In a key event for the region, the Entidad Binacional Yacyretá (EBY) initiated a pilot plan for the reintegration of wild animals born in captivity due to the reservoir.
After 43 years of work, this milestone marks a before and after in the conservation of species and the protection of biodiversity.
This plan is part of a cycle that began with the creation of the Refugio Faunístico Atinguy, in the natural reserve of Ayolas, Paraguay.
On Thursday, more than 10 animals were released.
Thus, “a process begins to return to nature descendants of the animals that originally inhabited the areas affected by the reservoir of the Hydroelectric Power Plant,” explained from EBY.
Reintegration of wild animals in Paraguay: species returning to nature
The selection of these species responds to a precise conservation strategy, prioritizing specimens of high ecological value and in danger of extinction.
Their release is a tangible hope for the biodiversity of the area.
The release took place at the Centro Administrativo Isla, in Ayolas, and was supervised by entity counselors, highlighting the institutional importance of this event.
The first released animals include:
- Two specimens of marsh deer (guasu puku), a species in danger of extinction.
- A pair of mytu (mountain turkey), also in danger of extinction.
- One male and two females of capybaras.
- One male and three females of rheas.
- A pair of deer.
- One specimen of tayra, which was rescued injured and underwent the corresponding treatment.
In particular, the release of the marsh deer has an extraordinary impact.
Their reproduction at the Refugio Faunístico Atinguy is an unprecedented achievement worldwide and represents a transcendental contribution to the preservation of this endangered species.
The Faunistic Refuge Atinguy: four decades of science and conservation
This milestone in the reintegration of wild animals is the culmination of over four decades of scientific work and fulfills the foundational objectives of the Faunistic Refuge Atinguy.
This sustained effort demonstrates a long-term commitment.
José Alvarenga, Head of the Environment Sector at Yacyretá, emphasized the importance of the moment: “Today is a historic day, after 40 years we are carrying out the reintroduction of species into our reserves, it is a day of celebration.”
Alvarenga also extended his recognition to the director, the Board of Directors, and especially to the technical staff, whose commitment made this scientific achievement possible.
With this event, the three objectives of the refuge are completed:
- The initial rescue of the fauna;
- the breeding in captivity of their descendants, and;
- the reintroduction to their natural habitats, thus closing a cycle of comprehensive conservation.
Yacyretá is a pioneer in the breeding of species such as the jaguar, the marsh deer (guasu puku), the mountain turkey, and the broad-snouted caiman.
It highlights its success with the maned wolf, whose reproduction was achieved for the second consecutive year, an unprecedented milestone in the world and a historical legacy.
After the release, work continues with a new crucial phase to ensure the adaptation of the animals to their new environment.
