Bolivia Roundup: New piranha species, youth games, gas pipeline reversal

Discovery of new piranha species

Biologist Flavio Gallo-Cardozo, inspired by the TV show 'River Monsters,' has made a remarkable discovery in Bolivia's Amazon Basin. His research led to the identification of a new species of piranha, named Serrasalmus magallanesi. “My dream of being able to discover a new species actually began long before my training as a biologist, it began during my time at school when in natural science subjects I saw the great diversity of species that exist, and I always thought that being able to discover a serious something that at the time considered unreal and impossible,” Gallo-Cardozo said. The biologist stated that the fish was compared to current collections from national natural history museums, which included 153 specimens in total.

Bolivarian Youth Games

The 2024 Bolivarian Youth Games are set to commence in Sucre, the capital of the Latin American nation from April 4 – 14 with the inauguration to be officiated by the President of Bolivia Luis Arce. Over 1,500 athletes from seven countries will compete in 27 disciplines, with Bolivian participants striving for a prominent position in the medal table. According to Prensa Latina, Bolivia’s Vice Minister of Sports, Karen Palenque, said that the Bolivian athletes will participate in a host of fields including athletics, swimming, wrestling, and weight lifting among others.

Argentina, Brazil negotiate gas pipeline reversal

Argentina and Brazil are engaged in discussions regarding the reversal of the flow of a Bolivian gas pipeline due to potential shortages. A preliminary proposal has failed to gain traction with Bolivia, leaving Brazil exposed to volatile liquefied natural gas (LNG) prices. Argentina possesses the second largest shale gas reserves in the world, and Brazil has made it clear in recent months that gas from Argentina will be required to balance supplies, according to Reuters. Experts suggest that Bolivia, which was formerly a major producer in the area, may not have any exports available after 2029 due to its sharp fall in exports.

Highway crash kills four

A tragic highway crash in southern Bolivia has claimed the lives of four individuals and left 36 injured. The incident, near Yotala, a small town located 14 kilometres away from Bolivia’s capital Sucre involved a passenger bus and another vehicle. Authorities are investigating the cause, with initial beliefs pointing to the possibility of one of the vehicles crossing into the opposing lane.

Bolivia warns of interference in Venezuela electionsBolivia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has warned against extreme right-wing organisations that may destabilise the upcoming elections in Venezuela. The Bolivian ministry urged that the United States respect the Venezuelan process and not interfere in its internal affairs, Radio Habana Cuba reports.  "We express our concern for the threats and actions of some extreme right-wing organizations that, instead of joining the electoral competition as other opposition organizations decided to do, are in line to destabilize the elections and the Venezuelan political system," they said. According to Radio Habana Cuba, Other organisations and countries have expressed support for the democratic process of the Venezuelan elections, with the Union of Journalism and Communication Workers of Peru expressing support for Venezuelans' participation in the elections.