Amy Deane

Endangered Chinchilla Habitat, Chile

At the start of each season, we begin by collecting seeds and start to grow them in the nursery. Thus, the nursery work is year round. Some of the plants from the previous year that are too small for restoration are maintained as well as the new seedling.

CONAF (Corporacion Nacional Forestal- the Chilean Parks Service) did not have the funds for “No Hunting” signs. So, we made them and placed then in the restoration areas.

The goal of this project is to restore essential habitat for endangered chinchillas while deterring habitat degradation in this ecosystem. Specifically, the team will focus on ecosystem restoration in Quebrada Cuyano utilising native vegetal species, many of which, like the fauna, are endemic and of grave conservation concern.

The overall purpose is to reinstate habitat not only for wild chinchillas but also for native insect, amphibian, reptile, bird, and other mammalian species, with help from the local population. In Quebrada Zapallar, the team will create exclusive livestock grazing areas, thus curbing grazing of native vegetal communities that support local fauna, including chinchillas. 
 
Find out more from: Amy_deane@yahoo.com