16/05/2013

37,500-acre El Rincon Donated to Expand Perito Moreno National Park

BUENOS AIRES, MAY 16, 2013 – In an official ceremony with the Ministry of Tourism and the National Parks Administration, Conservacion Patagonica donated Estancia El Rincon to the national parks system of Argentina today. In the northwest area of the Santa Cruz Province, the 37,500-acre El Rincon will expand Perito Moreno National Park. El Rincon encompasses the Lácteo River Valley, which provides access to the dramatic—and still-unclimbed—south face of San Lorenzo, Patagonia’s second-highest peak.  Its granite walls and iconic pyramidal form make it the “Everest” of the region.

Doug Tompkins first visited El Rincon in 1992 to scout out routes on San Lorenzo’s south face, considered one of the greatest challenges of the Patagonian Andes.  He recalls his first encounter with this property: “I first visited Perito Moreno National Park in 1992, to scout the south face of Cerro San Lorenzo.  My plan was to return later to make a first attempt at this wall, the largest and possibly most challenging of all in the Patagonian Andes. We entered the park from the south and began making our way north toward the peak, crossing the Lácteo River Valley, which lies outside the park boundaries. To our surprise, we found that the most spectacular area of the zone, for some reason, had been excluded from the National Park. My climbing partners and I had a clear feeling that this property must be purchased and integrated into the National Park.  A year and a half later, I had the opportunity to buy Estancia El Rincón, which I did with the express intention of donating it someday into the national parks system.” Later, Doug donated the property to Conservacion Patagonica to oversee its protection, restoration, and eventual donation.

As Kris Tompkins said this morning, “This donation has been in the works for some time, largely because it took a long time to hammer out the details of future use and zoning within this new section of the park.  We finally feel secure that our vision for this land is permanently designated through the legal donation documents – and off it goes. It’s a great day for us.”

The expansion of Perito Moreno National Park follows in the footsteps of Conservacion Patagonica’s donation of the 155,000-acre Estancia Monte Leon to Argentine National Parks to establish Monte Leon National Park, as well as the Conservation Land Trust’s contribution of private lands to create Corcovado National Park in Chile.  This donation today represents a key milestone in our plan to contribute all our conservation properties into the national parks system of their respective countries.

We are thrilled to share this news and hope that one day you’ll have the opportunity to visit Perito Moreno National Park, surely one of Argentina’s most beautiful national parks.

3 Comments

Filed under Building the Park, Community, Ecosystem Restoration, Uncategorized

08/05/2013

Species Profile: Black-faced Ibis

Unmistakable and highly sociable, the black-faced ibis (Theristicus melanopis) has a strong presence in the future Patagonia National Park; during spring and summer hardly a day goes by without seeing a large colony of these birds. A relative of the heron, the black-faced ibis stands out with its long, thin and curved bill. While they are often seen moving to and from roosting sites on the ground, they can also be spotted flying at high altitudes.

Esthetically, the black-faced ibis has a somewhat shabby-elegant look: The legs are thin and dark pink, the face, neck and breast a golden/ochre hue. In a stark contrast to the top half, their under parts and tail are black, the wings light gray and wide in breadth. Across the upper breast runs a grey band like a sash or winter scarf. And, as the name suggests, the black-faced ibis is also characterized by black facial skin that surrounds its red eyes.

The black-faced ibis consist of two subspecies: branickii (found in the highlands of Peru, Ecuador, northern Chile and north-west Bolivia) where it lives year-round. The second, melanopis, is found in southern Chile and Argentina and they migrate in the non-breeding season to the Argentine pampas. Down south, you’ll most likely find the melanopis, slightly different in appearance with a longer beak and a black caruncle. Smallish but robust, it measures between 29-30 inches and tend to live in open areas, cultivated fields and damp ground near bodies of freshwater.

Amongst their large colonies, the black-faced ibis is a gregarious (and noisy!) creature; it’s not uncommon to find them nesting in mixed colonies with different aquatic birds. When it comes to mating, they are monogamous and their nests are usually located in tall trees and cliffs. Breeding is a mutual partnership—both sexes build the nest and after the female lays between 2-3 eggs, both parents incubate the eggs (for duration of one month).

Here at the future park, one is often startled out of a deep thought (or woken up) by their loud call, a distinctly metallic, bugle like sound. If not heard, they are often seen walking slowly and methodically, probing for food in the ground with their long beaks, searching for insects, worms, amphibians and occasionally, small rodents and birds. The black-faced ibis is a well-known and integral part of the park’s fauna and we hope it will continue to be for generations to come.

