# Chilean energy project postponed over frog conservation

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/endangered-frog-conservation-in-chile-and-argentina
> Updated: 2026-08-16T03:39:28.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 3.

The Los Cóndores–Río Diamante electrical interconnection project, a $36 million high-voltage transmission line led by Enel Generación Chile and Enel Green Power, has faced significant delays. Chile’s Environmental Evaluation Service (SEA) postponed a hearing regarding the project following intense pressure from environmental groups under the ‘Salvemos Alto Maule’ campaign and a global appeal from actor Leonardo DiCaprio.

The project involves installing 72 support towers across the Alto Maule region, including Paso Pehuenche and Laguna del Maule. Conservationists and local residents argue the infrastructure threatens the habitat of the Alsodes pehuenche, a nocturnal amphibian classified as ‘critically endangered’ by the IUCN Red List. Activists claim that ongoing works in the region have already contributed to increased mortality rates for the species, which faces additional pressures from invasive trout, livestock, and chytrid fungus.

The Municipality of San Clemente has expressed support for the international attention brought by DiCaprio, emphasizing the need to protect fragile mountain ecosystems. While local authorities stated they do not oppose energy development in principle, they are demanding the project be relocated to an area that does not compromise biodiversity or the natural landscape. Enel has previously maintained that it is operating in ‘full compliance with current regulations’ and has integrated all necessary environmental and archaeological analyses.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-16: Chilean energy project postponed following environmental concerns

Chilean authorities have postponed a decision on the Los Cóndores-Río Diamante energy project following environmental protests and an appeal by Leonardo DiCaprio to protect the critically endangered Pehuenche่า

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chilean-energy-project-postponed-following-environmental-concerns

### 2026-08-12: Leonardo DiCaprio joins plea to save endangered Chilean frog

Leonardo DiCaprio is calling for the protection of the critically endangered Alsodes pehuenche frog against an Enel electrical project in the Andes that threatens its vital habitat.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/leonardo-dicaprio-joins-plea-to-save-endangered-chilean-frog

### 2026-08-10: Leonardo DiCaprio warns of extinction risk for frog species in Chile

Leonardo DiCaprio is calling for the protection of the critically endangered Pehuenche thorny-headed frog against the impacts of a major Chile-Argentina electrical interconnection project.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/leonardo-dicaprio-warns-of-extinction-risk-for-frog-species-in-chile

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Cite as: Chilean energy project postponed over frog conservation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/endangered-frog-conservation-in-chile-and-argentina