South Andean Huemul MOU

The South Andean Huemul, the only large herbivore to inhabit sub-Antarctic Patagonia, migrates across the border region between the two countries. Poaching is a major threat, which adds to mortality due to natural predation by pumas, foxes and domestic dogs. Livestock grazing and water management for agricultural purposes accelerate land conversion. On top of this, expanding infrastructure due to logging and mining encroaches on the species’ habitat. Any loss among the small, fragmented groups of deer can be crucial and would significantly contribute to the extinction of the species. In addition, human settlements, unregulated tourism and diseases transmitted from cattle, put further pressure on the species, preventing small groups from recovering.

The two Range States are expected to develop a bi-national action plan in 2011 to promote the exchange of scientific, technical and legal information as well as training of professional staff and park rangers to coordinate conservation measures. Research will be promoted to better understand the ecology and biology of the species as well as factors preventing the recovery of individual groups. Monitoring will be enhanced to collect more data on distribution, abundance and threats. Educational activities and media campaigns will raise awareness about the Huemul´s poor conservation status. The Signatories have agreed to prepare an annual report on progress in implementing the Action Plan to be submitted to the CMS Secretariat and to the Argentine-Chilean Environmental Commission. Annual meetings will also be held, with each Signatory alternately acting as host. The CMS Secretariat acts as depositary of the MoU.

Last updated on 18 March 2014

Type: 
Costa Rica and Ecuador and Paraguay
Species group: 
Terrestrial mammals