Conservation efforts intensify for endangered Huillín otter

Conservation initiatives are being strengthened to protect the Huillín (Lontra provocax), an endangered native otter species found in the aquatic ecosystems of southern South America. The species relies on healthy rivers, lakes, wetlands, and coastal environments for feeding, resting, and movement.

In Argentina, authorities from Nahuel Huapi National Park, the Rio Limay Protected Landscape, and the Municipality of Dina Huapi have installed barriers at the mouth of the Limay River. These barriers prevent vehicle access to coastal areas, which previously suffered from sand extraction, vehicle washing, and pollution from oil and fuel. This measure aims to allow native riparian vegetation to restore naturally.

In Chile, the Huillín is considered one of the most threatened species in South America, with fragmented populations spanning from the Araucanía to the Magallanes regions. As a key predator, the otter's survival is closely tied to the preservation of clean water and diverse aquatic habitats.