The animal had been rescued in July in the city of Gualeguay and spent several months in the pre-release enclosure at El Potrero Reserve. It will now continue its journey in the wild, monitored via a satellite collar.
On Monday, October 19, a Maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) rescued in the city of Gualeguay was released back into the wild after completing its recovery and adaptation process at the El Potrero Reserve.
The animal had been found on July 8, after a resident reported the presence of an animal he had identified as a “large dog” on a vacant lot in the city. After confirming that it was a Maned wolf, members of the Gualeguay Brigade, under the General Directorate for the Prevention of Rural Crimes, carried out the rescue and transported the animal to the reserve.
Over the following months, he remained in the pre-release enclosure—a fenced-in area of approximately three hectares of natural habitat—where he was able to regain his physical condition and remain under observation and monitoring, while minimizing contact with people.
As part of the preparations for his release, veterinary examinations were conducted, biological samples were collected, and morphometric measurements were taken. During this process, a satellite and VHF tracking collar was also fitted, which will allow his movements to continue to be monitored once he is released.
On Monday the 19th, the time for his return finally arrived. Staff from the El Potrero Reserve and the Entre Ríos Department of Natural Areas transported the animal to an area of grasslands, woodlands, and wetlands, where it was released to begin its life in the wild once again.
Tracking via the satellite collar will allow researchers to understand how it uses the territory, record its movements, and generate information that will help expand knowledge about the species and strengthen conservation strategies in Entre Ríos.
AGUARÁ GUAZÚ PROJECT
This release is part of the El Potrero Reserve’s Aguará Guazú Project, which carries out efforts to rehabilitate and reintroduce individuals while also working to conserve the natural habitats that support this and many other species.
The Maned wolf is one of the most unique species in our native fauna and faces significant threats, including the loss and fragmentation of natural habitats, roadkill, and hunting. In Entre Ríos, it was also designated a Provincial Natural Monument in 2015.
Every animal that returns to the wild represents an opportunity to continue learning about the species and to strengthen conservation efforts in our region.
We thank all the professionals, organizations, and authorities who were part of this process and who made this latest return to freedom possible.