A three-step approach to minimise the impact of a mining site on vicuña (Vicugna vicugna) and to restore landscape connectivity

Abstract

Resource extraction projects generate a diversity of negative effects on the environment that are difficult to predict and mitigate. Consequently, adaptive management approaches have been advocated to develop effective responses to impacts that were not predicted. Mammal populations living in or around mine sites are frequently of management concern; yet, there is a dearth of published information on how to minimise the negative effects of different phases of mining operations on them. Here, we present the case study of a copper mine in the Chilean Altiplano, which caused roadkills of the protected vicuña (Vicugna vicugna). This issue led to a three-step solution being implemented: (1) the initial identification of the problem and implementation of an emergency response, (2) the scientific analysis for decision making and (3) the planning and informed implementation of responses for different future scenarios and timescales. The measures taken under each of these steps provide examples of environmental management approaches that make use of scientific information to develop integrated management responses. In brief, our case study showed how (1) the timescale and the necessity/urgency of the case were addressed, (2) the various stakeholders involved were taken into account and (3) changes were included into the physical, human and organisational elements of the company to achieve the stated objectives.

Ecological Connectivity of Vicuña (Vicugna vicugna) in a Remote Area of Chile and Conservation Implications

“…Our results highlight the relevance of the southern end of the study region, where an area of high connectivity potential (mainly due to the dPCintra component) accompanied by high density is detected [30]. The whole area in the south is outside any protected site [60], and it overlaps in part with areas of intense mining activity [26]. This situation exemplifies one of the main challenges of the 21st century: making activities that entail a high disturbance intensity compatible with conservation objectives to effectively manage biodiversity in areas like mining regions [61].…”

“…To the south, protected areas are few and scattered, and animal density is low with populations found outside of parks and reserves. In all these situations, the vicuña is subject to threats such as competition with domestic livestock [24], poaching [25] and mining activities [26], which could also affect intraand inter-population connectivity. Specifically in the Tarapacá region, populations of the species inhabit between 3700 and 4800 m above sea level [24] under extreme environmental conditions typical of the altiplano, such as low precipitation, high solar radiation and thermal amplitude [27].…”

Gold Mining and Genotoxic Effects on Vicuñas: A Comparative Study of Buccal Cells and Lymphocytes

“…These results are indeed alarming, particularly when considering the vicuña's status as an emblematic and endemic species of the Andean region, with significant economic importance for local communities reliant on its fiber. Therefore, the conservation of the vicuña holds paramount importance for the biodiversity and natural heritage of the area (Acebes et al 2018;MMAyA 2012;Baldo et al 2013;Risco-Castillo et al 2014;Mata et al 2016;Grigione et al 2018). Exposure to toxic substances can affect vicuñas at different levels and may impact the long-term survival of wildlife populations (Fox 2001;Gonzáles-Mile et al 2019).…”

How can we restore biodiversity and ecosystem services in mining and industrial sites?

“…Besides the principally perceived negative environmental impacts of mining and industrial sites, post-mining and post-industrial sites are not only negative products of human disturbances. They may provide refugia for specialized wildlife (Prach et al 2011;Heneberg et al 2013;Mata et al 2016;Řehounková et al 2016;Tropek et al 2015). Unless mining and other industrial activities destroy valuable sites with high natural, historical, or aesthetic value, they may increase, under certain conditions, biodiversity and geodiversity of a landscape.…”