DIET OF THE SOUTHERN CARACARA (CARACARA PLANCUS) IN MAR CHIQUITA RESERVE, SOUTHERN ARGENTINA

Anthropogenic change and primate predation risk: crested caracaras (<i>Caracara plancus</i>) attempt predation on mantled howler monkeys (<i>Alouatta palliata</i>)

“…The crested caracara ranges from the southern United States to Tierra del Fuego and the Faulkland Islands (Travaini et al, 2001;Henderson, 2002;Vargas et al, 2007). It is a medium-sized raptor in the falcon family (Falconidae), weighing approximately 1 kg and with a wingspan of 120-130 cm (Henderson, 2002).…”

“…It is a medium-sized raptor in the falcon family (Falconidae), weighing approximately 1 kg and with a wingspan of 120-130 cm (Henderson, 2002). While they are mostly known as a scavenging species, caracaras are opportunistic hunters that feed on a variety of invertebrate and vertebrate prey (Travaini et al, 2001;Vargas et al, 2007), and may in fact consume more fresh meat than carrion (Richmond, 1976). Mammals account for nearly one quarter of crested caracara prey (Vargas et al, 2007).…”

“…While they are mostly known as a scavenging species, caracaras are opportunistic hunters that feed on a variety of invertebrate and vertebrate prey (Travaini et al, 2001;Vargas et al, 2007), and may in fact consume more fresh meat than carrion (Richmond, 1976). Mammals account for nearly one quarter of crested caracara prey (Vargas et al, 2007). Although the majority of mammalian preys are rodents, caracaras are known to prey on larger animals, such as skunks and young rabbits (Henderson, 2002).…”

Diversidade e uso do habitat por rapinantes diurnos em uma área protegida do Cerrado, sudeste do Brasil

“…Studies carried out in South America confirmed its high predation upon invertebrates (Travaini et al, 2001;Vargas et al, 2007) and the offer of some of these prey items during November's survey might have been the main cause of this abundance peak. Due to rain volume, a lot of invertebrates, fossorial species and amphibians were more active, and consequently, easily seen and captured.…”

“…The fact that C. plancus had almost constant number of records during two morning periods (four hours) and M. chimachima during all morning could also be the consequence of the prey they feed on. Both raptors frequently feed upon invertebrates and, sometimes, even fruits (Travaini et al, 2001;Galleti & Guimarães-Junior, 2004;Vargas et al, 2007;Sazima, 2007). These can be considered low energy items for both species and could directly affect time spent foraging, once all species should efficiently exploit available resources (Emlen, 1966).…”