The Administrative Litigation Chamber of San Martín decided to halt new relocations of capybaras in Nordelta. In this way, the court set a limit on a measure that had been preliminarily authorized.
The decision revoked a previous authorization and established that no more relocations can be carried out until conclusive technical reports are available. Thus, the ruling reaffirmed the protected status of the species. Additionally, the court emphasized that any intervention must respect the logical order of environmental management.
Wildlife under legal protection
In their resolution, the judges emphasized that capybaras, identified as Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris, are protected wildlife in the province of Buenos Aires. Therefore, their removal can only be exceptional.
In this regard, they considered that the relocation applied as a pilot test was premature. They also noted that it proceeded without complete environmental assessments.
In this way, the Justice emphasized that the protection of biodiversity must prevail over quick solutions.
A measure questioned from its inception
The ruling also questioned that the initial authorization was executed while a pending appeal was still in process. Therefore, it warned about the risk of making irreversible decisions without firm support.
According to the magistrates, this procedure can cause environmental damage that is difficult to repair. Furthermore, it weakens the right to judicial review. Thus, the Chamber ordered to halt any new action until clear and verifiable data is available.
The environmental conflict in Nordelta
The case is part of an environmental restoration action linked to the urban growth of Nordelta. With the advancement of gated communities, artificial lagoons, and roads, the natural habitat was transformed rapidly.
As a result, the capybaras began to move through internal streets and residential areas. This contact generated traffic accidents, material damage, and neighborhood concern. However, the origin of the conflict is not the species, but the modification of the environment.
How the conflict with the capybaras originated
Before the real estate development, Nordelta was an extensive wetland area. There, capybaras coexisted with other animals in ecological balance.
With the advancement of construction, landfills, and enclosures, the natural spaces were fragmented. Then, the animals were surrounded by urbanizations and traffic routes.
Thus, the presence of capybaras in inhabited areas is the direct result of the loss and alteration of their original habitat.
Alternatives and future challenges
Environmental organizations and neighbors critical of the relocation propose non-invasive measures. Among them, ecological corridors, road signage, and speed controls stand out.
These strategies aim to reduce conflicts without displacing the wildlife. Additionally, they promote coexistence based on human adaptation to the natural environment.
Looking to the future, the ruling opens a broader debate on how to plan cities without expelling the species that already inhabited those territories.
