Marsh deer project 2003

Santiago D'Alessio

This project aims to increase basic scientific information about the globally threatened marsh deer biology, and its' distribution and natural habitat in Delta del Paraná, the southern limit of its' geographical distribution. The main objectives of the project will be to carry out an integral description of the unknown Bajo Delta del Parana's floating marshes and to determine the distribution and conservation status of an unknown marsh deer sub-population of the Bajo Delta del Paraná in Entre Ríos Province. The project aims also to increase the knowledge and valuation of the marsh deer and of the whole wetland ecosystem. Educational talks in schools, production of materials for local communities, a documental video and discussions with timber companies will be carried out. The communication tasks will aim also to reinforce the knowledge about the conservation actions that are taking place in the area to protect Delta del Paraná's biodiversity. The project will produce specific recommendations to the official authorities of fauna to deepen the controls on poaching. Overall this work is considered an essential input to the elaboration of the Delta del Paraná Biosphere Reserve Management Plan.