In this episode of Rewildology, I explore the overlooked wetlands and sunken forests that form the northern gateway to Chile's Route of Parks in the rainy Maullín River Basin. Alongside Fernando, Andres, and David from Fundación Legado Chile, I track the elusive southern river otter (huillín) - an endangered species with only 15 individuals remaining in the entire 85-kilometer watershed. Through camera traps and conservation strategies, we discover how invasive American mink threaten this fragile ecosystem by competing for the same food sources. The Valdivian temperate rainforest here represents one of Earth's rarest forest types, with biodiversity found at similar latitudes only in New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa. Learn how Legado Chile's holistic conservation approach combines wildlife monitoring, environmental education, community engagement, and waste management to protect these vital wetlands. Despite challenges from rapid population growth and agricultural runoff, their work shows how protecting overlooked ecosystems is just as crucial as preserving Patagonia's famous landscapes. What did you think of this episode? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Thanks for listening!

SERIES TITLE
Where the Wild Calls: A Journey through Patagonia's Route of Parks

TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Patagonia's Hidden Wetlands: Gateway to Chile's Route of Parks
01:55 - Fundación Legado Chile: Heroes Saving Endangered Ecosystems
04:00 - Endangered Huillín Otter: Conservation in Chilean Wetlands
06:25 - Invasive Mink Crisis: Threats to Native Patagonian Wildlife
10:20 - Valdivian Rainforest: Chile's Last Remaining Sunken Forest
14:10 - Maullín River: Vital Corridor from Andes to Pacific Ocean
16:15 - Environmental Threats: Development & Climate Change Impacts
19:05 - Integrated Conservation: Protecting Biodiversity in Chile
22:00 - Environmental Education: Community Wetland Conservation
24:15 - Ecological Restoration: Planning for Future Generations
25:05 - Route of Parks: Connecting Puerto Varas to Tierra del Fuego
27:25 - Project Patagonia: Supporting South American Conservation

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