The conflict of the Nordelta capybaras remains more relevant than ever and today escalates to a new stage with a historic judicial ruling that redefines the care of this native species in the area.
Recently, Judge Guillermo Ottaviano, head of the Civil and Commercial Court No. 13 of San Isidro, issued a precautionary measure aimed at protecting the capybaras.
This measure halted the construction works in Nordelta and prohibited the controversial chemical castrations proposed months ago by the Secretary of Tourism, Environment, and Sports of the Nation, Daniel Scioli.
The novelty responds to the complaint of the civil association “Callejero Casa Quiere” with the aim of guaranteeing the preservation of the species and its environment.
This precautionary measure also sets a precedent on the protection of native fauna in the area.
Nordelta Capybaras: details of the precautionary measure aimed at protecting them
Firstly, the Justice prohibited the chemical castration of these giant rodents, a project announced months ago by Scioli following the complaints of the residents of the private neighborhood.
At the time, the official proposed relocating the capybaras and carrying out a mass castration due to the complaints of some residents of the area.
Thus, the use of contraceptive injections and any other population control method for capybaras is prohibited.
In addition, the precautionary measure recalls that this species is protected by Decree Law 10081/83 of the province of Buenos Aires and the National Law on flora and fauna.
On the other hand, Judge Ottaviano also ordered the immediate cessation of any activity that could harm the wetlands of the Paraná Delta and the local fauna, including ongoing works.
This suspension will remain in place until an Accumulative Environmental Impact Study is presented.
Finally, the judge prohibited the carrying out of fumigations that may harm the environment and biodiversity, thus protecting both the capybaras and the entire ecosystem of the area.
Capybaras vs. Nordelta: what’s happening
This judicial ruling arises in response to the persistent conflict generated by Nordelta’s expansion over the natural wetlands.
The irony of the conflict lies in the fact that the original inhabitants, the capybaras, are now seen as “invaders” in the midst of a crusade by some neighbors that even clashes with the family of Eduardo Costantini, creator of Nordelta and a lover of mammals.
Local organizations reported that, in the last six months, at least 46 capybaras died.
The causes include deforestation, run-overs, and the installation of fences that hinder their free movement.
Therefore, Scioli was promoting a plan to control the population with contraceptives and create a biological corridor.
However, the justice determined that these actions cannot proceed without a prior environmental study to support them.
The other side of the neighbors: those who protect the Nordelta capybaras
Citizen action was key in this resolution. The Civil Association “Callejero Casa Quiere” filed the complaint, while the group “La Voz de los Carpinchos“ played a central role in the defense.
This latter group is made up of residents of Nordelta itself and neighbors from nearby neighborhoods.
In this regard, the association’s lawyer, María de las Victorias González Silvano, clarified that the measure is immediately enforceable, although the private neighborhood has a period to appeal.
Currently, the organizations defending the capybaras demand a comprehensive solution to achieve sustainable coexistence with them. Their demands include:
- The restoration of the affected natural habitat.
- The creation of biological corridors and safe wildlife crossings.
