As part of its International Day (celebrated on August 5th), a flagship species of the Andean Patagonia that is in serious danger of extinction, a project for the conservation of the huemul was presented.
With less than 1500 individuals in Argentina and Chile, the animal is considered the most threatened deer species in the American continent, and its conservation has become an environmental priority.
In this context, the Rewilding Argentina Foundation presented an initiative to establish a huemul rearing station in Santa Cruz. They aim to add it to a binational network of centers that are already showing positive progress in the recovery of this key species for the Patagonian ecosystems.
The new initiative for huemul conservation in Argentina
The conservation director of Rewilding Argentina, Sebastián Di Martino, announced the project in an interview with the local media Ahora Calafate.
New project for huemul conservation.
As detailed, the objective is to replicate the successful breeding and reintroduction experiences that are already taking place in other parts of the region, such as the Huilo Huilo reserve in Chile, where there are already more than 40 huemules in the wild reproducing. They are even expanding towards Argentine territory.
Also in Chubut, in the areas of Lago La Plata and Lago Fontana, similar programs are being carried out. “We would like to start in Santa Cruz as well, to join this breeding network,” Di Martino stated. Additionally, he confirmed that they have already presented the initiative to the Provincial Agricultural Council.
Parque Patagonia, potential site for the new station
One of the possible scenarios for this new rearing station, as reported, is the Parque Patagonia, located in the northwest of Santa Cruz.
According to Di Martino, the place has an ecotone environment, a transitional zone between the forest and the steppe that historically was the huemul’s habitat and is now well protected and free from threats. “Restoration could start there,” he said.
One of the key points of the proposal is to reintroduce individuals not only in high mountain areas but also in transitional environments. This expands the possibilities of species recovery within its natural range.
The huemul situation in the region and the importance of preserving it
The protection of the huemul not only has a symbolic or regional value. In 2022, a study published in the scientific journal Ecography identified the huemul as one of the 20 key species for ecosystem restoration globally.
Its role as a native herbivore in the Patagonian environments is essential to maintain ecological balance.
“The loss of species like this destabilizes ecosystems, while their recovery can restore their ecological integrity,” highlights the research.
Furthermore, the species is considered a flagship of Patagonian biodiversity, meaning that its conservation has positive effects on the protection of multiple life forms sharing its habitat.
A concrete opportunity to reverse its decline
The huemul, endangered species.
Despite efforts in protected areas such as Los Glaciares National Park, huemul populations continue to decline. “In Lanín National Park, for example, it was created with huemules inside and today it no longer exists,” Di Martino lamented, reflecting the urgency of concrete actions.
Establishing a rearing station in Santa Cruz could be a decisive step to reverse this situation. “We are progressing, and hopefully sooner rather than later Santa Cruz can also join this species recovery,” he concluded.
