Last Saturday, a new edition of **Ambiente en Foco** began, the event organized by **Ambiente Sur** at the **Centro de Interpretación del Estuario de Río Gallegos**, as part of the **Month of the Macá Tobiano**.
This celebration, which runs throughout August, aims to raise awareness about one of the most emblematic and threatened birds of Patagonia, through **talks, walks, workshops, and free educational activities**.
## The Macá Tobiano: symbol of Santa Cruz’s aquatic environments ##
The **Macá Tobiano (Podiceps gallardoi)** is an exclusive diving bird from Santa Cruz, discovered by science in 1974. Its current population is estimated at just **750 mature individuals**, placing it in **critical danger of extinction**.
Its annual migratory cycle includes:
– **Winter in southern estuaries**, such as the estuary of Río Gallegos
– **Breeding in high-altitude lagoons** in the northwestern plateau of Santa Cruz, starting in August
This pattern makes it a **key indicator of the health of the provincial aquatic ecosystems**.
## Activities to learn, care for, and share ##
The activities take place from **Wednesday to Sunday, from 2 pm to 6 pm**, and include:
– Interpretive tours of the estuary
– Bird watching and drawing workshops
– Production of environmental content
– Talks on threats such as invasive species, habitat modification, and climate change
“We want people to get to know the nature of the place and be able to take care of it,” said **Ludmila Bravo**, a municipal tourism guide.
## A network of institutions committed to conservation ##
The Month of the Macá Tobiano is the result of an **interinstitutional articulation** involving:
– Ambiente Sur
– Aves Argentinas
– Fundación Flora y Fauna Argentina
– CONICET
– Administración de Parques Nacionales
– Government of Santa Cruz, through the Secretaría de Ambiente
This joint effort seeks to **ensure the continuity of the species** and **strengthen community commitment to local biodiversity**.
## Thirteen years showcasing a living treasure of Patagonia ##
Each edition of Ambiente en Foco is an opportunity to:
– **Spread the ecological value of the Macá Tobiano**
– **Promote respect for the ecosystems of Santa Cruz**
– **Involve new generations in the defense of the natural environment**
“The continuity of its existence depends on the knowledge, respect, and commitment of the new generations,” emphasize the organization.
## Open invitation to the community ##
The community is invited to **participate, share, and spread** this celebration that for **thirteen years has focused on the conservation of a unique species**.
The **Macá Tobiano** not only represents the **Patagonian biodiversity** but also the **urgent challenge of protecting our ecosystems**.
