Environmental Woes of Tierra del Fuego -- Invasive Species

The beaver was introduced to Tierra del Fuego along with the muskrat in 1946 in hopes of spurring a fur industry. Free of the bears and wolves that check their numbers in North America, the original 50 Canadian beavers have exploded to an estimated 30,000 to 50,000 on the Argentine half of the main island of Tierra del Fuego. Tens of thousands more cruise the waterways of the Chilean side.

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Filename: 02Road.jpg
Copyright: © Kevin Moloney, 2000
Image Size: 4605x3034 / 3.9MB; wildlife ecosystem aliens beaver environment exotic species invasive species Tierra del Fuego
Contained in galleries: 2. Invasive Species

The beaver was introduced to Tierra del Fuego along with the muskrat in 1946 in hopes of spurring a fur industry. Free of the bears and wolves that check their numbers in North America, the original 50 Canadian beavers have exploded to an estimated 30,000 to 50,000 on the Argentine half of the main island of Tierra del Fuego. Tens of thousands more cruise the waterways of the Chilean side.