Experts from Entre Ríos and various organizations released 23 yellow cardinals in a private nature reserve in the north of San Luis. This action is part of an effort to protect this threatened species, declared a Provincial Natural Monument in Entre Ríos by Law No. 11,078.
The operation began last October in Villa Paranacito, Islas del Ibicuy department, where personnel from the Argentine Naval Prefecture (PNA) and the Directorate of Natural Resources and Inspection of Entre Ríos identified a van transporting birds in overcrowded conditions to Uruguay. Among the species found were 95 yellow cardinals and 20 Bolivian siskins, leading to an immediate intervention authorized by the local Federal Court.
The birds were taken to the Parque Perico Wildlife Refuge, in the Uruguay department, where they received care for five months. In March, a new rehabilitation stage began in collaboration with the Temaikén Foundation, which included DNA studies to determine the origin of the cardinals.
The analyses confirmed that the cardinals came from the province of San Luis. Based on this information, and thanks to the coordinated work between the governments of Entre Ríos, San Luis, and Buenos Aires, along with organizations like the Temaikén Foundation, Aves Argentinas, and the Yellow Cardinal Alliance, their release in a protected area was carried out.
Protection programs for the yellow cardinal
The yellow cardinal (Gubernatrix cristata) is a species in danger of extinction due to illegal capture and habitat loss. This release represents a significant step in the efforts to ensure its conservation and restore its populations in the wild.
According to experts, over the last 40 years, the population of these birds has significantly decreased, as the current population is estimated to be between 1,500 and 3,000 individuals globally. This is due to the value that this species holds as a cage bird because of its beautiful plumage, making it one of the most sought-after animals in illegal wildlife trade.
For this reason, places like Ecoparque, the Temaikén Foundation, or the Aves Argentinas Association work with different organizations to help conserve these animals, creating spaces for breeding to later reintroduce them into their natural habitat.
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