Aves Argentinas is a conservation organisation dedicated to protecting Argentina’s birds, habitats, and wider biodiversity, while supporting the sustainable use of natural resources.
As the BirdLife International Partner for Argentina, they have over 4,000 members, a broad network of volunteers, and more than 100 Birdwatching Clubs. Their work includes protected area creation, scientific research, and environmental education.
Established in 1916, Aves Argentinas is the oldest environmental organisation in South America. Supported by their 4,000 members, they protect the habitats of over 1,000 wild bird species as well as carrying out species’ specific projects including reintroductions. Some of their focus species are the Critically Endangered Hooded Grebe (Podiceps gallardoi) and the Blue Winged Macaw (Primolius maracana), which had become extinct in Argentina.
One of its recent major achievements is the creation of the Ansenuza National Park in 2022, an effort led by Aves Argentinas which helped place over 600,000 hectares (1,400,000 acres) of wetlands under protection.
WLT partnered with Aves Argentinas in 2025 to support the increased protection of the Traslasierra National Park.
Through the Buy an Acre programme, WLT’s contribution will help Aves Argentinas to purchase 2,606 hectares (6,440 acres) of land, forming part of a wider 46,538-hectare (114,989-acre) acquisition. This will significantly strengthen the protection of Argentina’s Dry Chaco Forest ecosystem and create a vital habitat corridor linking neighbouring reserves, including Chancaní Provincial Park, Salinas Grandes Provincial Reserve, and Ansenuza National Park.
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Aves Argentinas is strongly committed to the protection of Argentina’s incredible bird life and their efforts cover a diverse range of work, including:
● Promoting more nature-friendly production practices – such as improving the sustainability of livestock grazing and reducing the impact of fisheries on seabirds – through initiatives like the Grassland Alliance and the Albatross Task Force.
● Working to protect many highly threatened bird species, with specific projects addressing the conservation of the Saffron-cowled Blackbird (Xanthopsar flavus), the Pampa’s Meadowlark (Leistes defilippii) and the Hooded Grebe. In May 2025, this included the release of three captive-bred Hooded Grebes into the wild, a major milestone for this Critically Endangered species.
● Regular monitoring of key species, including population studies of the Sharp-tailed Grass Tyrant (Culicivora caudacuta) – an important grassland specialist. This scientific research is then used to both identify Key Biodiversity Areas and design more effective conservation strategies
● Work to address the illegal wildlife trade in Argentina, including – over the past eight years – the rescue and release of over 200 Yellow Cardinals (Gubernatrix Cristata), an Endangered species. For this work, they have partnered with rescue centers, law enforcement agencies, and national environmental institutions.
● Running volunteer programmes at many of their reserves, including the El Puente Verde Nature Reserve, in tree planting, camera trapping, and supporting human-wildlife coexistence efforts.
● Bringing people closer to nature using a wide range of different programs, such as promoting birdwatching through its clubs, running the Argentinean School of Naturalists, and engaging local schoolchildren in activities such as tree planting and native plant cultivation through a nursery project at El Puente Verde Nature Reserve. Through this work, they are strengthening both restoration efforts and environmental education.