Scientific evidence does not support the translocation of guanacos in Argentina

BALZA, U.; BALDI R.; RODRIGUEZ-PLANES L.; OJEDA, R.A.; SCHIAVINI A.

CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE

WILEY

Año: 2024 vol. 5

The Argentinian Ministry of Environment has approved the translocation of45 guanacos from Southern Patagonia to the Pampas region, a distance of1500 km, as the initial phase toward future translocations into a National Parklocated in the Chaco region, another 1600 km further North. This decisionraises concerns about the technical and ethical aspects of the translocation.Firstly, there is a lack of proper evaluation and scientific evidence to supportthe need, opportunity, and feasibility of this translocation. The guanaco populationis currently over one million and is increasing, and genetic differencesexist among local populations. The translocation could produce anthropogenic‐driven admixed populations, leading to genetic swamping and disruptingevolutionary processes. Second, there are ethical conflicts around managingwild species populations that prioritize private objectives and disregard local,publicly funded science. Rewilding projects require a deep understanding ofinteracting ecosystem processes, and of the socio‐economic context. This managementdecision violates guiding principles for rewilding and should have followedproper scientific evaluation and transparent local consultation.