The release of Miní, a wild jaguar translocated, brings hope to the scarce jaguar population in El Impenetrable, composed only of dispersing males and destined for extinction. Miní, born free in Iberá National Park, is the first wild jaguar translocated and released for conservation purposes worldwide.
Miní has joined two other females released in El Impenetrable National Park to try to recover the species in the Gran Chaco. In recent years, the presence of less than ten surviving jaguars in the Argentine Gran Chaco has been confirmed, all males.
The efforts to boost the jaguar population in El Impenetrable began in 2018 when a park ranger discovered the tracks of a solitary male, Qaramta. Faced with the lack of females, the crossing of Qaramta with captive females from the Yaguareté Reintroduction Center of Iberá Park was achieved, producing cubs that were released into the wild. Attracted by the presence of females, other wild males arrived, but with no records of wild females for over 35 years, the recovery of the species was impossible.
To reverse this situation, in 2024, Rewilding Argentina, the National Parks Administration, and the province of Chaco released two female jaguars in El Impenetrable, one born in captivity, daughter of Qaramta, and another rescued in Paraguay. The reintroduction of females is key to recovering the populations of the main predator in South America in this unique dry forest.
According to Sebastián Di Martino, Director of Conservation at Rewilding Argentina, “Argentina is very proud to release the first jaguar born in the wild that has been translocated for release. Today’s action will help transform an almost extinct population into a healthy breeding population and draw attention to the need to expand protected areas.”
Jaguar Mini El Impenetrable
In Argentina, the situation of jaguars is critical, with fewer than 200 individuals in fragmented populations. The reintroduction in Corrientes has been successful in restoring the wetlands of Iberá, where nature-based tourism has become a central element of the local economy. The collaboration between Corrientes, Chaco, and the National Parks Administration has been crucial to implement a solution.
Cristian Larsen, President of the National Parks Administration, stated: “With Miní’s release, we mark another milestone in the history of jaguar conservation. We work to achieve species reintroduction in places where they were extinct and protect biodiversity through active management.”
Miní’s freedom in El Impenetrable
Kristine Tompkins, President of Tompkins Conservation, congratulated Argentina and added: “The Gran Chaco is a vital ecosystem shared by four South American countries. I hope Miní’s journey attracts global attention to the challenges facing both people and wildlife in the Chaco.”
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