Rewilding & Conservation
In Patagonia Park, Rewilding Argentina– with support from Freyja Foundation– works to restore the ecosystem’s key species through wildlife monitoring, active management, habitat restoration, invasive species eradication, and public outreach
The Patagonian steppe of Santa Cruz, now partially protected within Patagonia Park, was not spared from the waves of extinction and population decline seen across the world. The huemul deer and southern river otter disappeared from the region, while species like the Wolffson’s viscacha, coypu, and austral rail vanished locally, fragmenting populations. Other emblematic species like the puma, guanaco, Darwin’s rhea, and Andean condor also suffered severe declines.
As these losses accumulated, essential ecological processes like predation and migration were interrupted, altering the balance of the ecosystem. For this reason, one of our core goals in Patagonia Park is to reintroduce native species that have been lost and to strengthen populations of those that remain – with the long-term goal of restoring the ecological balance of the Patagonian steppe.
Species We Protect
Puma
Ecosystem Architect
The presence of this feline is key to keeping the ecosystem in balance. At the Cañadón Pinturas Portal, we work to highlight the ecological importance of this apex predator and strengthen its coexistence with local economies.
Guanaco
Ancestral Migrator
The largest herbivore in Patagonia, the guanaco played a central role in the lives of the region’s Indigenous peoples throughout history. Today, we work to protect the its great migrations and essential role in the steppe ecosystem.
Wolffson’s Viscacha
Canyon Guard
Locally known as “squirrel,” this nocturnal species lives among canyon cracks and crevices. We are restoring populations that disappeared due to past human pressures, particularly hunting.
Coypu
Wetland Gardener
The loss of this large rodent is closely tied to the decline of aquatic vegetation and hunting for its fur. We are working to reestablish its populations along the Pinturas River and in Caracoles Canyon.
Pampas Cat
Small but Mighty Predator
A skilled hunter of ground-dwelling birds, mice, and cavies, this small feline plays an important role in regulating rodent populations. We work to raise awareness of its ecological value.
Austral Rail
Small Bird Among the Reeds
This rare wetland bird lives hidden within the reedbeds of the Patagonian steppe and remains little known to local communities. We are restoring degraded wetlands to help existing populations recover and create new habitat where it has disappeared.
Darwin’s Rhea (Choique)
Steppe Hiker
Standing up to a meter tall, the male cares for the nest, incubates the eggs, and raises the chicks. Our work focuses on reducing the threats that led to its decline in Patagonia Park and improving our understanding of its ecology.
Huemul
The Steppe Deer
The world’s southernmost deer is critically endangered due to hunting, diseases transmitted by livestock, and habitat loss. We are working to reintroduce it into the steppe valleys where it once lived.
Gray Fox
Small Mesopredator
The smaller of Patagonia’s two fox species, it feeds on rodents, reptiles, and small birds. Once hunted and viewed as a threat to livestock, it is now being studied to better understand its role in the ecosystem.
Culpeo (Red Fox)
Larger Mesopredator
Up to three times larger than the gray fox, it preys on species such as juvenile rheas and young guanacos. Formerly threatened, it is now the focus of research that seeks to clarify its ecological interactions.
Patagonian Skunk
Opportunistic Omnivore
This adaptable species takes advantage of whatever food is available. By controlling insects and small mammals and cleaning up carrion, it supports ecological balance and soil health. It was once heavily hunted for its fur.
Geoffroy’s Cat
The Rarest Mesopredator
The largest wild cat in the region, feeding mainly on rodents and birds. It’s the least-recorded mesopredator in Patagonia Park, signaling the urgent need for stronger conservation action.
Our Lines of Work
Rewilding is a conservation strategy aimed at healing and restoring natural ecosystems to a state of full functionality. This entails fostering healthy populations of all the species that historically inhabited the area, allowing them to fulfill their ecological roles and rebuild a thriving, self-sustaining ecosystem.
Species reintroduction
Reintroducing native species that are no longer present and bolstering populations of those in decline, promoting harmony between wildlife and human activities.
Invasive species eradication
Removing plants and animals that are not native to the region that threaten local ecosystems.
Habitat restoration
Restoring wetlands, springs, and rivers to create healthier habitats for all species.
Rewilding in Action
Thanks to rewilding work, native wildlife is now thriving in Patagonia Park. Using the map below, you can explore animal movements across the park. In the box on the left, toggle on and off specific species to see their tracks, both within the park and in the surrounding areas (since animals don’t recognize park borders!)
Want to learn more about the rewilding work in Patagonia Park and explore native wildlife? Check out our tour packages.