Learning about what mammal species are present in the Protected Productive Landscapes (PPP) is important because of their role in numerous ecological processes and in the provision of ecosystem services. Mammal species diversity and composition are indicators of environmental quality.
In four orchards of “high environmental value,” images of 14 species of mammals were recorded, and four of them are threatened species: the red weasel, the ocelot, the tayra and the collared peccary. These findings prove the success of the Protected Productive Landscape model, which was implemented in 6,147 hectares, 68% of which remain in their natural state.
Preserving biodiversity in the context of the Protected Productive Landscape Program
Monitoring results:
- 14 species of mammals were recorded in 4 of the 23 lemon production units.
Medium and large size:
- significant diversity for the area.
Threatened species:
- Red weasel
- Tayra
- Ocelot
- Collared peccary
A shared ecosystem
The monitoring, carried out in 2024 with 43 camera traps at Don Vicente, La Cruz and Ischillón Orchards, as well as at San Rafael Orchard in previous years, allows us to record the current biodiversity and how animals interact with the different elements of the landscape, such as continuous forest, riverbanks and lemon plantations. According to Roberto Cáceres, “this understanding is crucial to coordinate actions that strike a balance between environmental conservation and production.”
This work is part of a planned Environmental Monitoring Protocol that Citrusvil implements to monitor variables such as the mammals that inhabit our forests and even for production areas.
Species such as the ocelot, captured in all the monitored orchards, highlight the environmental quality of the territory. In addition, the collared peccary also stood out for being a key “architect of the forest” for flower diversity due to its role in ecosystem regeneration.
“By preserving biodiversity in the orchards, we are protecting the natural balance and setting an example in terms of leadership in a sector that is committed to sustainability,” said Noelia Lescano, Head of Quality Assurance and Environment at Grupo Lucci.
The list of native animals observed includes: weasels, red weasels, six-banded armadillos, crab-eating boxes, Pampa foxes, Geoffroy’s cats, ocelots, jaguarundis, tayras, ferrets, mayuatos, collared peccaries, brown brockets and tapetis.
The importance of the Yungas
The Yungas, which together with the Paraná Rainforest concentrate 40% of the country’s biodiversity, are a bastion of unique species. The study conducted by Citrusvil reinforces the value of these areas as essential natural reservoirs for human and ecological well-being.
About the study
In the context of the Environmental Monitoring Protocol, each of the 43 cameras installed by Fundación ProYungas in 2023 at Citrusvil’s orchards was considered a sampling station. The cameras were programmed to shoot three photos with a time delay of 5 minutes between successive recordings. The sampling stations were placed in the field following the criterion of keeping a distance of more than 1 kilometer between stations, in order to avoid sampling the same individuals of each species and to ensure that each station is a valid replica of the sampled situation.
More actions together with ProYungas
Actions meant for tapir conservation and refuge in the Aconquija Protected Park
ProYungas held different meetings to promote collaboration among organizations, the Government and companies to address conservation problems in Aconquija Protected Park.
Work was carried out on tapir reintroduction, 160 teachers were trained to introduce environmental issues in schools, and artificial intelligence was used for fauna monitoring.
In addition, we suggested transforming the Santa Ana Central Park into an educational space about the local flora, updating a survey of trees and plants. The workshop highlighted the importance of extending conservation beyond geographic boundaries, and it will continue in 2025 with an institutional project that will involve communities in the protection of the tapir and biodiversity.
Expression of interest agreement for the sustainable management of the Aconquija Protected Park
Citrusvil signed the expression of interest agreement of the Aconquija Protected Park, an important step in the conformation of the Aconquija Protected Landscape.
This agreement seeks to strengthen the management and governance of the province of Tucumán, Argentina, through a public-private partnership to preserve the natural resources in the region.
One of the main objectives of this initiative is to ensure the conservation of the most important sources of water resources, guaranteeing their long-term availability for both human consumption and industrial uses. In this sense, it seeks to promote sustainable use of natural resources, establishing comprehensive management guidelines that are agreed upon between the public and private sectors.
The project also aims to value the environmental services offered by the protected landscape, highlighting the importance of these services for human well-being and the ecological health of the region. In this way, it will promote the responsible and balanced management of the territory, contributing to the sustainability and preservation of the ecosystems in the area.
Learn more about the different activities that we have been carrying out with ProYungas since 2016 here.