Fifteen Darwin’s rheas are being translocated from Argentina to Chile as part of a collaborative rewilding effort. This international scheme aims to restore grasslands in the Aysén region, where habitats have been compromised by overgrazing and hunting. The initiative also seeks to enhance understanding of rhea behavior and ecology. After undergoing veterinary checks, the birds will acclimate in pens before release.
A notable rewilding initiative is currently underway, wherein fifteen Darwin’s rheas (Rhea pennata) are being relocated from Argentina to Chile. This collaborative effort involves Rewilding Argentina and Rewilding Chile, supported by their parent organization, Tompkins Conservation, along with local agricultural and forestry services. The birds are being transported approximately 55 miles (90 kilometers) from Patagonia Park in Argentina to Patagonia National Park in Chile, marking a significant milestone as the first international relocation of a wild rhea population in the Southern Cone region of South America.
Known as ñandús in Chile and choiques in Argentina, Darwin’s rheas are crucial to the health of Patagonian grasslands due to their role in seed dispersal. These flightless birds can reach heights of over 1.10 meters and weigh up to 20 kilograms. Unfortunately, the grassy habitats of southern Chile’s Aysén region have deteriorated over the past century due to overgrazing and hunting, leading to habitat destruction and increased threats to the rhea population.
The translocation aims to foster the regeneration of grasslands, thereby supporting the recovery of the rhea population. Additionally, this initiative presents an opportunity for researchers to better understand the species’ behavior and spatial ecology. They intend to observe the birds’ interactions and population dynamics while employing GPS technology to monitor their territorial movements.
International rewilding projects such as this one are uncommon but critically important for preventing species extinction and restoring ecosystems. This project represents a pioneering step in fostering cross-border conservation efforts in South America.
To address concerns regarding avian flu, selected rhea populations from Argentina underwent thorough veterinary examinations and quarantine before and after their transit to Chile. The birds will initially be housed in pens to acclimatize to their new environment prior to their release into the wild.
Kris Tompkins, President of Tompkins Conservation, reflects on this initiative, stating, “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 relocation of Darwin’s rheas from Argentina to Chile represents a significant advancement in international conservation efforts. This initiative aims not only to restore the degraded grasslands of southern Chile but also to promote cross-border collaboration among rewilding organizations. With careful planning to ensure the health and safety of the rheas, this project sets a precedent for future conservation endeavors in the region.
Original Source: www.discoverwildlife.com
