In a true surprise for visitors and locals in the area, a family of **cauquenes in Lago Puelo** appeared. They were seen near the native forest area in the southern sector of the national park.
This **wildlife sighting** impressed because these animals usually inhabit more remote areas. The authorities of the **National Parks Administration (APN)** showed concern and requested not to approach or interact.
## Cauquenes in Lago Puelo: why their appearance is concerning
The appearance of a family of cauquenes in Lago Puelo generated surprise and concern. They usually inhabit **more remote areas**.
The situation was reported by a **group of tourists** touring the park and alerted the park rangers. According to initial reports, the family of cauquenes seems to be in good health, but their presence near the **tourist trails raised concerns**.
Park authorities asked the community and visitors **not to approach the animals or try to interact with them**.
Furthermore, they reminded that **Lago Puelo National Park** is a protected area, and therefore, it is crucial for tourists to respect environmental regulations to **preserve the region’s biodiversity**.
## Recommendations
In this regard, a series of recommendations are provided to visitors:
– Stay on the **marked trails**
– Avoid direct contact with animals
– In case of sightings, **alert the park rangers** so they can take necessary measures.
It is worth mentioning that Lago Puelo National Park is home to a rich biodiversity, including various species of migratory birds like cauquenes, which find in its lakes and **forests a vital refuge**.
Protecting these species is crucial to **ensure the stability of local ecosystems**.
## This is the cauquén, a protected species
The **cauquenes or avutardas** (*Genus Chloephaga*) are species related to ducks, native to South America.
The colorados, gray-headed, and common ones are migratory birds that move in April and May from their breeding areas in southern Patagonia of Chile and Argentina to wintering areas. These are provinces like **Buenos Aires, Río Negro, and La Pampa**.
The three species are mainly threatened by:
– Loss of their natural habitat.
– Sport hunting, called “avutardas hunting,” mainly carried out by foreigners from Europe and the United States.
– **Modification of their breeding areas** and the introduction of exotic species; these migratory species have seen a drastic decrease in their population numbers in recent decades.
– The persecution of cauquenes with planes causes great fatigue and, in some cases, death.
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