The launch of the “Huemul National Corridor”
New biological corridor created to protect the endangered Huemul deer
Chile has recently announced the launch of a new biological corridor to protect the huemul, an endangered southern deer. The initiative includes an area recently donated by the family of the late philanthropist and founder of North Face, Douglas Tompkins.
The Rewilding Chile Foundation, Tompkins’ legacy, along with Chile’s Ministry of Agriculture, have stated that the “Huemul National Corridor” will be made up of approximately 16 connected, state-protected areas alongside other private conservation initiatives. This public-private initiative seeks to reduce threats to the species, strengthening huemul populations in key conservation areas of the Patagonian Park Route. Large, open areas where huemuls are able to roam freely are essential to the survival of the species.
This conservation initiative aims to serve as a basic model for other areas across the planet, in hope of saving other species with similar behaviour and movement patterns like the huemul.
More about the endangered southern huemul deer
The huemul is one of two species of indigenous deer found only in the Patagonian forests of Argentina and Chile. Owing to habitat degradation, however, the huemul has reduced to less than 1% of its original population, according to ministry data. Adult huemuls, also known as güemuls, can reach about 1.55 m (5.1 ft) in length, 80 – 90 cm (31.5 – 35.5 in) in height and weigh up to 68 kg (150 lb). They are herbivores, and live for approximately 14 years.