The series recorded part of one of its chapters dedicated to mink at the Río Cruces Wetlands Center of the UACh, where researchers reported the experience with the international CONTAIN fund that took place in Los Ríos. This production received funds from the 2022 National Public Science Competition for Dissemination Products and consists of six chapters that explore the impact of six invasive alien species on Chile’s biodiversity. These species represent a socio-ecological problem both in the north and in the south of the country.
The production team is made up of professionals from the Faculty of Communication and Image of the University of Chile, the Institute of Ecology and Biodiversity, the Laboratory of Biological Invasions of the University of Concepción and the UChileTV channel, where the series will be broadcast with the narration by actress Blanca Lewin.
The main objective of this documentary series is to facilitate the understanding of the relationship and the conflict between the fauna, the vegetation and the inhabitants of the Chilean territory, in order to understand the socio-ecological context and problems in which these invasive alien species develop. They are not native to Chile, but were introduced by human action. The series seeks to raise awareness about the urgency of managing and controlling these species in order to achieve an ecosystem balance.
During this year, the chapters dedicated to the six invasive alien species will be recorded in various locations in the country, passing through Copiapó, Patagonia, Osorno, Malalcahuello, among others. For this, focus will be placed on the mink, the beaver, feral dogs or those without responsible ownership, the European bumblebee or bombus terrestris, the torto pine and the blackhead or ulex europaeus.
The unwelcome inhabitant of the city of rivers: The mink
With a length of between 50 and 70 cm, a tail of 20 cm and a weight close to 2 kilos, the mink is distinguished by its white hair on the chin and its black and brown body. Although it was originally white when it was introduced to southern Chile for trade, it resembles weasels, otters, and badgers. This small animal behaves solitary and territorial, and its dispersal season is from late spring to summer. Although its smell is characteristic, it is not as fetid as that of other animals.
The city of Valdivia was selected as the setting to understand the context and problems associated with this small mustelid in the territory. The mink, a carnivore native to North America, was introduced to Chile in the 1930s for commercial purposes in the fur industry. However, since its reproduction has not been controlled, it has become an invasive species in our territory, causing ecological, social and economic problems for the inhabitants of the Los Ríos Region.
“Its invasion and dispersal process has been quite rapid, from the south of Chile to Patagonia, with a notable increase in progress towards the north. Being a semi-aquatic mustelid, its plasticity has been facilitated by taking advantage of water courses or rivers to mobilize and use them as biological corridors; that is why it has come to Valdivia. It is very successful as an invasive species because its diet is extensive, especially in avifauna, which is what has been reported the most. Chickens, black-necked swans, pidenes, ducks, etc. they have fallen into their nets, but there are also effects on native mammals,” said researcher Felipe Hernández from the Austral University of Chile, who also highlights that this species is reproductively effective. “A female can have 6 to 10 pups in a single litter, and at least once a year. Imagine how its population is multiplying ”, he highlighted.
From economic problems, small-scale subsistence farming is the one that has been most affected, since its body flexibility allows it to move in small holes and climb trees, increasing its impact on the slaughter of poultry, specifically in country chicken coops However, much remains to be explored as to how it affects other wildlife species such as wild birds (black-necked swans, coots), fish (sea bass, salmon, trout), amphibians, and even newborn pigs and lambs, and its relationship with zoonosis. because it is an opportunistic species and potential transmitter of parasites and infectious agents. “The mink is very successful, since it has no natural predators to control it, other than where it comes from where lynxes, raccoons, skunks, coyotes, wolves, bears and large birds of prey are found,” said researcher Felipe Hernández.
Sector coordination: working together to control the invasive mink
To face this problem and mitigate its effects, it is necessary to articulate the work between public and private entities and local communities. Initially, the problem was installed at the political level: in 2013 a public-private work group was created, which led to the presentation of a program with GORE funding in 2015 to control the mink in the community. From this, the mitigation of impact in the agricultural field is socialized at the central level, which modified the internal processes, the generation of complementary resolutions, the regulation of the hunting law and other actions. At the ministerial level, Eduardo Raffo from the SEREMI of Agriculture of Valdivia, commented that the scenario was a little more complex. However, they obtained funds to incorporate the sectoral budget into control, starting the macrozonal program. “With actions based on the previous experience of the Los Ríos Region with the programs of the National Regional Development Fund -FNDR-, this methodology, already proven in the macro-zone, was adapted, expanding control to the Araucanía and Los Lagos regions. Although the political aid was very relevant, it is no less important to highlight that the results of the previous actions were already available, which served as the basis and support for the expansion of the initiative”, he highlighted.
So far, this program has managed to extract more than 8,000 individuals. “The reception of the program by the community, fortunately, has been very positive, taking into account that this was an important problem for small-scale agriculture in our region. On the other hand, the SAG, more than a support or promotion service, is a supervisory service and this program somewhat changed that perception of the service in the community, since it provides a quick and effective response to their problem. In addition, not only small farmers participate in our program, but also natural persons who are only interested in preserving the environment and the native wildlife present”, explained Carla Marchese from SAG Valdivia.
On the other hand, Jorge Tomasevic, scientific coordinator of the Río Cruces Wetlands Center (CEHUM), highlighted the importance of addressing this issue that combines biological and social problems. «We are interested in seeing the system as a socio-ecosystem. In the case of this invasive species, we have the iconic CONTAIN project, which receives funding from the UK. In it, we address how to deal with these species, articulating the control work through the capture carried out by the SAG and understanding the related ecological elements. Also, having the opportunity to exchange information with the affected communities has greatly enriched this project.” Likewise, he pointed out that this work must be carried out jointly, requiring a coordinated effort on a large scale.
According to ignacio rodriguez, Director of CEHUM, the impact of mink is among the top ten in economic terms, especially in small-scale agriculture. Although eradicating it is not possible, it can be contained. “To achieve this, the participation of the entire community and the region is crucial. Social interaction plays a key role in solving this problem. If mink is not controlled in a few homes, it will persist and become a source for others. Reducing the densities of the species is key to reducing its impact, and in turn focusing limited resources strategically”, he assured.
Affected community: a daily fight for survival
Anita Silva, a resident of Rinconada in the Máfil commune, near Valdivia, has suffered the consequences of mink in her chicken coop three times. At every opportunity, this animal has killed all of her chickens. Anita has acquired traps provided by the Servicio Agrícola Ganadero (SAG) and constantly requests her help to capture the mink. Traps are analyzed by professionals in the field. “I have managed to catch 300 mink, but they keep reproducing rapidly. This animal snatches my livelihood and food. It is violent and I feel that it is unfair, since in the end the most affected are the poorest,” said Anita.
Carlos Saavedra, director of the “Invasores” program, indicated that the main objective of the documentary series is to provide relevant content to an audience that is less familiar with scientific documentation. The television format makes it possible to reach a broader audience and generate a change in awareness to improve our ecosystem, maintain it and make it more livable for future generations. «One of the values of our series is related to the territory and its people. It is important to listen to them, understand their realities and the difficulties they face, since they are the ones who suffer the problems directly. In addition, the documentary format seeks to be visual and cinematographic, embracing emotions. This helps people understand that it is not just about cold information, but about situations that are felt and suffered by the inhabitants. In this way, we can reach different audiences”, highlighted Saavedra.
