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In a ten-year study of the huemul (Hippocamelus bisulcus) population at Torres del Paine National Park in southern Patagonia, we covered a wide range of information regarding the ecology of this endanger deer. We determined the huemul social structure, social behavior, reproductive season, and associated movements throughout the year. Huemuls were observed in the park central area of Sector Grey. When animals were located, natural marks or scars, coloring of body and face, and antler characteristics were used to identify them. We also ear tagged sixteen fawns from 2002 to 2008. Behavioral information was collected from all members with focal observations. We found established and transient social groups. Among the established we found family groups, solo female, and solo male, and among the transient we found solo female, solo male, solo yearling, pair of yearlings, and mixed groups. Family groups were observed throughout the year since they remained in the same area. We observed the first mating of marked females at about 16 months of age. We were not able to determine male age of their first mating, since they left the study site as yearlings. Females gave birth from late October to mid-November. The home range varied from 269 to 336 ha for the established family group. Huemul movements were associated with seasons and reproduction cycles, which also implies group changes. During the rut, some transient solo males tried to move into home ranges of established family groups. During the birthing season, pregnant females remained alone for short periods of time, while yearlings were temporarily expelled from their natal group but remained within the home range, thus sometimes the three members of the group were seen alone. These critical periods increased antagonism among huemuls, generating changes in their group structure. Movements associated with huemul in the park consisted of movements within the home range, seasonal movements, dispersion of the yearlings, and movements during the reproductive period.

Between September 2001 and September 2002, Ultima Esperanza fjord and Señoret Channel were surveyed, sailing from Puerto Natales. Information on abundance, structure and distribution of aquatic and land birds observed during the sail is presented. We found 30 species of aquatic birds and 3 land birds.: 1 In Danger, 3 Vulnerables and 1 Insufficiently known. Our analysis shows that these fjords contained one of the biggest winter abundance of birds of the region and is a nesting area for many species. Furthermore, we proposed that the fjord constitute a core area for aquatic birds in summer when fresh water lagoons and ponds get dry. Finally, we make special reference to the need to implement a management plan in the area.Key words: Sea birds, land birds, Southern fjords, aquatic birds, conservation, marine park, subantarctic, Magallanes RESUMEN El fiordo Última Esperanza y canal Señoret forman un ecosistema marino cuya característica biótica esencial es la presencia de una rica fauna vertebrada. Hasta el momento no se habían realizado catastros, estudios o registros sistemáticos de las especies que allí habitan. En el presente trabajo, se reportan los primeros antecedentes referidos al tamaño, estructura y distribución estacional de las principales poblaciones de aves presentes en estos sectores. Los datos fueron tomados entre septiembre de 2001 y septiembre de 2002. Se registró la presencia de 30 especies de aves acuáticas y 3 terrestres (asociadas al área). De la avifauna registrada, 5 especies han sido consideradas con problemas de conservación a nivel nacional: 1 En Peligro (coscoroba), 3 Vulnerables (cóndor, cisne de cuello negro, flamenco chileno)

There is no better approach in the study of social behavior of a species than recognizing individuals. For the similar looking animals as in the huemul (Hippocamelus bisulcus), were we could only differentiate between sexes and ages, marking became a critical need. In a long-term study of the huemul at Torres del Paine National Park, Chile, we wanted to recognize individuals as young as fawns, hence we adopted the technique learned from Franklin and Johnson (1994) to trap fawns during the birthing season. Teams looked-up for females suspected to have given birth to find the location of the hidden fawn. Once the fawn was located we proceeded to trap and mark it. In this way 16 fawns were trapped, measured, and ear-tagged. These animals were key for a better understanding of several aspects of the ecology of the huemul at that park. Key Words:Hippocamelus bisulcus, huemul fawns, marking, Chilean Patagonia. ResumenUna de las mejores formas para el estudio del comportamiento social de una especie, es el reconocimiento de los individuos. Para los animales de aspecto similar, como en el huemul (Hippocamelus bisulcus), donde sólo se puede diferenciar entre sexos y edades, el marcar individuos se convierte en una necesidad crítica. En un estudio a largo plazo del huemul realizado en el Parque Nacional Torres del Paine, Magallanes, Chile, el reconocimiento de individuos tan jóvenes como cervatillos resultó ser de suma importancia, por lo tanto, se adoptó la técnica aprendida de Franklin y Johnson (1994 ) para atrapar cervatillos durante la temporada de nacimientos. Equipos de investigadores buscaron y observaron hembras de las que se sospechaba haber parido, para así lograr la ubicación del cervatillo oculto. Una vez que se encontró el cervatillo se procedió a atraparlo, medirlo y marcarlo. De esta manera se atraparon, midieron y marcaron con auto-crotales a 16 cervatillos. Estos animales marcados fueron clave para una mejor comprensión de varios aspectos de la ecología del huemul en ese parque. Palabras Clave:Hippocamelus bisulcus, cervatillos de huemul, marcaje, Patagonia Chilena.