Wildlife rehabilitation and rescue in Chile

Wildlife conservation efforts in Chile have focused on both the rehabilitation of native species and the management of animals in proximity to human settlements.

In the Malloa and Antofagasta regions, various animals, including a güiña, a culpeo fox, and a juvenile vicuña, were released back into their natural habitats following successful rehabilitation processes. These efforts involved collaborations between universities, the Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG), and private entities to ensure animals maintained natural instincts.

Specifically, in the Malloa region, a güiña was released into a precordilleran area in Los Maquis after eleven months of care at the Hacienda Cauquenes Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center. This project involved the University of O’Higgins, Codelco, and the SAG. To prevent domestication, specialists minimized human contact during the rehabilitation process.

In the Antofagasta region, a purple tagua, a culpeo fox, and a juvenile vicuña were released into the precordillera in areas with abundant water, food, and shelter. These animals were rehabilitated at the University of Antofagasta’s Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center (CRRFS) in coordination with the SAG.

Additionally, authorities in the Alto del Carmen commune successfully relocated a juvenile puma to a remote mountainous area after it was reported hunting poultry near populated zones. This operation followed a week of monitoring using trap cameras and capture cages.