Guanacos return to Chaco after century of absence
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Conservationists in Argentina moved thirty guanacos, a South American camelid, from Santa Cruz province to El Impenetrable National Park in the Chaco region.
The project aims to restore the guanaco population in an area where it had drastically declined over the last century, and to help the Chaco ecosystems recover. The animals originated from Parque Patagonia, traveling around 3,000 kilometers to reach their new habitat.
Researchers carefully selected the guanacos from a healthy population in Patagonia, ensuring the transfer would not harm the original groups. They monitored populations and chose animals, primarily females, to maintain social structure in the relocated groups. The animals traveled in specially equipped trailers over two to three days, with staff monitoring their well-being. After arriving in El Impenetrable, the guanacos began adapting to the new environment, incorporating over 30 plant species into their diet.
Scientists are tracking their adjustment to assess the long-term success of the reintroduction, hoping the guanacos will establish a self-sustaining population and restore ecological processes in the Chaco region.
