El Ciudadano
The Cuesta Las Chilcas area, located at kilometer 74 on Route 5 Norte in the Llay Llay commune, is celebrated for its stunning landscape and climbing opportunities, but it also serves as a vital ecological corridor for various native species migrating between the Coastal Mountain range and the Aconcagua Valley.
In light of this, several environmental organizations have begun studying the region for the past few years to gather sufficient evidence for its preservation.
Thanks to the support from the municipality’s Environmental Unit and a project funded by the Regional Government, trap cameras were acquired with the collaboration of the Llay Llay Environmental Committee and Felinos Cerro El Caqui. This has enabled the capture of images of the colo-colo cat (leopardus colocolo), an endangered species and the only national endemic feline, as well as other native wildlife.
The conservation status of the colo-colo cat is concerning due to its fragmented habitat. In Llay Llay, encroachment from fruit tree plantations within its biological corridor and the Route 5 which crosses Las Chilcas contribute to a high number of roadkill incidents.
Currently, a collaboration agreement between the Llay Llay Municipality and the Communal Environmental Committee aims to sustain this conservation and documentation initiative in the area.
Barbara Cataldo, treasurer of the Communal Environmental Committee of Llay Llay, emphasized, «This agreement allows us to acquire three additional trap cameras for monitoring the colo-colo cat, which, as I mentioned earlier, inhabits the Los Peumos ravine in Cuesta Las Chilcas. This area is crucial for biodiversity and also for the community, helping us develop a mental awareness needed to protect these places and understand their importance.»
«They have always been here, we know them for life, but suddenly we are unaware of the beings that inhabit this place, all these animals that contribute to the forest’s existence and how they create links to coexist in this area. Currently, we have two cameras installed, thanks to Felinos del Cerro El Caqui, which has assisted us in finding ideal locations for these new cameras,» detailed Barbara Cataldo.
The Environmental Committee representative highlighted that through this initiative they have confirmed, «that indeed the colo-colo cat is here, it lives here, and we have been able to understand some of its behavior.»
Meanwhile, Llay Llay Mayor Edgardo González praised the collaborative effort to collect more information and foster a culture of care and protection around the colo-colo cat.
«For us, it is significant to support this initiative developed by the Environmental Committee and other organizations at the community level, as we have identified a critical habitat for the colo-colo cat that undoubtedly serves as a vital space for knowledge and learning,» stated the mayor.
Funds for the acquisition and installation of the trap cameras come from the Municipal Environmental Certification System (SCAM), specifically from Stage 5 of Outstanding Excellence that the Municipality is currently pursuing.
The Municipality expressed that this investment decision aligns with its commitment to strengthen local environmental management, protect natural resources, and monitor areas of environmental interest, contributing to the achievement of the established goals in the certification process.
We will continue to provide updates.
La entrada Llay Llay Municipality and Environmental Committee Ensure Continuation of Research Project on Colo-Colo Cats and Native Species se publicó primero en El Ciudadano.
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