A rewilding initiative involves the translocation of 15 Darwin’s rheas from Argentina to Chile, aiming to recover their population and enhance the ecosystem. This project signifies the first international effort to relocate this species within the Southern Cone and reflects a crucial step in cross-border cooperation for conservation. The birds underwent veterinary quarantine to ensure health safety during their relocation.
A significant rewilding initiative is currently underway, facilitating the translocation of 15 Darwin’s rheas (Rhea pennata) from Argentina to Chile. This project marks the inaugural international effort to relocate a wild population of this species within the Southern Cone of South America. Collaborating organizations, including Rewilding Argentina, Rewilding Chile, and Tompkins Conservation, alongside local forestry and agricultural authorities, are overseeing the movement of these birds across a distance of 55 miles (90 km) from Patagonia Park in Argentina to Patagonia National Park in Chile.
Darwin’s rheas, referred to as “ñandús” in Chile and “choiques” in Argentina, are native to the Patagonian Steppe and can reach heights of up to 1.10 meters and weigh as much as 20 kg. They play an essential role in maintaining healthy grasslands through effective seed dispersal. The habitats in the Aysén region of southern Chile, however, have experienced significant degradation due to a century of overgrazing and hunting, which has adversely impacted the ecosystem and posed a threat to the rheas.
The translocation aims to enhance the regeneration of grasslands by facilitating seed dispersal, providing hope for the recovery of the rhea population. Additionally, researchers plan to closely monitor the birds to deepen their understanding of the species’ ecological patterns and behaviors. The initiative seeks to observe their interactions and population dynamics through GPS tracking to analyze territory usage.
Such international rewilding projects are uncommon yet critical for mitigating extinction threats and rehabilitating affected habitats. This collaborative effort represents a pioneering move towards enhancing cross-border environmental cooperation.
To safeguard against avian flu, selected rheas underwent extensive veterinary assessments and quarantine, both prior to and upon arrival in Chile. Initially, they will reside in holding pens to acclimatize to their new environment before being released into the wild.
Kris Tompkins, the President of Tompkins Conservation, expressed pride in this groundbreaking milestone for rewilding, emphasizing the indispensable nature of international collaboration in reversing the mass extinction crisis. Tompkins remarked, “If we want to reverse the mass extinction crisis, international cooperation is going to be essential.”
The translocation of Darwin’s rheas from Argentina to Chile represents a significant stride in rewilding efforts, addressing habitat degradation and ecological balance in the region. By joining forces across borders, participating organizations aim to not only enhance the survival of the rheas but also promote the health of Patagonian grasslands, showcasing the vital role of cooperative conservation in combating extinction threats.
Original Source: www.discoverwildlife.com
