Conservation expert Víctor Fratto: 'Managing wildlife and ecosystems requires scientific knowledge'

Víctor Fratto, a respected environmental advocate and wildlife rescuer in Patagonia, believes that managing ecosystems and wildlife requires scientific understanding. His journey began in his youth, accompanying his father on hunting trips where he learned respect for native species and the impact of invasive ones.

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The management of wildlife and ecosystems requires scientific knowledge.

Fratto, who resides in Puerto Madryn, balances private environmental consulting and university teaching with directing Refaunar, an organization dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and raising awareness about wildlife in Patagonia. His daily work involves assisting animals like penguins and sea lions entangled in plastic nets, though he faces frustrations from irresponsible tourism and pet ownership.

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I strip all the fantasy from nature and try to show it as it is: dirty, cruel, dangerous, beautiful. It's not Disney.

Breaking from traditional academic communication, Fratto uses TikTok and Instagram to present a raw, unromanticized view of nature. "I strip all the fantasy from nature and try to show it as it is: dirty, cruel, dangerous, beautiful. It's not Disney," he states. He argues that extreme romanticization hinders conservation by focusing solely on individual animal welfare rather than the health of populations and ecosystems.

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We must not romanticize rescue.

He advocates for active wildlife management, even if it involves difficult decisions like controlling invasive species, to help repair human-induced environmental damage. Fratto believes this approach is crucial for effective conservation, moving beyond idealized notions of nature.

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Respecting nature also meant not hunting native fauna and understanding that invasive species threaten our biodiversity.