In the Los Alerces National Park, located in Chubut and declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, specialists confirmed the presence of the alerce frog (Batrachyla fitzroya) after the fires that affected the Isla Grande of Lake Menéndez.
This micro-endemic amphibian, exclusive to that island, is in a Vulnerable conservation status, and its post-fire detection represents a milestone for Patagonian biodiversity.
Post-fire monitoring
Herpetologists and park rangers conducted surveys to assess the impact of fire on flora and fauna. During these tasks, they managed to detect the species again, confirming its persistence in the affected area. This finding opens the door to new studies on:
- The impact on its populations.
- The resilience of its habitat.
- The need to strengthen conservation measures.
A unique amphibian
The alerce frog honors with its name the alerce or lahuán forest, a millenary tree that can exceed 2,600 years of age.
Its breeding sites are found in the moist forest floor and lake shores, making it especially vulnerable to environmental changes.
Iconic species of Los Alerces National Park
The protected area preserves ecosystems of the Valdivian rainforest and hosts unique species:
- Alerce or lahuán (Fitzroya cupressoides): a tree up to 60 meters tall and over 2,600 years old.
- Alerce frog: an amphibian exclusive to Isla Grande of Lake Menéndez.
- Huemul: an Andean deer critically endangered.
- Pudú: the world’s smallest deer.
- Gato huiña: a wild feline inhabiting the region’s temperate forests.
Ecological importance of the Park
Los Alerces National Park protects over 80,000 hectares of watershed and nine pristine freshwater lakes. Its vital functions include:
- Water regulation: prevents flooding in cities like Rosario and Funes.
- Biological corridor: maintains the biodiversity of the Valdivian rainforest and Patagonian Andean forest.
- Water reserve: supplies local communities with high-quality resources.
- Animal protection: a refuge for endangered species.
A pact with nature
The confirmation of the alerce frog after the fires is a reminder of the resilience of wildlife, but also of its fragility. The conservation of Los Alerces National Park is essential to ensure the survival of unique species and to preserve an ecosystem that combines natural history, biodiversity, and cultural heritage.
The discovery of the alerce frog on Isla Grande of Lake Menéndez reaffirms the importance of scientific monitoring and the protection of natural areas against threats like fires.
This amphibian, along with the millenary alerces and other iconic species, makes Los Alerces National Park a sanctuary of life that demands collective commitment for its conservation.
