- Dust Bath Photo
- Wild relatives of the llama, guanacos range from southern Chile to southern Peru, up to elevations of 14,500 feet. The vast, windswept Patagonian Steppe serves as their last remaining stronghold. These migrating mammals battle dry conditions by obtaining moisture from the plants they eat. Like other types of camels, they possess a unique ability to conserve water.
WCS has worked on the Patagonian Steppe for more than 20 years, conserving guanacos among many other species, such as Darwin’s rheas, Andean condors, and the southernmost population of Andean cats.
- Julie Larsen Maher © WCS