Incubation pattern of endangered Chubut Steamerduck (Tachyeres leucocephalus) and environmental features: implications for conservation

Abstract Information of incubation behavior and factors that shape it is important for species which incubation is monoparental and of conservation concern. We assessed incubation pattern of a noteworthy endangered southern South America marine duck species (Tachyeres leucocephalus) in Northern San Jorge Gulf as their core breeding area during 2015, 2016 and 2018. We described the laying and incubation period, characterized nest incubation strategy, and determined the influence of environmental features on its incubation strategy considering that weather conditions have an effect on incubation pattern. Our data showed an upward trend of length of recesses with a downward trend on nest attendance as ambient temperature increases. In this sense, no wonder that during the cooler breeding season of 2015, females of Chubut Steamerducks have spent more time on the nest; in contrast to the warmer spring of 2016 where females have had more and longest recesses, spending less time on the nest. This study is the only one available describing Chubut Steamerduck’s incubation rhythm, and presenting quantified measures of incubation pattern. Our research provides valuable baseline information and contributes to increase knowledge on previously unknown life history features of this flightless, endemic, and vulnerable waterfowl species on the core of its narrow distribution range. It would be important and essential that this information be included on the Interjurisdictional Marine Park management plan, assuring an effective implementation.