Mammals Biodiversity Surveys: Aguada Pichana Este, Añelo, Neuquén, Argentina – 2022/2023/2024 – TotalEnergies E&P Austral B.V.

Study Extent

The survey was developed in three environmental units already detailed in the geographic coverage section.

Sampling

The survey was made mainly through the observation of direct and indirect evidence of mammals presence through transect. The number of transects defined for each environmental unit is the following: 5 for QYC, 4 for PA and 1 for BA. Each transect has a 500 m length and a 50 m width. These transects are identified for every sampling event in the column Location ID, where this information is summarised in a code, e.g: APE-PA-4, being APE the abbreviation for the site, then the abbreviation for the environmental unit (PA) and finally the transect number. Moreover, twenty (20) simple capture traps (Sherman type) were placed in locations that showed signs of the aforementioned faunal elements. For this purpose, baits including vanilla essence, oats, and sunflower seeds were used. Finally, two footprint tracking devices were set. The device consists of a small container with a scent bait, which attracts mammals, and by approaching the device the individuals leave the footprints in the ground which can then be used to identify the species.

Method steps

1. The proposed transects were traversed on foot by two observers, georeferencing the findings. Photographic cameras with interchangeable telephoto lenses and semi-reflex were used. Regarding the Sherman traps, they were set at the last hour of the day and checked in the morning hours. The rest of the daytime they remained deactivated to prevent the accidental capture of any element that, exposed to temperature conditions, could perish due to thermal stress or predation. In case of an effective capture, the specimen is handled for the shortest possible time, photographed, and quickly released. Both the simple capture traps and the captured individuals are handled with fleshing-type gloves and all relevant safety elements.

1. Chordata
   rank: phylum
2. Cetartiodactyla
   rank: order
3. Lagomorpha
   rank: order
4. Leporidae
   rank: family
5. Cingulata
   rank: order
6. Caviidae
   rank: family
7. Rodentia
   rank: order
8. Camelidae
   rank: family
9. Mammalia
   rank: class
10. Animalia
    rank: kingdom
11. Dasypodidae
    rank: family

The area in which the survey has been developed is part of an operational site of the oil and gas company Total Austral. The survey was developed in 3 environmental units from the site: Quebradas y Cañadones (QYC), which means ravines and canyons, Planicie Arbustiva (PA), which means bushy plain, and Bajada Aluvial (BA) which means lowland floodplain. These abbreviations are used to identify the locations of the transects surveyed. In the column Location Id, this information is summarised. The first abbreviation calls for the site: (in this study, all the observations will have APE. Then the environmental unit abbreviation and finally the number of transect. For example: APE-QYC-1