In the midst of the advance of deforestation and the weakening of environmental policies, a piece of news brightens the outlook: researcher Micaela Camino was honored by National Geographic and the Buffett Foundation for her conservation work in northern Argentina.
Camino is dedicated to protecting the Chaco forest and the Chacoan peccary, a native mammal in danger of extinction. Her approach is not limited to biology: it also includes defending the territorial rights of the communities that inhabit the region.
The researcher, who works in conjunction with local organizations, proposes a comprehensive view: the preservation of biodiversity cannot be separated from the social and cultural well-being of the peoples that depend on the forest to live.
The recognition, given to only one person per year in Latin America, highlights her sustained work in an adverse context, marked by the loss of funding for science and the environment.
Researcher Micaela Camino was honored by National Geographic and the Buffett Foundation for protecting the Chacoan peccary. Photo: Cadena 3.
The Dry Chaco: a forest crying for help
The Gran Chaco is the largest dry subtropical forest on the planet and one of the main ecoregions of South America. Despite its ecological value, it is also one of the most deforested areas in the world.
In this ecosystem, hundreds of species of flora and fauna coexist, many of them endemic. But it is also home to peasant and indigenous communities that depend on the forest to survive, both culturally and economically.
The loss of forest not only implies the loss of habitat for species like the Chacoan peccary, but also the alteration of key ecosystem services: climate regulation, soil conservation, and availability of freshwater.
Faced with this threat, the work of people like Camino becomes essential. Her work demonstrates that protecting nature is also about defending sustainable ways of life against extractive models that impoverish territories.
Chacoan peccary, also known as the Chacoan peccary. Photo: Wikipedia.
The Chacoan Peccary: guardian of the Chaco forest
The Chacoan peccary (Catagonus wagneri) is an emblematic species of the Chaco and one of the most threatened mammals in South America. Its appearance resembles that of a wild boar, with a robust body, dark fur, and thin legs that allow it to move through the dry underbrush.
It is an endemic species, meaning it does not inhabit any other place in the world. Its existence is deeply linked to the health of the Chacoan ecosystem, upon which it depends for food and reproduction.
The Chacoan peccary has diurnal habits and moves in small groups. It feeds on roots, cacti, and fruits, making it an important seed disperser. Its ecological role is key to maintaining the biodiversity of the forest.
Its main threat is the loss of habitat due to deforestation and territory fragmentation. Initiatives like the one led by Micaela Camino seek to preserve its populations through forest protection and collaborative work with the communities that still live with this unique species.
