax atriceps, Phalacrocorax magellanicus y Phalacrocoraxgaimardi. Registramos la nidificación de nueve especies de aves marinas y costeras, de las cuales L. dominicanus y P. atriceps presentaron las poblaciones reproductivas más abundantes, seguidas por P magellanicus y P gaimardi. Por otra parte, la composición taxonómica de mamíferos marinos se estructuró en dos órdenes y tres familias, representadas por tres especies. El mamífero con mayor abundancia fue Otaria flavescens que presentó sitios paraderos y también parideros en el lugar. Las islas Caicura conforman un sitio importante para la conservación de la diversidad de aves y mamíferos marinos del seno de Reloncaví, que en su mayoría corresponde a especies endémicas y con problemas de conservación.

Abstract Background: A team of 3 scientometrists led by John loannidis published in 2020 an extensive and updated data-base (ca. 6.9 million researchers in 22 disciplines and 176 sub-disciplines), ordering them according to a composite bibliometric index that measures their whole trajectory (career-long) impact and their annual impact at year 2019. They reported the top 100,000 scientists (1.45% across all disciplinary fields) or the top 2% of each subfield discipline, thus publishing the ranking of ca. 150,000 researchers worldwide. Methods and findings: We filtered that information for the disciplinary and sub-disciplinary areas corresponding to Ecology and identified a total of 14 ecologists with residence in Chile that appear in either of those two world�wide rankings. We report their measured productivity as both whole trajectory (career-long) and as annual impact at year 2019. We attribute their high registered productivity to their training at the doctoral level in prestigious foreign universities, their academic positions in internationally recognized Chilean universities, and their participation in state-�funded research centers of scientific excellence. Exceptions to the rule are presented. Conclusions: The 14 ecologists identified with the scientometric algorithm proposed by loannidis and coworkers include, but are not restricted, to the most cited ecologists in Chile. We put forth possible reasons for some puzzling omissions from these rankings.

Abstract: The riparian forests are important ecosystems for the conservation of biodiversity and maintenance of ecosystem services. Our objective was to know the different species of mammals and birds that inhabit the riparian forest of the Santuario de la Naturaleza Humedales del río Maullín, in south-central Chile, along with describing the activity pattern of the most frequent species. The information was obtained through camera traps installed in three sectors of the riparian forest of the Maullín River, from June 2019 to September 2021. In total, we recorded nine species of mammals, with a greater number of records from Lontra provocax, Leopardus guigna and Dromiciops gliroides, which presented activity patterns mainly at night. As for the birds, we observed the presence of 17 species, of which Scelorchilus rubecula, Sephanoides sephaniodes and Turdusfalcklandii presented the highest number of records, with a diurnal activity pattern. The riparian forest of the Santuario de la Naturaleza Humedales del río Maullín is an important ecosystem for the conservation of the biodiversity of native birds and mammals at a local and landscape scale. We recommended that the administration of this protected area link its management with the riparian forest continuum as a zone of ecological influence, carrying out actions for its protection.

Resumen: Los bosques de ribera son ecosistemas importantes para la conservación de la biodiversidad y mantención de servicios ecosistémicos. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue conocer las diversas especies de mamíferos y aves que habitan el bosque de ribera del Santuario de la Naturaleza Humedales del río Maullín, en el centro-sur de Chile, junto con describir el patrón de actividad de las especies más frecuentes. La información fue obtenida mediante cámaras trampa instaladas en tres sectores del bosque de ribera del río Maullín, desde junio 2019 hasta septiembre 2021. En total registramos nueve especies de mamíferos, con mayor número de registros de Lontra provocax, Leopardus guigna y Dromiciops gliroides, que presentaron patrones de actividad mayoritariamente nocturnos. En cuanto a las aves, observamos la presencia de 17 especies, de las cuales el Scelorchilus rubecula, Sephanoidessephaniodesy Turdus falcklandii presentaron el mayor número de registros, con un patrón de actividad diurno. El bosque de ribera del Santuario de la Naturaleza Humedales del río Maullín es un ecosistema de importancia para la conservación de la biodiversidad de aves y mamíferos nativos a escala local y de paisaje. Recomendamos que la administración de esta área protegida vincule su gestión con el continuo del bosque de ribera como zona de influencia ecológica, realizando acciones para su protección.

