CATTLE BREEDING IN THE HEART OF SOUTH AMERICA USING WILDLIFE FRIENDLY® LIVESTOCK MANAGEMENT STANDARDS

Paraguay, a landlocked country in South America, has earned a reputation for its abundant agricultural resources and thriving livestock industry, particularly in the Gran Chaco region. The Gran Chaco, characterized by dry forests and thorny savannahs, is sparsely populated but has a thriving longstanding tradition of livestock farming. In the heart of Paraguay, lies Agroganadera La Huella ranch, a prominent livestock producer that has created a verdant oasis of fresh pasture grass. This ranch specializes in meat production, placing a strong emphasis on sustainable and species-appropriate production processes.

Aroganadera La Huella has 30,000 cattle on 44,063 hectares, with half of this area set aside as conservation reserves. The ranch is committed to promoting sustainable farming practices and conserving wildlife, especially predators that are found around the ranch, such as pumas and jaguars. Agroganadera La Huella has been collaborating with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) office in Paraguay to monitor wildlife on the ranch and surrounding landscape as well as address sustainable livestock management and production, forestry rehabilitation, and wildlife coexistence practices. This public-private partnership and support has resulted in the ranch incorporating Wildlife Friendly® production practices and was recently Certified Wildlife Friendly®.

“We are delighted to announce Agroganadera La Huella as the inaugural Certified Wildlife Friendly® ranch in Paraguay. Their commitment to sustainable agriculture and wildlife conservation in the Chaco region of western Paraguay is evident through the camera recordings of tapir, jaguar, puma, and many other wildlife species that are sharing the landscape”, said Christine Lippai, Executive Director at WFEN.

This certification demonstrates the farm’s commitment to wildlife conservation and habitat preservation, ensuring that its agricultural practices are compatible with the needs of both the environment and local communities. By maintaining diverse and healthy pastures, minimizing chemical inputs, and promoting natural ecosystem processes, the farm creates a favorable environment for wildlife such as jaguars, pumas, and their prey to thrive.

“We are proud that Agroganadera La Huella has been certified as Wildlife Friendly®. This achievement underscores our dedication to sustainable livestock practices and wildlife conservation. It signifies our commitment to preserving biodiversity and fostering coexistence between livestock and wildlife. We thank our team and partners for their efforts in achieving this milestone, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to responsible land management and environmental stewardship,” said Andreas Lienert.

Some of the key livestock management practices used by Agroganadera La Huella Farm include a methodical and calculated rotation of the animals between the grazing sections to ensure an even growth of the pastures and protection of the grazing land. Also, no antibiotics are used in the production process, hunting is strictly prohibited, calves are protected from predators through the use of LED spotlights, and the livestock wear bells to deter predators. The farm carries out systematic maintenance of its pastures every three to four years, ensuring a sustainable supply of forage.

Frederick Bauer aptly puts it, “Since its beginning in 2011, WCS Paraguay has been strongly committed to protecting the jaguar and its habitat in a country whose main source of income is agriculture, and it is precisely the Paraguayan Chaco that is developing most rapidly to increase beef production. In order to achieve our objectives, it is essential that this growing sector respects wildlife and maintains ecosystem services for its subsistence, in addition to complying with environmental regulations. We have found in Wildlife Friendly Certification a strategic ally to promote sustainable practices that bring benefits and visibility to producers like La Huella, who make an effort to conserve wildlife on their productive lands and provide them with shelter, natural food, water, and the possibility to disperse.

About WCS Paraguay

The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) saves wildlife and wild places worldwide, by understanding critical issues, crafting science-based solutions, and taking conservation actions that benefit nature and humanity. WCS is committed to this mission because it is essential to the integrity of life on Earth.

About WFEN

Wildlife Friendly Enterprise Network (WFEN) conserves endangered and threatened wildlife species and their habitats through biodiversity certification programs that also contribute to the economic vitality of rural communities. WFEN uses the power of the marketplace to create on-the-ground change by providing incentives for the protection of biodiversity and enabling the conservation of intact landscapes critical to the provision of ecosystem services.