Guanaco export plans

摘要

With a growing population of guanacos, a llama-like animal that runs wild in Patagonia, the Argentine government is analysing how best to produce and export the natural fibre it yields, at prices like those commanded by vicuna. However, hurdles stand in the way of getting it right and there are concerns that the approach could backfire if sustainable practices are not in place. The Argentine government's Secretariat of Environment and Sustainable Development is analysing 59 opinions from a public consultation in April on a proposal to farm guanacos for its fibre, meat and skin. Environmental and social concerns are encouraging progress in the programme. The growing guanaco population is putting strain on grass and water supplies in Patagonia, where 95% of Argentina's two million-plus herd roams wild. Guanacos, which are native to the southern half of South America, consume the equivalent of five sheep and are territorial, not letting sheep drink, for example.