Abstract: The Lafken Mapu Lahual Coastal Marine Protected Area of Multiple Uses (Lafken Mapu Lahual), Osorno coast, southern Chile, is one of the first protected areas created in Chile during 2006, but only in 2019 its Management Plan was presented. This study provides information on its marine mammal species to be used in future biodiversity monitoring plans. The sighted mammals were recorded and counted through 18 navigation tracks and one observation point in the 2014-2015 austral breeding season. Five species were recorded systematically (one whale species, two dolphin species, one marine otter species and a one sea lion species). Two of them (Lontra felina and Balaenoptera musculus) are classified by the IUCN in the conservation category corresponding to Endangered. Laken Mapu Lahual is an important area for the species of whales that use it for their migratory route to the south of Chile.

ABSTRACT This study describes the assemblage and habitat use of birds in the Trumao wetland and its seasonal variation according to the hydrological regime during spring 2017 and summer 2018 (not flooded) and winters 2017 and 2018 (flooded). Overall, 29 species of birds were recorded with a total abundance of 2,341 individuals. The total number of accumulated species observed for the flooded and non-flooded period corresponded to 16 and 22 species, respectively, with the Brown hooded Gull [Chroicocephalus maculipennis (Lichtenstein, 1823)] being the dominant species. The qualitative Sorensen similarity index between the flooding and non-flooding periods of the wetland was 73.2%, while the quantitative Bray-Curtis similarity was 32.65%. When comparing the flooded winter period (4 m depth) and the non-flooded summer period (1 m depth), the diversity presented statistically significant differences, but not the abundance. The SIMPER analysis showed that between the flooded winter period and the non-flooded summer period, the species that showed a greater percentage of dissimilarity in their abundance between these seasons were the Brown hooded Gull and the Slender-billed Parakeet [Enicognathus leptorhynchus (King,1831)]. The use of habitat was highly variable, both seasonally and spatially. Our results indicate that birds occupy wetlands according to seasonal fluctuations and according to the habitat that is available; however, abundance is not affected by hydrological changes. It is essential to continue carrying out more research in the wetland to determine the nesting, feeding and reproduction of the birds in the different habitats used to generate its protection and conservation measures in the Trumao wetland.

RESUMEN En este estudio se describe el ensamble de aves del humedal de Trumao y su variación estacional según régimen hidrológico durante primavera 2017 y verano 2018 (no inundado) e inviernos 2017 y 2018 (inundado) y se evalúa el tipo de hábitat. Se registraron 29 especies de aves con una abundancia total de 2,341 individuos. El número total de especies acumuladas observadas para el período inundado y no inundado correspondió a 16 y 22 especies, respectivamente, siendo Chroicocephalus maculipennis (Lichtenstein, 1823) (Gaviota cáhuil) la especie dominante durante el período de estudio. El índice de similitud de Sorensen entre los períodos de inundación y no inundación del humedal fue de 73.2%, mientras que la similitud de Bray-Curtis resultó en un 32.65%. Al compararse el periodo invernal inundado (4 m profundidad) y el periodo estival no inundado (1 m profundidad), el índice de diversidad registró diferencias estadísticamente significativas, en cambio, la abundancia no presentó diferencias significativas. El análisis SIMPER arrojó que entre el periodo invernal inundado y el periodo estival no inundado las especies que mostraron un mayor porcentaje de disimilitud en su abundancia entre estas temporadas fueron la Gaviota cáhuil y Loro choroy [Enicognathus leptorhynchus (King, 1831)]. El uso de hábitat en el humedal de Trumao, por parte de las aves, fue altamente variable, tanto estacional como espacialmente, resultado esperable para este tipo de ecosistemas. Finalmente, nuestros resultados nos indican que las aves ocupan los humedales según fluctuaciones estacionales y según el hábitat que se encuentre disponible, sin embargo, la abundancia no se ve afectada por los cambios hidrológicos. Con estos resultados es fundamental seguir realizando más investigaciones en el humedal para determinar el uso (nidificación, alimentación, reproducción) que realizan las aves en los distintos hábitats para de esta manera generar medidas de protección y conservación para la gestión del humedal de Trumao.

