Development of behavioral studies in Chile between 1984 and 1998 - Commentary

The development and the current state of behavioral studies in Chile was an alyzed considering articles on Chilean fauna published between 1984 and 199 8 (203 articles). The number of articles on the subject of animal behavior has increased significantly along the period studied, indicating an increas ing interest on this research. However, the international impact of Chilean research has been comparatively low. Proposals to stimulate the developmen t of this research area in Chile are: i) that main research universities in Chile recruit well-trained behavioral ecologists. This will have immediate impact by increasing the number of courses in animal behavior, which will attract a new generation of biology students into this area, promoting the persistence and growth of the Chilean Ethological Society, and stimulating research in animal behavior; and ii) that Chilean scientists working in ani mal behavior establish academic links with foreign colleagues specifically trained in this area.