Project Description
The coast of the City of Río Grande in Argentina is one of the most critical wintering locations for rufa red knots in Tierra del Fuego. Urban development in this area has been identified as one of the greatest threats to the species during this portion of its annual migration. Other long-distance migrants, such as Hudsonian godwits and white-rumped sandpipers, also winter along the east coast of Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego.
The T/V Anitra Oil Spill Trustee Council transferred $10,000 to the Province of Tierra del Fuego's Secretary of Sustainable Development and the Environment and Manomet Center for Conservation Sciences to construct an interpretive trail at the Reserva Costa Atlántica Tierra del Fuego (Tierra del Fuego Atlantic Coast Reserve) for local inhabitants and visitors to learn about red knots and other migratory shorebirds that winter in Tierra del Fuego. The Secretary and the Fundación Vida Silvestre Argentina (Argentine Wildlife Foundation) also signed an agreement to co-finance additional funding for the project. Educational signage was designed and installed along the trail, and optical equipment such as binoculars and telescopes were purchased for the public to use to view the birds. In addition, interpretive bird walks and presentations were given to school groups and members of the community. This interpretive trail has raised local awareness about red knots and helped to promote land use practices that are compatible with conservation.
Parties Implementing Restoration
Fundación Vida Silvestre Argentina ; Manomet Center for Conservation Sciences ; Secretary of Sustainable Development and the Environment, Province of Tierra del Fuego, Argentina
DOI Project Representatives
Fish and Wildlife Service