Animals recovering at treatment centers after Argentina wildfires

By Muhammed Emin Canik

ANKARA (AA) – Surviving wildfires in northern Argentina earlier this year, injured animals are receiving treatment to recover from their burns.

Daniel Segovia, director of the Aguara Wildlife Conservation Center in Corrientes, told Anadolu Agency that about 200 animals were brought for treatment in the first three months after the scorching blaze erupted in January.

Although the exact number of animals affected by the wildfires is yet to be known, there is a significant rise in animals visiting the center this year, as some 400 animals were bought to them throughout the last year, he explained.

Currently, 72 animals are receiving treatment and 80 animals are being rehabilitated, Segovia said.

The wildfires destroyed 3.5 million acres of land as they hit the northeastern province of Corrientes hard, according to authorities.

Besides death and injury, the blaze forced many animals to flee their habitat until it was extinguished completely in the second week of March.

Segovia also pointed out the role of climate change in the wildfires, saying high temperatures and drought depleted lakes and water bodies in Corrientes.

“The animal species most affected by the fires were those whose habitats were water bodies such as lakes and dams. Animals with low mobility such as anteaters, snakes and turtles were also affected.”

He said there is still enough space for animals to live in their habitat, but it is shrinking notably, mostly caused by severe drought.

All animals receive the same burn injury treatment, Segovia said, but the healing process varies according to the species.