Guanacos in Santa Cruz, Argentina, Reach 2 Million Population, According to New Study
A recent study on the guanaco population in Santa Cruz, Argentina, estimates that around 2 million individuals inhabit the province during the cold season and approximately 1.8 million during the warm season.
The guanaco population in Santa Cruz, Argentina, has made a significant recovery and is estimated to have reached 2 million individuals, according to a new study. This estimate is based on a recent survey conducted by the Consejo Agrario Provincial (CAP), WCS Argentina, and researchers from the Conicet, covering an area of 200,280 square kilometers, which is equivalent to 82% of the province's surface.
The study shows a trend of increasing population over the last decade compared to the 2013 estimation, although the researchers warn that the magnitude of this growth may vary between different landscapes in Santa Cruz. The investigation also identified a marked heterogeneity in the distribution of guanacos, which is significant in a territory where wild fauna and livestock compete for resources such as water and pastures, in a context of increasing aridity.
## Guanaco Population Trends
| Season | Estimated Population | | --- | --- | | Cold Season (April-September) | 2 million | | Warm Season (October-March) | 1.8 million |
The study also presents maps of seasonal guanaco density with a resolution of 4 kilometers per square kilometer, accompanied by maps of uncertainty that allow for the level of precision of the estimates in each sector to be known. To perform the analysis, the researchers used Surface Density Models (MSD), a standardized international methodology for monitoring wild populations, which was also applied in the 2013 survey, enabling the comparison of both periods.
The researchers stated that this information constitutes the most up-to-date provincial estimate of guanaco abundance and a scientific basis for strengthening monitoring, conservation, and sustainable management strategies.
The study's findings are significant for the conservation and management of guanacos in Santa Cruz, Argentina, and highlight the importance of continued monitoring and research to ensure the long-term sustainability of this species.
