This program is aimed for the conservation of different species of raptors in Argentina, with special emphasis on large threatened eagles in Argentina (genus Buteogallus, Morphnus, Spizaetus and Harpia) within their distribution area, and urban raptors within the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, in order to ensure the long-term viability of their populations.
PCRAR was created in the former Zoological Garden of the City of Buenos Aires (currently Ecoparque of the City of Buenos Aires) in view of the need to provide a destination for birds that are victims of illegal trafficking (since the City is considered a hub for wildlife trade, both nationally and internationally), for injured birds or those that are suffering from diseases typical of the wild fauna that inhabits said jurisdiction
Through this Program we seek to:
Update information on the status of the threats faced by wild populations of the Chaco Eagle (Buteogallus coronatus) and on their biology and health.
Preserve the genetic diversity of native raptors with focus on the species that are the object of this program, within the framework of Ecoparque´s Genetic Resources Bank.
Achieve greater visibility of the threats faced by the natural populations of native raptor species and raise awareness of the impact urban society's way of life has on them.
Rescue, rehabilitate and reintroduce, whenever possible, native raptors from Argentina, contemplating both urban species, within the context of the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires´s avian fauna, as well as threatened species within the Buteogallus, Morphnus, Spizaetus and Harpia genus, throughout the entire national territory where such actions are necessary.
Restore the natural populations of native raptors, with focus on the threatened eagles of Argentina (within the genus Buteogallus, Morphnus, Spizaetus and Harpia), in places of their distribution where they are diminished.
Cooperatively breed and manage native threatened species within the genus Buteogallus, Morphnus, Spizaetus and Harpia, to increase the reproductive success of viable populations in their natural environments.
Promote the development, research and implementation of public policies adapted to the conservation of threatened and urban raptor species.
Develop educational systems to make known raptor species and their importance as biological indicators.
Since the beginning of the PCRAR, the programme has worked with more than 1,500 individuals of different species of raptors in their rehabilitation and assistance, including 5 specimens of the endangered Chaco eagle. Ecoparque contributes its specialized personnel and its infrastructure and logistics resources for each case.
Moreover, during 2021 PCRAR has been working on the project "Release and monitoring of Great Horned Owls (Bubo virginianus) rehabilitated at Ecoparque", having liberated 3 individuals with radio transmitting equipment installed.
Likewise, strategies for the conservation of endangered species have been developed, research projects have been assisted and, in turn, work has been done to promote public policies to mitigate their threats in many provinces of Argentina.
On the other hand, the PCRAR participated in workshops and conferences on ornithology and conservation, either by presenting work carried out, as speakers on particular topics, or by being part of their organization.
In turn, the PCRAR has made a series of publications of an informative and scientific nature over the last 10 years, and has also participated in the Categorization of the Birds of Argentina in 2017 in relation to the conservation status of the Chaco Eagle, within the framework of the report developed by the National Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development and Aves Argentinas.
In addition, in 2019 the National Geographic Society filmed a documentary known as "Heroes of Conservation'', and one of the chapters was carried out by the PCRAR: "The rehabilitation processes of the Chaco eagles received by Ecoparque of Buenos Aires", as well as collaboration with the chapter dedicated to the "Work carried out by the Buenos Aires Wildlife Rescue Center". In that same year, the PCRAR also participated in the organization of the "Conference on the use of GIS, presentations of conservation projects and applied GIS", which was a demonstrative workshop on online data collection tools associated with Geographic Information Systems (“GIS”).
Likewise, under the orbit of the PCRAR the "Animal Ambassadors Program (PAE for its acronym in spanish)" is framed, which seeks to make known the native species of our country, their characteristics and the conservation threats they face, with special emphasis on the problem of illegal wildlife trafficking. Through interaction with non-releasable animals and knowledge of their history, the aim is to sensitize children and adults and thus discourage the possession of these species as pets.