Abstract: The South American Tern (Sterna hirundinacea) is a endemic seabird on the coasts of South America. The present work describes its nesting in the Caicura lslands (41° S), southern Chile, providing information on the number of nests, eggs and chicks, during three consecutive reproductive seasons (2013-14, 2014-15, 2015-16). Egg laying began in November, with chicks observed in December, and fledglings in January. Most of the nests featured only one egg. The total eggs per season were 295, 386 and 313, respectively. The hatching rate was significantly different between the three seasons, increasing over time from 41.2%, 62.5% and 82.8%, respectively. The cumulative total of chicks per season was 119, 249 and 223, respectively. The total chick mortality was near to 10%. The Kelp Gull (Larus dominicanus) was identified as the main predator of eggs and chicks of the South American Tern. Finally, the Caicura lslands are the second most important site in Chile for the reproduction of the South American Tern.

Resumen: El gaviotín sudamericano (Sterna hirundinacea) es un ave marina endémica de las costas de América del Sur. El presente trabajo describe su nidificación en islas Caicura (41° S), sur de Chile, entregando información sobre el número de nidos, huevos y polluelos, durante tres temporadas reproductivas consecutivas (2013-14, 2014-15, 2015-16). La puesta de huevos comenzó en noviembre, observándose polluelos en diciembre y volantones en enero. La mayoría de los nidos contó con sólo un huevo. El total de huevos por temporada fue de 295, 386 y 313, respectivamente. La tasa de eclosión fue significativamente distinta entre las tres temporadas, aumentando en el tiempo desde un 41,2%, 62,5% y 82,8%, respectivamente. El total acumulado de polluelos por temporada fue de 119, 249 y 223, respectivamente. Se estimó una mortalidad total de polluelos cercana al 10%. Se identificó a la gaviota dominicana (Larus dominicanus) como el principal depredador de huevos y polluelos del gaviotín sudamericano. Finalmente, las islas Caicura son el segundo sitio de mayor importancia en Chile para la reproducción del gaviotín sudamericano.

Abstract Background: Ioannidis et al. (2020) reported a standardized estimate of scientific productivity obtained from a worldwide database of 6,880,389 scientists who published at least 5 papers picked up by the Scopus database, and elaborated a ranking of ca. 120,000 scientists by both whole trajectory (career-long) impact and their current impact at year 2019. The goal of our paper is to contextualize Latin American ecologists’ contribution at the world level based on the four most scientifically productive countries in the region. Methods and findings: Ioannidis et al. (2020) proposed a composite index that is the sum of six scientometric indicators: (1) The number of allocites, (2) the h index, (3) a per capita corrected version of h, (4) the allocites received as single author, (5) those received as single + first author, and (6) those as single + first + last author. We selected data for ecologists from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Mexico and comparatively analyzed their productivity according to the proposed index. We also compared these data with those obtained from a global sample of the top ecologists worldwide. Conclusions: Based on Ioannidis et al.’s proposition to evaluate scientific productivity we extract three lessons: (1) It does not pay to publish many papers; what counts is the number of allocites (i.e., self-citations do not add up). (2) Either be single, first, or last author; it does not pay to be in the middle of an authorship line. (3) Even worse it is to be among many co-authors because the proposed index allocates credits on a per capita basis.

ABSTRACT Although planktonic diatoms are one of the most abundant taxonomic groups in coastal wetlands, their assemblages have not been used to determine the environmental health of these ecosystems. Studies of ecosystem environmental health have been based on other taxonomic groups; we propose that diatom genera diversity represents a viable alternative for this purpose. Thus, our aim was to determine the alpha and beta diversities of the planktonic diatom assemblage present in Caulín Bay, Chiloé Island (41° 49’S; 73° 38’W), southern Chile, during the austral winter and spring of the years 2012 and 2014. Caulín Bay is an important site for aquatic bird observation and conservation, hunting is prohibited on a national scale and, internationally, the site has been declared an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA). Our results indicate different diversities between sampling stations, but not between the years studied. In total, we recorded 53 diatom genera, of which the most abundant were Coscinodiscus (21.99%) and Cocconeis (16.23%). The study area presented high genera diversity (i.e., H’(log2) >3.74) and beta diversity indicated that Caulín presents a low level of heterogeneity and is a low genera replacement environment. Consequently, we infer that Caulín Bay is a productive and environmentally stable ecosystem. This leads us to conclude that diatom diversity determination is a viable alternative to establish aquatic ecosystem environmental health and we recommend that future conservation strategies be established for Caulín Bay.

