Guanaco se mueve hasta 150 kilómetros sin interrupciones en Payunia

Payunia Includes a vast territory of plains and slopes completely covered with black and red materials which are the expression of various volcanic manifestations. The landscape configuration includes around 800 retro volcanic cones, with fragmented materials of melted rocks spread out and fragmented materials, lapilli, and bombs, that awe the visitor and highlight the power, dynamics, and variability of the Earth’s geology.

I am The biological diversity is carried out by one of the representative regions of the Patagonian steppe and also has archaeological deposits that add attractive interest, both tourist and scientific, and natural habitat of Guanaco and other species.

The volcanic activity shaping the current landscape took place at the end of the Tertiary period – marking a recent geological time and continues, albeit alternately, to prehistoric times. It is one of the highest sites in the world, with an average of 10.6 volcanoes per 100 km².

Guanacosul Argentina

On a law that took place on Wednesday, March 19, the governor of the province of Mendoza, Alfredo Cornejo, Received the donation of 40,000 private hectares in the protected natural area in Payunia located in the department of Malargüe.

In this area that stands out for its dazzling landscape of volcanoes and plains, a wide variety of indigenous plant and animal species live, Such as Chique, Guanaco, The Colorado Fox, Puma, Andean Cat, and the Andean Condor.

Also It hosts the largest guanaco migration in the world, a species that needs extensive habitats connected to food and reproduction, and that, due to the preservation and maintenance work of this protected area, can move safely.

If, ok The lands within the reserve were private lands that were purchased With contributions from the largest non-profit organization Good Charity and Marigood.com, managing the Wildlife Conservation Society of Argentina.

To give them to the public domain and be able to maintain them from Activities that affect their ecosystem and ecological processes such as traditional animals, poaching, and hydrocarbon extraction. The donated lands would be regulated as a Provincial Park, one of the categories with the highest degree of protection under Mendoza’s law on protected areas.

Meanwhile, Jimena Laorre, Minister of Energy and Environment, Mendoza, said that «these lands will be incorporated into the public domain» and added that sending the project to the legislature means that its hierarchy will seek as a provincial park Conservation and preservation of nature and biodiversity.

On the other hand, Mariano González Roglich, director of the NGO, said: «Payunia is a gem of Argentina, Patagonia, and Mendoza. We have been working with the provincial government for over 20 years, crossing efforts and achieving Important milestones like confirming the province’s commitment to nature preservation.

«This contribution reflects our deep commitment to habitat sustainability and restoration, as well as the protection of species like Guanaco. We are delighted that these lands are public for future generations,» said Dr. Bryna Donnelly, Executive Vice President of Charisies Bien. «We look forward to seeing the positive impact on the ecosystem in the coming years,» she added.

«This stage of transferring private lands into public heritage promotes the preservation of this unique ecosystem in our country and Implementation of nature-friendly activities such as scientific research and sustainable tourism, which do not harm the environment and open opportunities for local communities,» said Andrés Novaro, director of land conservation at the environmental organization.

The organization has been working in the area since 2004 when it began to fulfill counts and movements maps Of Guanacos along with conical researchers and local Cornaderos’ contribution, They were able to verify the species’ migratory patterns.

Conservation of the natural habitat of guanaco

The 40,000 hectares Of Guanacos cover A large part of the area where Guanacos move in winter. The completion of conservation actions carried out in 2019, when another 42,000 hectares were incorporated into the public field for species’ use and reproduction in summer.

In these seasonal movements, Between 25 and 40,000 guanacos can be seen moving up to 150 miles in the shower. Because within this reserve, Mendoza does not have significant obstacles, as is generally the case in other parts of Patagonia, where they must try to cross roads and fences that interrupt or prevent their travels.

Loss Guanacos are herbivorous animals native to South America, Their anatomical and physiological characteristics support the structure and succession of plants and soils.

For example, Their footpads have pads that do not damage the soils in their travels. Even their feeding mode contributes to grass regeneration and helps soils store carbon, favoring the complete ecological process of the mountain ecosystem and the Patagonian steppe.

Furthermore, this species is the prey of carnivores, such as Pumas and Condors, completing the natural cycle of the local ecosystem. Their Conservation is crucial because, although the guanaco is not in immediate danger of extinction, Numerous populations have been drastically reduced, and their migrations are threatened, which is why in 2024 it was included in Appendix II of the Convention on Migratory Species, encouraging governments to enhance species management plans in the region.

Natural Reserve in southern Mendoza

Payunia is the largest protected natural area in Mendoza and one of the largest in Patagonia. It covers a total of 665,000 hectares and consists of a combination of public and private lands that are essential for the proper functioning of the ecosystem.

Currently, public institutions such as the conical and civil society are conducting scientific research there, Such as the study of guanaco migratory patterns and preservation projects through regenerative and nature-friendly fauna.

NGOs and NGOs Collaborate with the provincial government to strengthen the reserve management plan. In addition, the provincial Guearks agency carries out an annual monitoring scheme of condors.

Furthermore, the area stands out for its spectacular landscapes of over 800 volcanic plains and colorful, with great potential for tourism development. Due to its uniqueness and exceptionalism, it is A candidate to be declared a natural heritage of humanity by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

It The recent respect for the acquisition of private lands that will be donated to the provincial government is part of the initiative that began in 2013 and involved a joint effort supported by public and private organizations.