Red supergiant stars in blue compact dwarf galaxies: The case of Tol 0610-387

We have investigated the stellar content of the blue compact dwarf galaxies (BCDG) Tol 0610-387 by combining near infrared and optical images, complem ented by spectroscopic data. The color maps, combined with the H-alpha imag e allowed us to identify clusters possibly dominated by red supergiant star s (RSG) associated with the current ongoing starburst episode. The analysis shows that the local colors and H-alpha emission, when compared with the p redictions from population synthesis models, are consistent with an aging s tellar population of around 10-15 Myrs dominated by red supergiant stars. T his galaxy could therefore become a preferred target for the spectroscopic confirmation and analysis of its RSG population. Since the presence of such stars in BCDGs is seldom observed, we discuss the implications of RSG dete ction for the study of the starburst dynamics and evolution.