Andean Puma Reappears in Argentina after Long Absence

In the province of Mendoza, at the foot of the Andes, the global conservation community has welcomed a major development. Near the town of Malagueno, infrared cameras have captured images of the Andean puma (scientific name: Leopardus jacobita) for the third consecutive time; this feline is one of South America’s most elusive and rarest predators. These images indicate that conservation measures for this endangered species are proving effective, reports El Maipo, a partner of TV BRICS.

The Andean puma is one of South America’s most vulnerable wild felines. The latest data indicates that the total population of this species, found in the Andean mountain ranges of Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, and Peru, stands at fewer than 2,200 individuals. Slightly larger than a domestic cat, this feline weighs around 4 kilogrammes and measures approximately 60 centimetres in length. Its distinctive features include a thick, cylindrical tail (bearing 6 to 9 dark rings) and a black nose – which distinguishes it from its close relative, the colocolo (Leopardus colocolo), which has a pink nose.

It was previously widely believed that the Andean puma inhabited only areas above 3,600 metres. However, in recent years, an increasing number of records have shown them appearing at much lower altitudes – for example, in Patagonia, where there have even been sightings as low as 650 metres.

Experts point out that every sighting of the Andean puma is a positive sign, not only confirming the species’ resilience in the region but also demonstrating the effectiveness of conservation measures.

The BRICS nations are actively committed to the recovery and monitoring of endangered species populations.

Scientists in Mangshi, Yunnan Province, China, have discovered an insect rare to the region – the Yunnan leaf beetle (scientific name: Cryptophyllium yunnanense). As there were previously no records of this species in the area, this discovery is of great significance. The leaf beetle is renowned for its remarkable camouflage abilities. The species is endemic to Yunnan and was included in the List of State Key Protected Wild Animals in 2021. According to TV BRICS partner China Daily, citing local authorities, the discovery of this insect in Mangshi has expanded its known range and provided valuable data for future ecological research.

Thanks to improvements in environmental conditions in western Iranian provinces, thousands of waterfowl and waders have returned to lakes and wetlands to nest and forage. As reported by Tehran Times, a partner of TV BRICS, approximately 35,000 birds representing more than 30 different species were observed this year in the Gandoman and Choghakhor wetlands in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province. The ecological recovery of Lake Urmia has also prompted the return of flamingos, with more than 6,000 expected to arrive. Favourable environmental conditions and abundant food sources have made these areas important breeding grounds for birds.

Brazil’s Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change is currently updating its national list of endangered species. According to the Brazilian government’s website, the newly enacted decree covers 790 endangered species and nine extinct species, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and terrestrial invertebrates. The Minister for the Environment and Climate Change emphasised the importance of updating the list for assessing the country’s biodiversity and reaffirmed Brazil’s commitment to wildlife conservation.