The taruka (Hippocamelus antisensis) is a rare species of deer native to high-elevation grasslands in the Andes of Peru, Bolivia, northern Chile, and northwestern Argentina. It is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN endangered species list, due to its small population size, a decline in habitat quality, and hunting and predation. The taruka are designated as one of four “national natural monument species” by the Argentine government. However, it is at particular risk in Argentina, where its distribution is not well understood, and its habitat is highly fragmented:
“Two Argentinean national parks that may harbor
the species are Los Cardones and Campo de Los Alisos,
as it is usually stated, but its presence has not been verified
by Argentinean biologists. It is urgent that other
protected areas be created over what is left of the taruka
population in Argentina (Barrio, 2010).”
A population of tarukas have been sighted in the upper elevation areas of Condor Valley. This October (2011) a team of biologists comprised of Dr. Ricardo Ojeda and Gustavo Maras from Argentina, and Dr. Michael J. Wisdom and Euell Macke from Oregon, will conduct four weeks of preliminary field research in Condor Valley to assess the approximate size, range, habitat, and ecology of tarukas in Condor Valley. Horses, equipment, supplies, housing, and support will be provided by Hank Bannister, Martin Peaked, and the gauchos at Condor Valley. If the preliminary research proves productive, a long-term study is expected to follow. A better understanding of the distribution and ecology of tarukas in northern Argentina will hopefully lead to more directed and successful conservation efforts for this unique and vulnerable species.
Journal Entries & Updates on Taruka in Condor Valley
Taruka Expedition Timeline
6 October: Ride four hours from La Bodega to El Peusto on horseback with Martin, Bruno, Jose, Gustavo, and two pack horses. Chicken and beef Asado over a campfire for lunch with boxed wine. Climb a nearby peak in the afternoon to take in the landscape. Condors watch us overhead. Drink mate with coca and local herbs before turning in for the night. Sleep on leather bound cots with our horse blankets for padding. 7 October: Wake early to watch Jose round up the horses. After coffee and some leather repairs we ride from El Peusto to El Ojo...
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