Guiña Fest to promote biodiversity in Chile's Biobío region

The inaugural Guiña Fest will take place on August 20 and 22 in the Biobío region of Chile. The event is designed to raise awareness about the conservation of the güiña (Leopardus guigna), which is the smallest wild feline in the Americas.

Activities will begin on August 20 with an inaugural talk at Bar Galería Aura. On August 22, the festival will move to the Parque Museo Pedro del Río Zañartu, located at the mouth of the Biobío River. The program includes nature photography workshops, camera trap monitoring sessions, expert talks, and storytelling for children. The event also features audiovisual projections and photographic exhibitions.

The güiña inhabits a range from Coquimbo to Aysén and faces threats such as habitat fragmentation, forest fires, vehicle collisions, and feral dogs. While the species is nocturnal and elusive, camera trap records have confirmed its presence in ecosystems near urban areas like Gran Concepción.