A decision to allow sport hunting of native animals in Argentina’s largest Patagonian province has drawn concern not only from academics and environmental groups, but also segments of the public nationwide. In March, Santa Cruz province authorized sport hunting of animals including the puma (Puma concolor), Andean fox (Lycalopex culpaeus), South American gray fox (Lycalopex griseus) and guanaco (Lama guanicoe) from April 1 to Aug. 31. Though provincial law prohibits hunting on a commercial basis, it empowers provincial officials to allow sport hunting. Critics charge that the winter-season policy has less to do with sport than with the wish of Patagonian sheep ranchers to eliminate native animals they view as threats to their 150-year-old industry. The measure, critics note, was approved by the provincial Agrarian Council, whose aim is to promote agricultural activity. Under its terms, hunters pay US$40 for a seasonal license that allows them... [Log in to read more]