Guanaco overpopulation: Santa Cruz ranchers in Argentina continue to demand control of this wild animal even when there is an official plan for its management

The cattle producers of Santa Cruz, grouped in the Federation of Agricultural Institutions of Santa Cruz (FIAS), claimed through that entity the lack of attention that the problem of the guanaco has in that province. Although the National Plan for the Sustainable Management of the Guanaco (PNMSG) has been in force since July 2019, which was approved by the Ministry of the Environment, the population of this animal continues to grow and is already close to 3 million individuals. “The guanaco, a species native to the region, has experienced a considerable increase in its population in recent years. Although its presence is valued as part of the biodiversity of our province, it is essential to recognize that its expansion and mismanagement generate detrimental effects on pastures, water sources and road safety," they indicated in a statement published by the FIAS. “The overpopulation of guanacos, which feed on a variety of plants, including grasslands and shrubs, has led to a ...