The Bioparque de La Plata successfully released three native birds of prey: a striped owl (Asio clamator), a tropical screech owl (Megascops choliba), and a chimango caracara (Milvago chimango).
The specimens had been rescued by locals in different parts of the city and delivered to the facility for veterinary care and rehabilitation.
Recovery Processes
Each bird went through a specific protocol:
- Striped owl: entered in December 2025 in good general condition, although with a nail injury. It received clinical care and health monitoring.
- Tropical screech owl: arrived dehydrated and with a depressed sensorium, with a guarded prognosis. It required assisted feeding and constant monitoring until achieving progressive recovery.
- Chimango caracara: entered in January 2026 in good general condition, weighing 200 grams, and with developing plumage. It underwent comprehensive health evaluation and progressive strengthening.
After completing rehabilitation, behavioral evaluation, and confirmation of their suitability for life in the wild, the three specimens were released in a suitable environment.
Interdisciplinary Work
The release was made possible thanks to the joint work of the Veterinary Service, the Animal Behavior area, and the team of caregivers at the Bioparque. The institution reaffirmed its commitment to the conservation of native fauna and continuous improvement in the management of animals under human care.
Ecological Importance of Birds of Prey
Birds of prey play a key role in the environmental balance:
- Biological controllers: they regulate populations of rodents, pigeons, and insects, reducing the need for chemical poisons.
- Environmental indicators: being at the top of the food chain, they reflect the quality of the ecosystem.
- Urban biodiversity: species like mixed hawks and caracaras have adapted to the city of Buenos Aires, integrating into the local fauna.
- Conservation of threatened species: programs like the PCRAR (Program for the Conservation and Rescue of Birds of Prey) work on the rehabilitation of endangered species, such as the crowned eagle, and in the fight against illegal trafficking.
Education and Citizen Awareness
The initial rescue of these birds was made possible thanks to the collaboration of locals, demonstrating the importance of community participation in conservation. Every citizen action, such as notifying authorities of the presence of wildlife at risk, contributes to preserving biodiversity and strengthening the relationship between people and their natural environment.
Moreover, the release of birds of prey becomes an educational opportunity to raise awareness about the value of these species and the need to protect their habitats against threats such as loss of natural areas, illegal trafficking, and pollution.
The release of these three birds of prey in La Plata is an example of how collaboration between citizens and professionals can contribute to the conservation of biodiversity. Protecting these species means preserving the natural balance and ensuring they fulfill their ecological role in rural and urban environments.
