Wulaia and the impact of exotic species

Mar 15, 2016 9:47:03 AM

Wulaia Bay

During our walks around Wulaia Bay we highlight the flora, the history and the unique beauty of this very special place, and some of our passengers enjoy bird watching.

Wulaia is one of the best places in the archipelago to observe our feathered friends. But for some time now the area’s bird life has been threatened because of the emergence of a non-native species: the mink. The animal has already caused us to lose a number of birds that used to frequent the area. However, since launching a program to the remove mink from Wulaia, we have again been able to count a great number of birds around our “beautiful bay.”

Bird watchers with a keen eye can spot several species including the upland goose, snipe, ibis, Southern oystercatcher, caranca and countless sparrows (black, streaked and so on). Through of the caretaker efforts of our company, Australis guides are on the front line of our commitment to Patagonian nature and the environment.

Topics: Flora & Fauna

Written by Patricio Martinez H.

Expedition Guide — Patricio was born in Santiago, Chile. He graduated from the international high school Nido de Águila, where he learned to speak English. He later attended law school but in 1995 moved to the Magallanes Region to work as a mountain guide in Torres del Paine National Park. During that time, Patricio participated in expeditions to study the park's fauna. This included the observation and counting of puma in Torres del Paine, work that was unprecedented on the continent at that time. He was also a team member on the U.S. Antarctic Research Program. His wide experience as a guide and his knowledge of the region motivated him to join the Australis Expedition team in 2006. He specializes in history, birds and the indigenous peoples of Patagonia. LANGUAGES: Spanish and English.