The biodiversity in Argentina is at a critical juncture, with vulnerable species facing significant threats to their existence. In response, the country is preparing for a crucial process: the review and update of the National Red List of threatened species. This vital tool serves not only for environmental protection but also for raising social awareness regarding the fragility of ecosystems.
The current categorization, dated 2019, includes a list of 417 species, of which a concerning 98 are classified as 'Vulnerable,' 'Endangered,' or 'Critically Endangered.' This year, with the intention of reassessing the conservation status of mammals in the country, environmental authorities are undertaking a comprehensive review of the catalog. The most significant damage has resulted from habitat loss due to the expansion of agricultural frontiers and relentless deforestation, dramatically affecting over 80% of species.
According to Javier Pereira, a scientist from CONICET and one of the coordinators of the categorization process, these alterations deprive animals of vital resources such as food and shelter, pushing them to the brink of survival. Rodents and marsupials are particularly noteworthy, as their vast diversity is inversely proportional to their adaptability to abrupt changes. The magnitude of this issue is evidenced by studies like the one from 2022, which estimates that an overwhelming 93% of mammals in Argentina face one or more types of threats to their existence.
Particularly notable is the case of the aguará guazú, a symbol of the Chaco region, which tops the list of highest risk due to habitat erosion and ongoing incidents of roadkill in rural areas. According to Greenpeace, by the end of October 2024, 103,816 hectares had been deforested in the country, directly impacting the territories inhabited by this species.
Additionally, the jaguar, the red howler monkey, and five species of desert rodents are labeled as 'Critically Endangered.' Other ungulates like the giant armadillo and the collared peccary are classified as 'Endangered,' while the tapir and anteater are recognized as 'Vulnerable.'
The review will also reveal how climate change adds to the grievances faced by these threatened groups, influencing extreme weather events that lead to situations such as cyclones, floods, and prolonged droughts. The connection to guanaco hunting in Patagonia indicates how extreme climatic conditions reshape human perceptions of the animal world, resulting in significant aggravating factors. Pereira notes the rising conflicts between ranchers and guanacos, fueled by the perception of the animal as a competitor in dwindling pasture environments.