Photo: Zoosnow | Pixabay
In the largest international rewilding effort in South America to date, 40 red-footed tortoises took a plodding and determined path from Paraguay to El Impenetrable National Park in Chaco Province, a protected area. Dubbed "gardeners of the forest," they consume vast quantities of native fruit, dispersing seeds that regenerate forests and diverse plant species, and maintain genetic diversity in a region hard hit by deforestation. The tortoise disappeared in Argentina because of hunting, illegal pet trade, and the destruction of their habitats in the Chaco forest. These tortoises were rescued from illegal pet trade. The first ten were released into their new home on May 19 and the rest will be released ingroups of ten with tracking devices to monitor their behavior for research. Two female tortoises have already laid eggs in their new home and will hatch between September and November, coinciding with the first rains after the dry season.
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