The Princess Royal Ana of the United Kingdom led a ceremony in which researcher of the National Council of Scientific and Technical Research (CONICET) La Plata, Federico Kacoliris, was awarded the Whitley Award 2025 by the British charity Whitley Fund for Nature. This award is known as the "Green Oscar" and recognized Kacoliris's work in the protection, reproduction, and reintroduction of the Valcheta Frog, a critically endangered endemic amphibian according to the IUCN red list.
Federico Kacoliris has excelled in his work on biodiversity conservation in the Somuncurá plateau, specifically with the Valcheta Frog. Since 2012, he has led studies to understand the ecology of this species, establishing a conservation program that included the creation of a rescue center in 2014. This center allowed for the reproduction of the frog's natural habitat and housed individuals to form a survival colony that has thrived over time.
The official statement highlights that Kacoliris's work has managed to expand the frog's habitat by 15% over an area of 5 thousand km2. Thanks to international recognition and the funding provided by the Whitley Award, Kacoliris's team will be able to continue protecting the frog and its ecosystems. They will focus on addressing threats such as overgrazing, livestock trampling, and the invasive presence of rainbow trout that have affected the species' natural habitats.
This award offers not only global visibility but also financial resources and access to an international network of experts. The main objective is to expand protective measures for the Valcheta Frog and ensure the preservation of its natural habitat against current threats.
