The Chilean Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG) is trying to keep the guanaco (Lama guanicoe), a wild relative of the llama, from disappearing from the Andes mountains overlooking the capital, Santiago, in central Chile. "There are nine separate populations across the country, but in the metropolitan region the guanaco has suffered greatly from illegal hunting", says Agustin Iriarte, head of the Wildlife Section in the Renewable Resources Department of SAG. "We believe no more than a hundred animals remain in the area." The hope is to repeat the experience of the Rio Cipreses reserve, run by the National Forestry Corporation, 100 miles to the south. Here, protection by park wardens has helped the guanaco population increase from less than 30 to 180 animals over the past 15 years.