Several Peruvian environmentalists have come together to save the guanacos in Calipuy National Reserve. The organization, called Guanacon Group, is just beginning its campaign to conserve the animals and their habitat. The guanaco (Lama guanicoe), member of the Camelidae family, has become a rare species in Peru. It is considered vulnerable by the World Conservation Union (IUCN) and is listed in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES).
Calipuy National Reserve is home to the largest population of guanacos in Peru. It is estimated that there are 500 individuals throughout the reserve, yet their populations are being seriously threatened by illegal hunting and loss of habitat. In an effort to save the guanacos, the Guanocon Group is on an international tour educating people on the plight of the guanacos in Peru. They have been in Norway presenting the situation and garnering support. They have also taken their campaign to Asia because there are large populations of camels (also members of the Camelidea family) that are under threat as well in that region of the world. While in Mongolia and China, they will seek support from groups like the Green Movement, and the Mongolian Gazelle Society.
This group, although independent of ParksWatch, has used our evaluation of Calipuy National Reserve and Calipuy National Sanctuary to help their cause. In addition to this international tour, they have also implemented local educational programs on the guanacos of Calipuy and they are planning to sell shirts, and stickers with the \”Save the Guanaco\” message to raise funds for their efforts.
ParksWatch-Peru: October 2003