| Range Description: |
Rhea pennata occurs in three subspecies: pennata in south Chile, west-central and south Argentina, with an introduced population in north Tierra del Fuego; tarapacensis in north Chile; and garleppi in south Peru, south-west Bolivia and north-west Argentina. The nominate subspecies inhabits shrub-steppe and grassland of floodplains, up to 1,500 m, generally breeding in upland areas with bunch-grass. The northern subspecies are found in desertic salt puna, pumice flats, upland bogs and tola (Lepidophyllum) heath in altiplano at 3,000-4,500 m, down to 1,500 m in the south. All populations have declined markedly and the northern subspecies are in serious danger of extinction2. The combined population of tarapacensis and garleppi is estimated at several hundred birds, with the healthiest populations in Argentina (densities at two sites of 2-5 birds/km2)1. In 1983, the Peruvian population was estimated at 18 individuals, with very low numbers in north Chile (principally in Lauca National Park3) and on the altiplano in Bolivia. There is still extensive persecution, particularly around Andean mining centres, and egg-collection by Aymará Indians1. In the northern part of its range, it is hunted for meat and feathers and, in some areas, immature individuals are domesticated and bred4,5,6. The principal threat to pennata is habitat conversion to farmland or pastures for cattle-grazing2. CITES Appendix I (except nominate race, which is on Appendix II).
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Decreasing
