Vicuña population in Peru's protected areas grows 41.2%

The vicuña population within Peru's natural protected areas has increased by 41.2%, rising from 28,856 individuals in 2024 to 40,738 in 2025, according to the V National Vicuña Census.

The Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve in Arequipa holds the largest concentration, containing 36,219 vicuñas, which accounts for 88.9% of the total population in protected areas. The Pampa Galeras Bárbara D’Achille National Reserve in Ayacucho remains a key site for the species' recovery.

Conservation efforts led by the Ministry of the Environment and the National Service of Natural Areas Protected by the State (Sernanp) include pasture management, water availability improvements through micro-dams and expanded water reservoirs (cochas), and sanitary monitoring to combat mange. These initiatives aim to balance habitat protection with the sustainable harvesting of vicuña fiber to support high-Andean communities.