The Valcheta Stream runs through Somuncura Plateau in Patagonia, a Key Biodiversity Area. In recent years, this precious freshwater resource was severely impacted by unsustainable livestock management and the introduction of invasive trout. By working to protect the endemic and Critically Endangered El Rincon stream frog and the naked characin fish, Federico and NGO Fundación Somuncura are helping to conserve the biodiversity of the entire plateau with a community-integrated approach.

SPECIALISED SPECIES

The primary habitat of the Somuncura Plateau is the Patagonian steppe, a desert characterised by grassland plains. The hot springs of Valcheta Stream’s headwaters help maintain a nearly constant water temperature year-round that has enabled the evolution of several endemic species, most currently threatened. For more than a decade, Federico has worked to conserve the biodiversity of the plateau by focussing on two highly specialised species: the El Rincon stream frog, one of the most endangered amphibians worldwide, and the naked characin fish, the southernmost characin in the world. He and his team have so far seen a 15% increase in the frog population, have reintroduced the species to a fully restored habitat where a local population had gone extinct and have acquired 20,000 hectares of habitat to establish a Natural Reserve to protect this special environment.

ECOLOGICAL EQUILIBRIUM

Like in many other deserts, freshwater sources are scarce and play a key role in the coexistence of local wildlife and people. With his Whitley Award, Federico will scale his work to restore this precious freshwater habitat, explicitly protecting it from trampling and overgrazing by cattle and limiting the access of invasive trout. These actions will increase the suitable habitat for native freshwater species and provide high-quality water for local residents. Livestock also create conflict between native predators and ranchers, affecting the ecological equilibrium of the entire ecosystem. By implementing a guardian dog programme to protect livestock and continuing an awareness campaign to reduce or eliminate the use of poisons, Federico and his team are making the region safer for wildlife and humans whilst preventing the loss of native predators.

SUSTAINABLE ECOTOURISM

The Somuncura Plateau has excellent potential for ecotourism development since it combines beautiful landscapes and archaeological sites with iconic Patagonian species such as cougars, guanaco, Darwin’s Rhea, Andean fox, and Andean condor. Fundación Somuncura are working to establish the settlement of Chipauquil as a centre for sustainable ecotourism in the area, supporting local guides to increase visitor numbers. Both local communities and environmental authorities of the region participated in developing this initiative, and in contrast to traditional sheep and cattle grazing, ecotourism includes women as active participants in the economic development of the area. Ecotourism will help local communities scattered across the plateau to harmoniously develop sustainable economic activities compatible with biodiversity conservation.

WITH THE WHITLEY AWARD, FEDERICO AND HIS TEAM WILL:

• Restore 20% of Valcheta Stream headwaters, from 17 to 22 km, as suitable habitat for endangered species
• Create sanctuaries in eight key reproductive hot springs for the Critically Endangered and endemic species
• Reduce conflict over livestock with predators such as cougars and foxes in the project area by 40%, from 25 reported incidents to 15
• Increase visitor numbers to the area by 70% and train ten professional local guides to establish Chipauquil as a centre for sustainable ecotourism

TOP FACTS:

• Somuncura means “rock that speaks” in the Tehuelche language, referring to the sound of the wind when blowing over the rocks.
• This volcanic tableland is almost the size of Belgium and rises as a continental island in the middle of the Patagonian steppe.
• The Somuncura Plateau has been occupied by humans at least since the end of the Pleistocene (11,700 years ago).

Image credits: Hernán Povedano (Valcheta frog, banner image)