The MoU between the Argentine Republic and the Republic of Chile on the Conservation of the Ruddy-headed Goose (Chloephaga rubidiceps) was concluded under CMS auspices and became effective on 21November 2006. It aims to safeguard the mainland population of this species, which is in serious danger of extinction with an estimated size at around 900-1,000 individuals. Due to its critical status, this population is listed in the CMS Convention’s Appendices I and II. Currently its effective conservation depends on concerted actions between the two signatory states.

The Ruddy-headed goose lives in the South of Chile and Argentina and the Falkland Islands/Malvinas. It tends to congregate with other goose species which farmers consider to be pests and so the Ruddy-headed goose has been persecuted in the past, especially in the wintering grounds in the South of Buenos Aires province. Predation by the South American grey fox (Pseudalopex griseus), illegal hunting and habitat degradation are also factors which have contributed to the species’ dramatic decline.

The two range states have agreed to develop an Action Plan in consultation with the Scientific Council of the parent Convention in respect of the migratory, continental population of the species. The MoU will serve as a means of facilitating the exchange of scientific, technical and legal information and will foster co-operation between the experts and international organisations working to implement the Action Plan. The Parties have agreed to prepare an annual report on progress in implementing the Action Plan to be submitted to the Secretariat of CMS and to the Argentine-Chilean Environmental Commission. Annual meetings will also be held, with each country acting as host alternately.

Wetlands International has prodcued a report: Ruddy-headed Geese (Chloephaga rubidiceps) in Danger: Population status and conservation actions in Argentina and Chile (El Cauquén colorado (Chloephaga rubidiceps) en peligro de extinción: Estatus poblacional y acciones de conservación en Argentina y Chile). This report can be accessed here in English and here in Spanish.