For the first time in the center of the country, a maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) will be continuously monitored throughout the day. It is a female approximately three years old that received a satellite collar in the Ansenuza National Park, in Córdoba.
The project, driven by Aves Argentinas, the National Parks Administration, and the Córdoba Environment Secretariat, will allow tracking its movements for a full year. The information will be key to understanding how it moves, what areas it uses, and what it feeds on, providing unprecedented data for the region.
Ecological Importance
The maned wolf is the largest canid in South America, a characteristic inhabitant of grasslands and wetlands. It plays an essential role as a seed disperser and regulator of small mammal populations. Its presence indicates well-preserved environments and, due to its wide movements, it is considered an umbrella species: protecting it implies conserving large habitat areas and other associated species.
Additionally, it is known as the “ghost of the grasslands” due to its nocturnal and elusive habits. In Guarani folklore, it is associated with territory protection, reinforcing its cultural value.
The Procedure
To place the collar, the technical team used trap cages designed to capture the animal without harming it. Health checks, sample collection, and general measurements were conducted, after which it was released at the same site. The collars do not interfere with its natural behavior.
According to Augusto Distel, territorial technician of the Córdoba Lands Program, this opportunity will allow studying key aspects such as reproductive behavior and breeding areas, as well as identifying priority conservation zones.
Conservation Status
The maned wolf is classified as “Vulnerable” in Argentina and “Near Threatened” globally, with an estimated population reduction of over 30%. Its main threats are:
- Habitat destruction due to agriculture.
- Road accidents.
- Illegal hunting due to false beliefs about its impact on livestock.
- Diseases transmitted by domestic dogs.
The species is protected by the National Wildlife Conservation Law, which prohibits its hunting and commercialization. Centers like CRET of Temaikèn conduct rescues, rehabilitation, and release of specimens.
Key Protection Areas
The Iberá National Park is one of the most important strongholds for the species in Argentina. Now, monitoring in Córdoba expands knowledge about its distribution and strengthens conservation strategies in the center of the country.
The satellite monitoring of the maned wolf in Córdoba marks a scientific and conservation milestone. The information obtained will allow improving coexistence with human activities and ensuring the protection of this symbol of Argentine grasslands and wetlands. Its preservation is crucial for maintaining the biodiversity and ecological balance of the region.
