The loss of wildlife is one of the problems that cause biodiversity deterioration. In Argentina, a recent report revealed that one of the main causes is animal roadkill.
Generally, this happens on roads that cross protected natural areas. This mainly occurs in the northern part of the country. Only in Misiones (specifically in the northern province), it is estimated that over 5000 individuals die each year.
Mainly, it is due to people not respecting the established and signposted speed limits, as indicated by the Argentine Wildlife Foundation.
Loss of wildlife: the problem of roadkill
This issue not only represents a risk to wildlife but also to people’s safety. That’s why the organization started implementing a series of communication actions and awareness campaigns.
“For a long time, at Vida Silvestre, we have been implementing various actions and participating in campaigns trying to combat this issue. We develop and distribute stickers, broadcast radio messages, install signs, run social media campaigns, and organize talks to raise awareness about roadkill,” Lucía Lazzari, coordinator of the NGO’s forest program, stated.
“Additionally, we support and participate in monitoring bridges and culverts as alternative wildlife crossings to identify possible adjustments or improvements,” she added.
The planned actions are focused on the Iguazú Falls region and include the dissemination of messages on local radio stations in Puerto Iguazú, public signage, social media, and press actions.
Record fine for running over a jaguar
In this context, it is worth remembering that recently, a tourism company in Iguazú paid a record fine for running over a jaguar.
At the beginning of the month, on October 2nd, a dead specimen was found on National Route No. 12. The driver of a Caracol Internacional van turned himself in, and they decided to pay a fine of $20 million to the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Misiones.
The incident not only represented the loss of an endangered specimen, as there are less than 250 in Argentina, but also exposed a lack of environmental responsibility in tourism.