1 Comment

Filed under Wildlife

06/05/2013

Art Contests, Folk Dancing and Poetry: A Celebration of Autumn in Patagonia

By Dana De Greff

Our corner of Patagonia looks particularly picturesque in autumn, as poplar trees turn golden, lengas turn red, snow dusts the mountains and morning frost decorates the grasses. The season’s special beauty led Alejandra Bardavid, the head teacher at our project school at the future Patagonia National Park, to scheme up a new (and, we hope, long-lived) institution: the Valle Chacabuco family art competition.  Each family had to work together to create a scene of the valley in autumn and submit it to a panel of judges. As Ale explained, the goals included encouraging families to observe closely the natural world around them and teaching students the value of competition and the importance of winning or losing with dignity.

On Friday, April 19th, the school held a ceremony to announce the winners, and share dance, music, and poetry performances with the gathered community. Led by teachers Alejandra Bavarid, Carol Mesilla and Dana De Greff, the nine young scholars put on an impressive show in the large classroom, housed inside the historic former sheep-shearing shed. After the winners received their prizes, everyone discussed the paintings and took many photos—it turns out that all but one family depicted the scene out their window as their view of the park.

Second-grader Sara Allen Martínez Urra poses next to her family’s piece, which received an honorable mention for its use of crisp fall leaves and vivid coloring.

A close up!

Second place went to the Foitzick-Baigorria family, whose scene of ducks in a nearby lake drew attention.

Close up!

First place was awarded to the Rivera-Sepúlveda family for a realistic portrayal of guanacos munching on grass in front of the restaurant and kids pedaling furiously on bikes in the background.

Close up!

Young students and English teacher perform the song “I Have a Teddy Bear,” a new hit at the Valle Chacabuco school.

Older students recite a poem in their hand-crafted masks.

Teachers Carol Mansilla and Dana De Greff accompany the students in “Me Gusta La Vida” (“I Like Life”).

In traditional clothing from the island of Chiloé, boys (in wool hats and socks, jeans and flannel) and girls (in white blouses, long skirts and scarfs) perform a folk dance from the region. In the background, a scene depicting the famous multicolored stilt houses.

“Happy Martin,” one of the poems from the English poetry workshop conducted the week prior. English has been offered to local students for years, but until 2013 the position had never been full time. The crowd loved Martín Saucedo’s poem about preserving Patagonia and protecting it from ‘bad guys’ like HidroAysén.

The first Valle Chacabuco celebration of autumn proved a big success, a colorful way to mark the shortening of the days and the park’s quieting down for winter.  We hope the students and their families can create a new set of spectacular scenes the next time around!

Leave a Comment

Filed under Building the Park, Community

03/05/2013

Studying Mountain Vizcachas, the Cutest Nappers of the Chacabuco Valley

Our part of Patagonia remains a frontier in many ways: roads only arrived a few decades ago, inter and even some of the most recognizable species have received little scientific attention.  The Mountain Vizcacha is no exception.  Part of the Chinchilla family, they look much like rabbits with their large ears, strong hind legs and small front paws, and quite unlike rabbits with their long bushy tails.  They live in colonies in rock outcroppings, and emerge to sun themselves and nap on warm days.  National wildlife authorities see gathering more information on behavior, population size and movements as key to the long-term survival of this threatened species.

Round River Conservation Studies established a college semester program at the future Patagonia National Park in which field ecologists-in-training provide critical on-the-ground support for research projects.  Last year, Cristian Saucedo, CP’s Conservation Director, asked Round River to design and implement a vizcacha study to begin answering the many mysteries around this species.

Guillermo Sapaj joined the Round River program after spending part of last year in CP’s volunteer program.  Vizcacha research fascinates him: he plans to return to the park next year to complete thesis research on this species.  Below is his account of his time in the Chacabuco Valley (reposted from the Round River student blog):

As a Chilean international student in a North American college, I have learnt a lot about large-scale conservation efforts around the world, but none coming from my own country. So when I heard about Conservacion Patagonica’s work in the Chacabuco Valley of the Aysen District, I got really interested by it and I applied to their volunteer program, so that I could learn more and get to help build the future Patagonia National Park. Moreover, as a wildlife lover, I thought it would be a great opportunity to get to know the different species of this beautiful area. Thus, I came down to volunteer during January 2012 and had an amazing time. Every week we rotated among different tasks, such as old fence removal, exotic species eradication and seed collection of the native bunch grass, Coiron, used to reseed overgrazed areas of the valley’s grasslands. I made really good friends with the others volunteers and with the locals, and also I got to see diverse areas of the park. During that month, I had the chance to see three endangered Huemul deer, an armadillo, a couple of foxes, a Magellanic horned owl, and multiple Andean condors. But because I only stayed for one month, I couldn’t expand my list of animals seen. I had to leave the valley without encountering one of my favorite animals: the rock-specialist Vizcacha.

