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2026-08-12 21:11 UTC → 2026-08-17 07:22 UTC ·
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Endangered Chilean energy project postponed over frog conservation in Chile and Argentina
Environmental activist Leonardo DiCaprio has issued urgent appeals to protect the Alsodes pehuenche, a critically endangered frog species in the Andes mountains of Chile and Argentina. The species, which has fewer than 1,000 specimens remaining in the wild, faces extinction risks from habitat disruption. The primary threat identified is the Los Cóndores–Río Diamante electrical interconnection project, an initiative a $36 million high-voltage transmission line led by Enel Generación Chile. 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 a 500 kV transmission line and the installation of installing 72 support towers across habitats such as the Alto Maule region, including Paso Pehuenche and Laguna del Maule. The Chilean Ministry Conservationists and local residents argue the infrastructure threatens the habitat of Environment has warned the Alsodes pehuenche, a nocturnal amphibian classified as ‘critically endangered’ by the IUCN Red List. Activists claim that altering watercourses could lead ongoing works in the region have already contributed to a “25 percent increased mortality rate” rates for the population. Public opposition to the project species, which faces additional pressures from invasive trout, livestock, and chytrid fungus. The Municipality of San Clemente has reached record levels in Chile, with nearly 16,000 observations submitted during expressed support for the environmental assessment process. While conservationists have suggested relocating international attention brought by DiCaprio, emphasizing the infrastructure rather than halting need to protect fragile mountain ecosystems. While local authorities stated they do not oppose energy development in principle, they are demanding the project entirely, be relocated to an area that does not compromise biodiversity or the natural landscape. Enel has previously maintained that it is operating in “full ‘full compliance with current regulations” regulations’ and has integrated all necessary environmental and archaeological analyses.