Respect other species

Gilded Saffhire hummingbird, Picaflor bronceado

If you are interested in our work in Argentina or in buying land for wildlife conservation please get in touch.

We would actively encourage biologists or other specialists interested in studying our wildlife to come and assist us. You will however need formal qualifications to do any invasive studies (eg mist netting, small mammal trapping) as our estancia is inside a provincial reserve. We would also like to hear from anyone who is remotely interested in our work or who would like to know more, or even get involved.

If we get enough interest we may form a 'Friends of Collett-Trust' group who will get up to date information on our results, surveys, projects etc. In March we were fortunate to host 2 biologists and a wildlife photographer for 3 weeks to help with census counts and ID. The reports can be found on our page 'Field trip to Don Luis, March'.

About Us

Our trust has been formed with the aim of preserving habitat for species (other than humans) with particular emphasis on areas for endangered species. Most of our interest at the current time lies in North East Argentina. With this aim in mind, last year we completed the process of buying private land, around Esteros del Iberá, a vast wetland in the province of Corrientes, consisting over 15,000 km2. The transaction of 1600 hectares went through on 21 April 2010.

Iberá is the second largest wetland in the world, after the Pantanal in Brazil, and has amazing biodiversity which includes over 330 species of birds. Mammals include the near threatened (NT) Pampas Deer* the (NT) Maned Wolf *and the vulnerable (VU) Marsh Deer.* The (NT) Giant Anteater* has recently been reintroduced to the area and our trust is already involved in this project.

Endangered birds include the (VU) Strange Tailed Tyrant, the (VU) Black & white Monjita,the (VU) Ochre breasted pippit,3 Sporophila seedeaters (CR, EN, NT), the Yellow cardinal (EN) and the Saffron Cowled Blackbird (VU).*

* IUCN Redlist

There are many other vulnerable or near threatened animals and birds in this area and it is a viable proposition to try to save their habitat. It has not yet reached the point of no hope, unlike many areas of the world.

We have identified 2 plots of land for sale adjoining 'Estancia Don Luis' and hope eventually to buy these plots. If anyone is interested in purchasing any land for conservation then please get in touch. We would also welcome any biologists/conservationists who would like to do some surveys in our area.

We think our land is suitable for the Saffron cowled blackbird but we have not seen any, probably due to the fragmentated hotspots. If anyone can help us with a re-introduction program for these birds we would be very interested.

If anyone would like to help with buying items for the Trust such as infra-red cameras, sound recording equipment, powerful torches or anything to help our projects we will not be offended!