More than a year has passed since then, and the river of life has brought me back to the Chacabuco Valley, this time as a Round River student. During our first days in Coyhaique, our leaders told us that we were going to be conducting Vizcacha surveys and this obviously made me so happy because I had always wanted to learn more about this animal. The only time that I had seen a Vizcacha was north in the Atacama Desert during a rock climbing trip. All I knew about them was that they live in cliffy areas and like basking. Now, I know that the Vizcacha that live in the Chacabuco Valley are a different species of rodent than the one that I saw up north, although they are very similar and belong to the same genus, Lagidium. Being in the field with these animals, I have become a witness of their naturally excellent climbing abilities and their love for the sun, and I feel inspired by them every time I see them.

We did our first survey on March 4th, and since then we have performed a total of 6 successful surveys at different locations throughout the valley. In one of these we only found the typical Vizcacha signs (i.e. scat and potential dens). But in the other surveys, we have been able to see Vizcachas, with some of them being just a few meters apart. The number of individuals seen range from one to sixteen, but since these rodents live in groups within larger colonies, it’s likely that the places where we have only seen one or two individuals are occupied by a much larger group of Vizcachas.

It has been really exciting to be part of this fieldwork. I have learnt so much about these animals just from observing them and their habitats. As a gift from nature, I had the chance to see a juvenile Vizcacha standing close to one of his parents right outside their den. I took a picture of that moment which I’m sharing here with you. It has been great to look for these amazing animals and spend some time with them in the field. As a volunteer I always wanted to see a Vizcacha, and now as it turns out, thanks to Round River, I have not only seen one, but also learnt a lot about these animals.

1 Comment

Filed under Building the Park, Community, Wildlife

24/04/2013

Outdoor Education Bridges Cochrane and Conservacion Patagonica

We love getting people, young and old, from near and far, out exploring the park—that’s a key reason for creating the future Patagonia National Park.  So we’re thrilled to have started a more structured outdoor education program with the Junior High School in Cochrane.  Students from ages 13 – 17 will visit the park three times during the school year for various activities, focusing on backpacking and camping.  With support from the Butler Conservation Fund, which has established outdoor education programs in upstate New York, Maine, Scotland and South Carolina, we are shooting to teach students skills ranging from backcountry navigation to regional flora and fauna.

In introducing local children to outdoor activities, the program will foster appreciation and understanding of the natural world, helping students see the incredible natural resources that lie in their backyard. Moreover, challenging hikes promote physical fitness, important in a region known as one of the most sedentary in Chile, and teach teamwork and leadership skills. Long term, the program looks forward to the day when graduates will work as guides in the future park.

Running the program is Cristian Restrepo, who’s thrilled to share his love for hiking, biking, and Patagonia’s ecology with participants. He’s set to work on the curriculum, organize equipment and supervise the visits to the park.

Four groups of students visited the park in late March and early April, along with local guides, teachers, and CP staff members.  They took on the recently-completed Aviles loop trail, 16km.

1. Students begin the Avilés trail at the historic Casa Piedra (stone house) in Valle Chacabuco. With clear skies it’s a positive start for the junior high students from Cochrane.

2. Led by one of the local Cochrane guides who worked with our volunteer program in the future national park, Celeste Iñiguez and her group of students follow the path through the valley, a short 5 miles to the highly anticipated footbridge crossing.

3. The colors of autumn have cropped up; bursts of caramel, red and orange hues dot the flat plains and rolling hills.

4. An exhilarating footbridge crossing for the students! Bordered on both sides by jagged rocks and with a hefty 110 foot drop to the powerful Aviles River, the Pasarela Pilchero  (Pack horse footbridge) was completed in December of 2012 and is a wonderful addition to the Avilés trail.

5. Cool as a pepino (cucumber) this Cochrane student has her camera ready for all those picture worthy moments.

6. Crossing from the other side, the footbridge is an artisanal beauty constructed of cables and planks.

7. As students walk through the Aviles they leave the snow-capped mountains behind, and the valley become greener with leafy ñire and lenga trees.

