Latin America to the rescue of the jaguars!
Listen this article
The Iberá National Park in Argentina will be the place to give life to the jaguars
The jaguar is in danger of extinction. This iconic American species is threatened and at risk of disappearing due to hunting and loss of its habitat. In Argentina, especially, this species has been highly threatened and its population has been drastically reduced. Today, there are only 200 specimens left, according to UN Environment, and its habitat, unfortunately, has been reduced by 95%. The jaguars in Argentine lands live isolated in the provinces of Salta and Jujuy.
Leer en español: ¡Latinoamérica al rescate de los jaguares!
The UN says that 20 years ago the subpopulations of jaguars were interconnected throughout the American territory. Panama was the meeting point, thanks to its tropical forests. However, with the accelerated pace of industrialization and urbanization, especially of the canal, large forests that were part of the jaguar routes have been lost.
In addition to urbanization, there are other threats such as the fear to this animal. Since 1989, says the United Nations, 360 specimens have died at the hands of farmers frightened by the presence of this animal. Another factor is the illegal hunting to export parts of this animal – like the tusks – to Asian countries, where they are coveted for their supposed healing powers.
For this reason, governments and private entities have launched different action plans to rebuild the jaguar's habitat and save it from extinction. Here, we tell you what Argentina and Mexico do to safeguard the jaguars.
You may be interested in: Saving bees: 3 ways to protect them
Argentina and the Iberá National Park
This new protected area is adjacent to the Iberá Provincial Park, which means there are 700,000 hectares in total for the protection of flora and fauna. In this space, jaguars from Latin American shelters and zoos will be reintroduced to reproduce.
The reintroduction of the species will be monitored by Tompkins Conservation, the foundation that donated the land for this new park.
Read also: Say yes to tap water and 7 other tips to avoid plastic
In addition to helping the jaguar does not become extinct, the park will be an economic engine for the communities that live nearby. It is expected that in the next 10 years, 100 thousand annual visitors will arrive thanks to ecotourism.
Mexico has already increased the population
Efforts to protect the species already have good results. The UN highlights that the jaguar population has grown by 20% since 2010, reaching 4800 specimens.
"Mexico has invested heavily in the preservation of the jaguar, since it is such an emblematic species," explains Antonio de la Torre, of the Institute of Ecology of the National Autonomous University of Mexico, in statements collected by the United Nations.
"Successful projects combine scientific research, environmental management measures and public policies, with a long-term vision, but, above all, require the participation of local communities", De la Torre added.
LarinAmerican Post | Marcela Peñaloza
Translated from "¡Latinoamérica al rescate del jaguar!"
