Science & Conservation

We support the scientific bases of each project with monitoring of relevant and/or sensitive species.

This work is extremely important to continue studying wildlife species and their conservation status, and to protect their habitat.

The information also makes it possible to contribute to the zoning and conservation strategies of each project, taking measures that allow their protection and coexistence with the activities that take place in each area.

Simultaneous census of high Andean flamingos

Natura Argentina collaborates with the High Andean Flamingo Conservation Group (GCFA) in carrying out flamingo censuses. This group comprises an international network of conservationists, professionals, government members, and NGOs monitoring flamingo populations in the wetlands of Bolivia, Peru, Argentina, and Chile for more than 20 years. The objective of this program is to achieve sustainable and integrated management of high Andean wetlands and associated ecosystems, which are of great importance for the conservation of these species.

Twice a year, we coordinate the aerial census in the Mar Chiquita lagoon in summer and winter. In addition to obtaining valuable information on the population dynamics of flamingos and their use of the habitat, we also take a census of other species of waterfowl that share the habitat, and we can learn about the general state of the lagoon and the Ansenuza National Park.

Species monitoring

We support each project’s scientific bases by monitoring relevant and sensitive species.

This work is vital to continue studying wildlife species and their conservation status and safeguard their habitat, taking measures that allow their protection and coexistence with the activities in each area. The information also makes it possible to contribute to each project’s zoning and conservation strategies.

Camera traps in Ansenuza

In the Ansenuza National Park, we survey the diversity of medium and large terrestrial mammals with camera traps.

In the monitoring, we study the populations of mammals that inhabit this incredible ecosystem; we observe the movements and behaviors of these species. The surveys began in December 2020 and continue, with exciting results, such as the discovery of Aguará popé in the area.

In search of the Andean cat in Uspallata

A collaborative project embarked for eight months in search of the Andean cat (Leopardus jacobita), a relatively new but largely unknown species.

It was a collaborative research project with Andean Cat Alliance, Natura Argentina, the Ministry of Defense of the Nation, the Administration of National Parks, and the Ministry of the Environment of Mendoza.

This process was completed with laboratory genetic analysis of the feces found: thus, the Andean cat can be differentiated from its “cousins” the grassland cat or wild cat.

The project achieved an essential photographic record in June 2022: a specimen was detected in San Alberto, an area of high conservation values in the Uspallata mountains.

Research about Taruca in Chañi

The research project with camera traps of taruca (Hippocamelus antisensis) and other mammals in the Sierras de Chañi, is part of a broader conservation strategy for this area, of unique importance for the conservation of wildlife and the ways of traditional life of local communities.

The taruca is in danger of extinction at the national level and was declared a National Monument in 1996. Its main threats and risks include hunting, exposure to parasites and diseases, loss and degradation of its habitat.

In partnership with local communities, we set up camera traps and make other registries (transects, sightings, track records) to document the presence of the species and its use in the territory.

With the data we collect, we hope to design relevant maps, share the relevant information with the communities, and hold participatory workshops around the needs of the taruca and the biodiversity in general that depends on the area, as well as the ecosystem services necessary for both humans and for wildlife.