Working towards a conservation strategy for the Patagonian huemul

SMITH-FLUECK, JM; FLUCK, WT; DIAZ, NI

Quebec, Canada

Congreso; 5th International Deer Biology Congress; 2002

Populations of the endangered huemul, Hippocamelus bisulcus, considered endangered since 1973 by the IUCN, still continue to diminish despite nearly ten years of binational efforts of Chile and Argentina to protect the species, while anthropogenic disturbances augment throughout the huemul’s distributional range. A lack of consensus concerning field monitoring techniques and a conservation program involving a captive breeding station have impeded some potentially well-funded projects. Poor techniques applied during capturing, transporting and within the enclosures resulted in many past failed attempts to maintain huemul in captivity, leading to the subsequent erroneous concern over the huemul’s ability to adapt to handling and confinement. Low and diminishing population numbers, population fragmentation, increasing habitat destruction and  lack of knowledge on the biology, ecology, and social behavior of the species all substantiate the need for not only more concentrated field efforts but additionally a research center as an alternative and supporting conservation strategy. Such a center would be designed to support a scientific investigation program and  to provide recruitments for the endangered populations with the main objective of improving the situation of the wild populations. Past experiences of huemul in captivity along with future challenges and recommendations for a scientifically sound conservation program will be presented.