“We want to urge scientists and researchers to help in studies needed by this population of guanacos that practically, from now on, is the most cherished treasure in Bolivia,” Deputy Environment Minister Magín Herrera said at a news conference.

He assured that this is great news for the country and for the world.

This animal is the largest South American wild camel-like animal and is characterized by being strong with a slender neck and long legs.

Experts describe it as a wild artiodactyl mammal of the Camelidae family, unlike the llama, which is domestic.

Herrera insisted that genetic and genealogy studies should be conducted, as well as studies on how they feed and how to guarantee water in the area, which are essential for their survival.

He announced that actions will be taken to protect the space where they were identified, including measures to prevent settlers from living in the surroundings.

“We need our communities not to occupy those small areas -36 000 hectares- where the specimens, which are a beauty, are found,” he told the press.

The finding was confirmed by an expedition to the site by a technical team from the DeputyEnvironment, Biodiversity, Climate Change and Forest Development Management Ministry, which obtained images and traces of the animals.

Taken from Orbe weekly

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