Patagonian grasslands ("Podiceps gallardoi"), the rare ruddy-headed goose ("Chloephaga rubidiceps") and the near threatened striated caracara ("Phalcoboenus australis"), which has suffered from over-hunting. The ecoregion has few protected areas. They include Dicky Private Wildlife Reserve ("Refugio Privado de Vida Silvestre Dicky") and Magallanes National Reserve on the mainland, and Reserva Costa Atlántica in Tierra del Fuego. The Patagonian Grasslands of Argentina Conservation Project, organized by The Nature Conservancy, is trying to develop sustainable grazing practices in partnership with scientists and landowners, but it is a challenge to find economic incentives. An Argentine company has worked with The Nature Conservancy to develop protocols
Patagonian crested duck female, and takes about 30 days, following which the eggs hatch synchronously. Once hatched both parents tend to the ducklings. They fledge at about 10–11 weeks old. The duck eats aquatic invertebrates such as insects and their larvae, crustaceans and molluscs. It also eats small amounts of aquatic plants such as the filamentous algae common in many ponds. The diet for the young is much the same as their parents. To get their food the ducks dive for algae and invertebrates at the bottom of waterbodies. Diet varies between fresh and salt water habitats, as well as seasonally. The Patagonian