The recent confirmation of the birth of a jaguar cub in the wild in El Impenetrable National Park, in Chaco, marks a historic event: 35 years had passed since such an occurrence was recorded in this natural sanctuary. The discovery was made possible thanks to the constant work of conservation efforts and the unique conditions offered by this extensive protected territory.
The sighting occurred during a tour along the Bermejo River, when Nalá, one of the four females released in the area, was seen with a cub of about five months old. In the region, there are also three wild males, all monitored within the jaguar supplementation project carried out by the National Parks Administration and the Rewilding Argentina Foundation.
The objective of this plan is to restore the ecological functionality of the Chaco forest and increase the population of the species, declared a National Natural Monument. Reproduction in a wild state is an encouraging sign that management strategies are yielding concrete results.
The creation of the park in 2014 marked the beginning of a long process. Since then, key decisions have been made to protect the habitat, reduce threats, and establish a population base capable of supporting the return of the largest feline in America.
The natural sanctuary, an ideal refuge for the great feline
El Impenetrable covers more than 100,000 hectares, with a mosaic of forests, grasslands, and watercourses that provide shelter, food, and space for the jaguar’s movement. The area is rich in natural prey such as tapirs, deer, and peccaries, ensuring a suitable diet for the species.
Its low human population density, combined with constant surveillance, reduces the threats of poaching, a major cause of their decline in other regions. Anchoring reproductive males, such as Qaramtá, within this territory, was crucial to maintaining a stable core and avoiding dangerous displacements.
The park’s natural isolation also contributes to its role as a sanctuary. The large biological corridors allow individuals to move without crossing risky areas, while connectivity with other wild areas facilitates genetic exchange.
Challenges for conservation
Despite progress, poaching remains a looming threat, as recent incidents in neighboring provinces have shown. Maintaining balance requires not only actions within the park but also protection policies in surrounding areas.
The population reinforcement strategy, rather than total reintroduction, acknowledges the presence of males in the region. Incorporating females and ensuring their permanence is key for the population to grow naturally and steadily.
Currently, it is estimated that between six and seven individuals inhabit El Impenetrable. Nationally, populations are distributed in Misiones, the Yungas of Salta and Jujuy, Corrientes, and this sector of Chaco, totaling less than 300 individuals.
