The Center for Wildlife Conservation (CCVS) in San Luis recently received three specimens of native fauna: a long-eared owl, a giant armadillo, and a common pauraque, all characteristic of the provincial ecosystems.
Currently, the animals are in quarantine for health reasons, undergoing veterinary evaluation with the aim of ensuring their comprehensive recovery.
Specific Feeding and Personalized Care
The technical team at CCVS prioritizes providing appropriate nutrition for each specimen.
For example, the common pauraque (Hydropsalis torquata), a swift nocturnal bird, feeds on insects such as beetles, butterflies, mosquitoes, and moths. This approach helps restore their health and prepare them for a potential reintegration into their natural habitat.
Biodiversity and Ecological Balance: the Value of Native Fauna
Protecting wildlife is essential for maintaining ecological balance. Native animals contribute to:
- Plant pollination
- Seed dispersal
- Control of insect and rodent populations
- Soil health and ecosystem stability
Conservation benefits not only nature but also human well-being and the prevention of zoonotic diseases.
Getting to Know the Species: Behavior and Distribution
Three protagonists of San Luis wildlife with ecological and cultural roles.
- Giant Armadillo (Chaetophractus vellerosus): the small hairy armadillo is the smallest armadillo species, with six movable bands and nocturnal and digging habits. It lives in semi-arid environments of the Gran Chaco and the Monte, feeding on insects, carrion, and vegetation.
- Common Pauraque: a migratory bird with camouflaged plumage, it travels up to 6,800 km. It rests on the ground during the day and catches insects in flight at night. In indigenous cultures, it is considered a spiritual symbol of nature.
- Long-eared Owl (Asio clamator): a medium-sized owl with excellent hearing and night vision. It preys on rodents, small birds, and insects, and its silent flight makes it an efficient predator. It is territorial and vocal, especially during the breeding season.
Active Citizenship: Key to Conservation
The recent admissions to CCVS were made possible thanks to citizen collaboration, which through reports and complaints enabled the rescue of specimens affected by illegal trafficking, pet keeping, or accidents. This commitment shows that wildlife protection is a shared responsibility.
“Our role is crucial. Every action counts in preserving the biodiversity of San Luis,” highlight those from the environmental department.