8. Local guide number two, Jorge Molina (a physical education teacher) and his group wave for the photographer.

9. Massive hills, wide grasslands and a stunning sky accompany the students as they near the end of their adventure in the future Patagonia National Park.

10. The approaching Casa Piedra and the yellow polar trees signal a hike completed and a well-deserved rest.

1 Comment

Filed under Building the Park, Community, Visiting the Park

19/03/2013

Camping with History: The Restoration of Casa Piedra and Establishment of the Stone House Campground

In the transformation from estancia to park, Conservacion Patagonica is restoring and preserving the most significant historic structures of the Chacabuco Valley.  One of the most distinctive structures is Casa Piedra, or the Stone House, located halfway up the Chacabuco Valley near the confluence of the Chacabuco and Aviles Rivers.  Once a puesto for gauchos working in this section of the valley, the house will be reborn as a park guard station and center of the park’s second major campground.  Several of our team members, or their family members, lived in this structure during its past life.  In a few months, visitors from around the world will have the chance to stay at this special spot.

The Stone House Campground will not just serve as a place to spend the night—it’s a gateway, a welcome, a marker. Visitors arrive crossing the Berkley Footbridge, the first and only pedestrian bridge crossing the Chacabuco River and providing access to the northern area of the park.

Hikers who arrive here have a number of options: make their way up the Avilés Valley and cross the recently constructed Pasarela Pilchera to the Jeinimeni Reserve (23km total); continue on through Valle Hermoso; traverse Lago Verde and Lago Jeinimeni; pass old puestos along the way. From the park ranger station in Jeinimeni, the town of Chile Chico is easily accessible.

Viewed from afar, the Stone House has a look that’s both rustic and inviting. The stones create a natural patchwork and the structure as a whole is at one with the surrounding landscape rather than standing apart from it. These stones come from a stone quarry right here in Valle Chacabuco, and the building itself served as one of the inspirations for the facilities at the main park headquarters.

So, what does restoring and remodeling this house require? Our main projects are cleaning the stone walls, painting the windows and doors and repairing the roof. The stone house will eventually be used as a park ranger lodging/facility. On the inside two bathrooms will be installed along with three offices and a bedroom. On top of that we’ll be adding furniture, installing lights and repainting the walls.

Plans and construction are also under way for various quinchos, or covered cooking shelters. These recycled oak and laurel shelters will have distinctive tiled roofs, some made from recycled larch wood and some from painted zinc. Of course, restoration and construction are not the only projects for the area; we’re also working diligently on improving the surrounding trails. In August of 2013, we hope to have the Stone House serve as a fully functional park ranger station and camping area.

Leave a Comment

Filed under Building the Park, Visiting the Park

11/03/2013

Local Guides Receive Training on the Jeinimeni and Avilés Trail

By Dana De Greff

48 kilometers, 4 days, 15 wildlife enthusiasts/Chilean guides and one English Teacher. The goal? Participate in part two of Conservacion Patagonica’s local guide training course, and the unofficial inauguration of the Jeinimeni/Avilés trail system.

Day 1:

Before we set out, we pick up the men (and one woman) in the town of Cochrane, Conservación Patagonica’s (CP) closest neighbor. Since CP purchased Estancia Valle Chacabuco in 2004, Cochrane has played an important part in CP’s overall mission of community engagement. Most of the participants on the hike are guides or guides-in-training, interested in building regional tourism and protecting and restoring wild lands and wildlife.

CP has invited them to join the hike so that they can prepare to guide visitors on this and other trails in the future park. While background and guiding experiences vary widely, all hope to play a role in the growth of ecotourism in the park and throughout Chile. Myself? I’m an English teacher and writer, lucky enough to have landed a gig working in the future Patagonia Park. Part of the idea of opening a flagship park to Chileans and international tourists is to have bilingual employees and staff, and to demonstrate that communication is one key element to future success. When I’m not in school or adult classes, I explore as much as I can of my new home.

No matter how you travel in Patagonia—bus, horse, bike, kayak, your own two feet—stunning sights are a guarantee. En route to Chile Chico, we pass the sparkling blue expanse of Lago General Carrera, lush hills, saucer-shaped lakes and la cascada maqui, (maqui waterfall) named after a local sweet purple/black berry.

In the small but quaint town of Chile Chico we’re joined by two more Chileans then it’s off to the Jeinimeni National Reserve, now run by CONAF (Corporación Nacional Forestal) and destined to form part of the future Patagonia National Park. Once inside the reserve we divide up our food rations, discuss the next day’s hike, and set up camp. Before cooking dinner, we gather around the fire to prepare mate.

