Pioneering Rewilding Project Translocates Darwin’s Rheas to Chile

A rewilding project is relocating 15 Darwin’s rheas from Argentina to Chile to aid in ecosystem recovery due to habitat degradation. Operated by multiple organizations, this initiative fosters international cooperation and aims to study the species’ ecology. Precautions have been taken to ensure health and safety during the translocation process.

A significant rewilding initiative is underway, relocating 15 Darwin’s rheas (Rhea pennata), also known as lesser rheas, from Argentina to Chile. This initiative represents the inaugural international effort to transfer a wild population of the species within the Southern Cone of South America. Operated by Rewilding Argentina, Rewilding Chile, and their parent organization Tompkins Conservation, in collaboration with local forestry and agricultural services, the birds are being moved 55 miles (90 km) across the border, transitioning from Patagonia Park in Argentina to Patagonia National Park in Chile.

In Chile, rheas are referred to as ñandús and as choiques in Argentina. These flightless birds can attain heights of up to 1.10 meters and weights nearing 20 kg. They are integral to the Patagonian Steppe ecosystem, playing a crucial role in the maintenance of healthy grasslands through their seed dispersal capabilities. The decision to relocate Darwin’s rheas stems from the degradation of habitats in the Aysén region of southern Chile, which has faced overgrazing and hunting for over a century, jeopardizing both the ecosystem and the survival of these birds.

The translocation of Darwin’s rheas from Argentina to Chile marks a pioneering step in international rewilding efforts aimed at preserving species and restoring ecosystems. By facilitating cross-border cooperation and utilizing scientific study, the initiative hopes to not only rejuvenate the grasslands but also ensure the survival and thriving of the rhea population.

Original Source: www.discoverwildlife.com