RESUMEN Si bien las diatomeas planctónicas son uno de los grupos taxonómicos más abundantes de los humedales costeros, sus ensambles no se han utilizado para determinar el estado ambiental de estos ecosistemas. Aunque se han realizado estudios de la salud ambiental de un ecosistema utilizando otros grupos taxonómicos, nosotros proponemos que la diversidad de géneros de diatomeas representa una alternativa viable. Por lo tanto, el objetivo de este estudio fue determinar las diversidades alfa y beta del ensamble de diatomeas planctónicas presentes en la Bahía de Caulín, Isla de Chiloé (41° 49’S; 73° 38’O), sur de Chile, durante las temporadas de invierno y primavera austral de los años 2012 y 2014. Bahía Caulín es un sitio importante para la observación y conservación de aves acuáticas por lo que a nivel nacional se ha prohibido la caza y a nivel internacional fue decretada un Área Importante para la Conservación de Aves, AICA. Los resultados de este estudio indicaron diferencias en las diversidades entre las estaciones de muestreo, pero no entre los años estudiados. En total, se identificaron 53 géneros de diatomeas; los más abundantes fueron Coscinodiscus (21,99%) y Cocconeis (16,23%). El área de estudio presentó una alta diversidad de géneros (i.e., H’(log2) >3,74) y la diversidad beta indicó que Caulín presentó bajo nivel de heterogeneidad y es un entorno con bajo reemplazo de géneros. Así, inferimos que Bahía Caulín es un ecosistema productivo y ambientalmente estable, por lo cual concluimos que la determinación de las diversidades de diatomeas es una alternativa viable para establecer la salud ambiental de los ecosistemas acuáticos y recomendamos establecer futuras estrategias de conservación para Bahía Caulín.

ABSTRACT Geranoaetus polyosoma (Quoy & Gaimard, 1824) is a diurnal raptor widely distributed in South America. Although the trophic ecology of this bird has been more studied in the southern extreme of its range, little information is available on its dietary response to prey supply in desert environments. In the present study, we report on the trophic ecology of G. polyosoma in a sub-urban desert zone in northern Chile, with the following objectives: (1) to quantitatively describe its diet and (2) to determine its dietary selectivity in response to prey supply in the study area. The diet of G. polyosoma consisted mainly of rodents (97.2%). A greater preference (p < 0.05) was observed for the following large prey items (> 19.5 g): two native rodent species, Phyllotis xanthopygus (Waterhouse, 1837) and Eligmodontia puerulus (Philippi, 1896); and two introduced rodent species: Rattus rattus (Linnaeus, 1769) and R. norvegicus (Berkenhout, 1769).

Abstract Background: We determine the occurrence of self-citations among 36 Chilean ecologists with the highest h index values recorded in Web of Science. Because the practice of self-citation is perceived as negative by inflating a given researcher's impact factor, we evaluate if those ecologists (five of them having been awarded the National Prize in Natural Sciences) tend unduly to self-citation, or alternately, receive citations from others ostensibly because their peers recognize their theoretical and empirical output. Methods and findings: We use a recently proposed self-citation estimate easily calculated from h index values recorded in the restricted-access Web of Science (Wos) database and the open-access Google Scholar's (GS) Researcher Profiles and compare these metrics. Conclusions: The Chilean ecologists showed low self-citation values, independently of their status as National Prize awardees. Their publications were highly cited by unrelated peers, likely on account of their novelty or quality. Among middle-aged (50–60 year) and young (< 50 year) Chilean ecologists open-access GS h index values are significantly correlated with those from WoS, thus rendering expeditious this method of citation assessment.