Post-dinner, we roast marshmallows and pass around a bote of red wine. We’re an eclectic bunch: students, teachers, workers for CP and CONAF, and soon the conversation turns to the present and future of national parks in Chile. Everyone is critical of what needs to be improved within the system but they also hold an extraordinary appreciation for the land and want both Chileans and gringos alike to enjoy it for generations to come. Not that different from the overall mission of CP.

Day 2:

Officially on the road, it only takes five minutes to experience our first wow moment: Lago Jeinimeni.

The shore is covered in sand, pink, turquoise and purple-colored rocks, the mountains topped with snow. Way, way in the distance we spy a cluster of glaciers tinted celestial blue, a promise of more beauty to come. Our total walking distance for the day? 23km. Our destination? Puesto Límite, smack dab between the Jeinimeni Reserve and the Patagonia Park limits. All in all, the distance isn’t overwhelming; it’s the multiple stream, estuary and river crossings that tire us out. The water comes up to our knees, our thighs, and sometimes our hips, and it’s pretty darn cold. Then again, it’s hard to complain with all that Jeinimeni has to offer. Take Lago Verde:

More of an intense blue/green color than strictly green, it sparkles under the sun and has everyone hypnotized as we stop to rest and snack.

Or Valle Hermoso, aptly named for its beauty.

Oh, and those glaciers:

Six hours later, we make our way through a thriving lenga forest (southern beech) and finish the day’s hike at the Puesto Límite. We settle down, place our socks and shoes by the fire, prepare mate and dinner and talk well into the night.

Day 3:

We’re officially in Patagonia Park, the former Estancia Valle Chacabuco. There aren’t too many river crossings; however, Mother Nature makes up for that with intermittent downpours. For much of the trek we weave through forests where the terrain is soft and spongy and rock covered trails. Throughout the day a thin mist hangs over the valley, lending a slightly gothic atmosphere to the route.

Around 4pm we arrive to our campsite, Puesto Pilchero. We’re greeted by trail builders Evaristo Jara, Camilo Oliveros and their pilcheros (pack horses). Without exception, this is the night we’ve been anxiously waiting for: a dinner of cordero al palo, or lamb roasted over an open fire. But before we feast the lamb must cook, and so a few of us decide to take a dip in the Avilés River.

Back at the fire, we assume our roles. Some prepare mate, some stoke the fire, and others cut tomatoes and dress lettuce with salt and lemon. When it’s time to eat, a few of us (myself included) whip out our knives and slice away the tender meat. The lamb in Patagonia, like the land, is hard to describe justly.

We give our thanks to the chefs and quickly fall into a satisfied and profound silence. This night is different than the rest, because as a group we’re closer. We have our jokes, our stories, and our nicknames. Around the fire, we lean against each other and huddle for warmth.

Day 4

Our last day is one of sun and cool winds. We set out for the Pasarela Avilés, a footbridge completed in December 2012. The bridge hangs over a staggering drop to the Avilés River, bordered on either side by jagged rocks.

After crossing and posing for pictures, we move through the Avilés valley, a short but breathtaking 8 km to our final destination: Casa Piedra (the stone house) in Valle Chacabuco. Sunlight hits the tops of flat plains and hills and the Avilés river curls and bends in between. Today it’s challenging to keep walking forward; in any direction we turn our fingers itch for a camera. One of the highlights? The Cerro Pintura, ablaze in red and orange:

But at the end of the day, we have to keep moving. When we arrive to Casa Piedra, it’s bittersweet. We’ve officially completed our hike, have gotten to know the terrain in Jeinimeni and Valle Chacabuco, and each other as guides and friends. On the bus back to the estancia for lunch, the mood is remarkably different than the first day. We share our trail mix and juice, talk about the next trip that has to happen. At one point, I translate an Adele song into Spanish; soon after, a condor soars by.

As a writer, I do the best I can to avoid cliché phrases such as “awe-inspiring” and “life-changing.” But what if, in this case, those clichés are really what was felt? At least for my part, at the end of this experience, I feel more inspired than ever by Patagonia, by conservation, and by human connections. Hopefully, I’ll have the chance to make many more trips.

