A pioneering rewilding project is translocating 15 Darwin’s rheas from Argentina to Chile to restore grasslands and enhance species recovery. This initiative, the first international effort in the Southern Cone, involves careful monitoring and cooperation among ecological organizations. The project aims to study bird behavior while addressing habitat degradation due to human activities.
A rewilding initiative involving multiple organizations aims to translocate 15 Darwin’s rheas from Argentina to Chile. This initiative marks the first international effort to relocate a wild population of these birds within the Southern Cone of South America. Collaborators include Rewilding Argentina, Rewilding Chile, Tompkins Conservation, and local forestry and agricultural services. The birds will be moved approximately 55 miles (90 km) across the border from Patagonia Park in Argentina to Patagonia National Park in Chile.
Known locally as ñandús in Chile and choiques in Argentina, Darwin’s rheas can grow up to 1.10 meters tall and weigh as much as 20 kg. These native birds of the Patagonian Steppe play a crucial role in maintaining vibrant grasslands through their seed dispersal activities. Unfortunately, their habitats in the Aysén region of Chile have been severely degraded due to a century of overgrazing and hunting, leading to threats against the species and the destruction of their nests.
The objective of this translocation is to support the regeneration of grasslands in Chile, thus promoting the recovery of the rhea population. Moreover, researchers will monitor the birds to observe their behavioral patterns and territorial use through GPS tracking, enhancing the understanding of their ecology. International rewilding projects, though rare, are deemed essential for preventing extinction and restoring habitats, marking a significant step towards cross-border cooperation.
In response to avian flu concerns, the selected birds from healthy populations in Argentina underwent veterinary assessments and a quarantine process both prior to and upon arrival in Chile. Initially, they will be housed in holding pens to acclimatize before their eventual release into the wild.
Kris Tompkins, President of Tompkins Conservation, stated, “Today we’ve hit a historic milestone for rewilding. If we want to reverse the mass extinction crisis, international cooperation is going to be essential. I’m very proud of the work of our offspring organisations, and hope to say that this action broadens our expectations in restoring nature, because nature knows no borders.”
The translocation of Darwin’s rheas from Argentina to Chile represents a significant step in international conservation efforts. By aiding the grassland ecosystem and studying the habits of these birds, the project aims to promote their population recovery and enhance ecological understanding. This initiative exemplifies the necessity of cross-border collaboration in wildlife conservation, illustrating how international cooperation can combat extinction and revitalize habitats.
Original Source: www.discoverwildlife.com
