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Argentina Offers Record Reward in Search for Missing Jaguar Acaí

The case heightens concern for a critically endangered species with only about 200 individuals left in Argentina.

Overview

  • The national parks agency announced a 250,000,000‑peso reward, described as the country’s highest recent conservation incentive, to gather leads on Acaí’s disappearance and identify responsible parties.
  • Acaí was released on October 5 in El Impenetrable; her satellite signal stopped by October 25, and her tracking collar was later located submerged in the Bermejo River.
  • A federal investigation is underway in Chaco, with recent court‑ordered raids in El Espinillo that seized a firearm and mobile phones.
  • Authorities filed an environmental damage valuation with the federal court estimating the loss at 2,673,280,260 pesos.
  • Experts estimate roughly 200 jaguars remain in Argentina, with fewer than 20 in the Gran Chaco, and the species is classified as Critically Endangered and protected as a natural monument.