12 Comments

Filed under Adventure, Building the Park, Community, Uncategorized, Visiting the Park

05/03/2013

Mapping habitat and counting birds: An interview with Ñandú researcher Francisco Ignacio Sánchez Castro

In addition to the wildlife conservation programs that Conservacion Patagonica manages, the park also hosts leading scientific researchers studying a range of topics, from archeology to armadillos.  Throughout this year, Francisco — and his professor Cristian — are conducting field research on the Ñandú (Lesser Rhea) population in Valle Chacabuco, looking at this large flightless bird’s preferred habitat and possible locations for translocation.  Only two populations of this threatened species remain in the entire Aysen Region.  Read on for an interview with Francisco.

What’s your name, where are you from, and where did you study?

My name is Francisco Ignacio Sánchez Castro. I was born in Santiago on January 7, 1987. I studied Forestry at the University of Chile (I finished the courses and completed my practicum; I just need the actual title).

Why did you come to Valle Chacabuco?

I came because my professor and thesis advisor, Cristian Estades, knows Cristian Saucedo [Conservacion Patagonica’s Conservation Director], who contacted him about conducting research on Ñandú  in the area.  My professor selected me as the student to conduct the on-the-ground research.

How did you start working on the Ñandú  project, or how did you begin working with your professor?

I was considering the Ñandú as a possible subject for my thesis. A fellow at the University, who was working with Cristian Estades before me, needed people to help out with various wildlife projects. When I talked with him, he told me about a project in Maule and a project on the Ñandú in Aysen. Ultimately, I was more interested in the Ñandú project because of its location: in a future National Park in the Aysen region, which I love. I then discussed this topic with a few other people and finally stuck with this subject.

What did your teacher study and what experiences does he have)?

My professor, Cristian Estades, has a degree in Forest Engineering from the University of Chile (1993), a Masters in Wildlife Ecology (U. Wisconsin-Madison, USA, 1997) and a PhD in Wildlife Ecology (U. Wisconsin-Madison, USA, 2001).

What are the major questions in your study?

The study’s main objective is to generate a model of habitat or niche for the Ñandú. A secondary objective is to generate a map of potential areas in Valle Chacabuco where the Ñandú may be later translocated, in accordance with the characteristics of the local habitat.

What have you learned during your visit here?

During my visit, I learned a lot about the customs of Patagonia, especially those of traditional farming/ ranching life. Moreover, I learned a lot about Conservacion Patagonica’s project in the area, including plans to protect wildlife and create trails, infrastructure and organization.

What are some interesting facts about the Ñandú?

  • They are the smallest type of South American ostrich.
  • The species is divided into three varieties: pennata (found in the Aysen and Magallanes regions of Argentina), tarapacensis (found in the Chilean Altiplano), and darwinii (found in Peru and Bolivia)
  • They are polygamous and polyandrous, which means that males mate with several females and females with several males.
  • Both males and females incubate the eggs and rear the charitos (baby Ñandús).

What are the threats to the Ñandú here?

The fences greatly limit their movements: specifically, the fences around the Rati property (where the police division and Cuadro ovejero are located) limit their entry to Valle Chacabuco. Additionally, pumas are a major predator; foxes also attack baby Ñandú. Birds of prey, such as eagles and hawks, can be a danger to the babies. However, Ñandú have no problem living among cows, sheep and guanacos. Our model suggests that Ñandús prefer to live in the flatter lands with fewer hills.

Outside the park, the main threat is humans, especially in Argentina, where Ñandús are hunted for their feathers, leather and meat. Egg collection is a significant problem as well.

What role does the Ñandú play in the ecosystem?

The Ñandú is a flightless bird, and omnivorous – ie eats mainly plants, but also, to a lesser extent, insects, grasshoppers, and small vertebrates such as lizards or frogs. Their role in the food chain is in the middle, similar to the guanaco, and other animals in Valle Chacabuco.

Why is Valle Chacabuco a good habitat for the Ñandú?

Valle Chacabuco provides all of the vegetation most commonly associated with Ñandú populations. This includes Coiron (Festuca gracillima) and Neneo (Mulinum spinosum). This vegetation is found across the valley, and is more or less similar (depending on the exact location in the valley) to the vegetation found around the Ñandú population near the border with Argentina. Professor Cristian Estades’ research in Torres del Paine indicates that Ñandús can coexist perfectly with guanacos, as they have the same predators in Valle Chacabuco. Even in Argentina, you can spot Ñandús in places with much poorer habitat than can be found in various parts of Valle Chacabuco. For these reasons, we believe a priori that the Ñandú can thrive in the Chacabuco Valley without problems.

1 Comment

Filed under Community, Ecosystem Restoration, Uncategorized, Wildlife