Ecobreves – CHILE: Wild Animals Released

By IPS Correspondents and - - Reprint | | Print |

SANTIAGO, Jul 21 2002 (IPS) - The wild animal rehabilitation center of the Pro-Defense of Flora and Fauna National Committee released two chilla foxes (Pseudalopex griseus) and two quiques (Galictis cuja), species threatened by hunters and smugglers. The chilla foxes arrived at the center as orphaned pups that had been rescued by individuals, while the quiques were seized from illegal animal traffickers. After rehabilitation, the animals were returned to their natural habitat.

At the Rio Clarillo center, southwest of Santiago, veterinarians and other specialists treat and care for mammals and birds that have been wounded or orphaned.

The quique belongs to the family of mustelids, carnivores with a long body and short legs, like the mink, badger or nutria.