Fifteen Darwin’s rheas were relocated from Argentina to Chile as part of a pioneering international rewilding project. This initiative aims to restore the grassland ecosystems in the Aysén region, which have been damaged due to overgrazing and hunting. The project includes health precautions for the birds and is expected to enhance understanding of species behaviors and cooperation in conservation efforts.
A significant rewilding initiative is underway in South America, involving the translocation of 15 Darwin’s rheas from Argentina to Chile. This initiative marks the first international relocation of a wild rhea population within the Southern Cone region, facilitated by partnerships among Rewilding Argentina, Rewilding Chile, and Tompkins Conservation, alongside local forestry and agricultural services. The birds will journey 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, can reach heights of 1.10 meters and weigh up to 20 kilograms. They are indigenous to the Patagonian Steppe and play a crucial role in the ecosystem by promoting healthy grasslands through seed dispersal. Unfortunately, the Aysén region in southern Chile has faced significant ecological degradation due to overgrazing and hunting, which has also jeopardized the rhea population.
The purpose of relocating these birds is to facilitate the regeneration of grasslands, thereby supporting the recovery of the rhea population. This move will also enable researchers to observe the birds’ behavioral patterns, habitat usage, and spatial ecology through GPS tracking. Such international rewilding projects, though rare, are vista as vital to combat extinction risks and restore natural habitats.
To mitigate concerns of avian flu, a comprehensive plan was implemented. The selected birds came from robust populations in Argentina and underwent thorough veterinary checks and quarantine procedures both before and after their relocation. Upon reaching Chile, they will be accommodated in holding pens to help them adapt to their new environment before they are set free into the wild.
Kris Tompkins, President of Tompkins Conservation, remarked on the achievement: “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 15 Darwin’s rheas from Argentina to Chile represents a groundbreaking step in international rewilding efforts aimed at restoring ecosystems. By fostering cross-border cooperation, this initiative seeks to combat habitat degradation and support the recovery of vulnerable species. With comprehensive health protocols in place, the project not only showcases a commitment to environmental restoration but also illuminates the importance of collaborative conservation strategies across nations.
Original Source: www.discoverwildlife.com