ABSTRACT We examine the factors that influence the selection of prey by stray dogs in the Estero Culebrón wetland (Coquimbo, Chile) and characterize their attacks during 20 visits in 2015. We use generalized lineal models considering the size of the bird, its relative abundance, site and type of substrate as explanatory variables. We recorded a pack of seven individuals who carried out 34 attacks on birds, of which the pelican had the highest predation frequency. The size of the bird and the site were positively related to the attacks. The selection of the pelican as prey could be related to its low flight initiation distance and large size, which facilitates the attack by dogs and, in addition, this greater size could sustain energetically to pack of dogs, especially when they are numerous. Other conditions such the absence of cattail (Typha angustipholia) and low water depth at the beach sector, would facilitate the development of attacks by reducing obstacles to persecution. Finally, due to the danger that these animals represent for the people and the fauna of wetlands, it is urgent to develop management plans that consider the retirement and transfer of them to rescue centers, as well as to implement sterilization and education campaigns.

RESUMEN Examinamos los factores que influyen en la selección de presas por perros callejeros en el humedal Estero Culebrón (Coquimbo, Chile) y caracterizamos sus ataques durante 20 visitas en el año 2015. Utilizamos modelos lineales generalizados considerando el tamaño del ave, su abundancia relativa, el sitio y tipo de sustrato como variables explicativas. Registramos una jauría de siete individuos que realizaron 34 ataques sobre aves, de las cuales el pelícano presentó la mayor frecuencia de predación. El tamaño del ave y el sitio se relacionaron positivamente con los ataques. La selección del pelícano como presa podría estar relacionada con su baja distancia de inicio de vuelo y su gran tamaño, lo que facilitaría el ataque de los perros y, además, este mayor tamaño podría sostener energéticamente a la jauría, especialmente cuando es numerosa. Otras condiciones como la ausencia de totora (Typha angustipholia) y la baja profundidad del agua en el sector playa, facilitarían el desarrollo de los ataques al reducir los obstáculos a la persecución. Por último, debido al peligro que representan estos animales para las personas y la fauna de los humedales, es urgente desarrollar planes de manejo que consideren su retiro y traslado a centros de rescate, así como de implementar campañas de esterilización y educación.

Abstract: The imperial cormorant (Phalacrocorax atriceps) is one of the most abundant cormorant species in the Chilean channels and fjords. Although its reproductive and non-reproductive distributions have been studied, works on its diet are inexistent. This paper describes the diet and determines the dominance and diversity of the prey consumed during the winter periods of 2011 and 2014 in Caulín Bay, Chiloé, southern Chile. A total of 73 pellets were collected (30 in 2011 and 43 in 2014). Prey were identified and classified into three categories: fishes (53.57%), cephalopods (39.29%) and crustaceans (7.14%). When prey consumption was analyzed according to their distribution in the water column, we observed statistically significant differences in a preference of benthic demersal over pelagic prey.

ABSTRACT In Chile, the manipulation for scientific purposes of terrestrial vertebrates from natural populations is conducted previous authorization of the Agricultural and Livestock Service and various Bioethics Committees. Obtaining such authorizations is becoming increasingly complex. The procedures do not fit the reality of scientific work, and they seem to be based on unjustified assessments of the effects of animal handling on natural populations. The aim of this commentary is to initiate a discussion in order to establish a norm of scientific manipulation of terrestrial vertebrates adjusted to biological reality and that does not interfere with scientific research.

RESUMEN La manipulación con fines científicos de vertebrados terrestres en poblaciones naturales chilenas se debe realizar previa autorización del SAG y de Comités de Bioética institucionales. Obtener dichas autorizaciones es cada vez más complejo; los trámites no se adecúan al quehacer científico ni al conocimiento sobre el efecto de la manipulación en las poblaciones naturales. El objetivo de este comentario es contribuir a una discusión en pos del establecimiento de una normativa de manipulación científica de vertebrados terrestres ajustada a la realidad biológica y que no entorpezca la investigación científica.

ABSTRACT Potential predators of ground nesting aquatic birds were identified, through various monitoring techniques, in wetlands of Bahía de Caulín, Chiloé, Chile. As a result, a greater proportion of mammalian predators was found, followed by raptorial birds and the monitoring techniques provided information at different taxonomic levels.

RESUMEN Se identificaron potenciales depredadores de aves acuáticas que nidifican en el suelo, mediante diversas técnicas de monitoreo, en humedales de la Bahía de Caulín, Chiloé, Chile. Como resultado se encontró una mayor proporción de depredadores mamíferos, seguido de aves rapaces y las técnicas de monitoreo entregaron información a distintos niveles taxonómicos.