NATURAL RESERVES

On the outskirts of Buenos Aires one can find attractions that are protected as NATURAL-RESERVES. Amongst those we can mention the following:

BOTIJA ISLAND

Natural Integral Reserve.
Partido San Fernando - Paraná Delta.
It is to be found almost at the edge of the area called the Low Delta. Its islands are box shaped, with an elevated border called "albardón" and a depression in the centre called "pajonal". The area is considered a mixed subtropical forest.
Many plant species, such as rushes, floating water hyacinths, straw and silk cotton tree stands are common. In the "Monte Blanco" (white forest) or marginal forest you can find subtropical shrubs and trees with local names such as "pindo", "agarrapalo", red and white "sarandí", passion flowers, "criollo" willow and river alders.
This reserve is one of the last sanctuaries for the subtropical wildlife that migrates down here from the higher up located so called "misionera" forest. Here you can find wild swamp deer, capybaras, river and coypus (Myocaster coypus), a kind of local beaver, as well as many bird species. In its waters you will find fish with exotic and sometimes local names such as dorados, atherines, "patíes" and catfish, although they are under heavy environmental pressure and some even close to extinction.

BARCA GRANDE RIVER

Fish Reserve.
Partido San Fernando.
This reserve is dedicated to the protection of fish and water plants. Reproduction of all endangered species is favoured. No acts that may disturb the environment are allowed here.

MARTIN GARCIA ISLAND

Natural and Historical Reserve.
It is found in the extreme north of the Buenos Aires province, immediately south of where the Uruguay River runs into the Upper "Río de la Plata". It has a surface of 180 hectares (slightly above two thirds of a square mile.). The Office administers it for the Conservation of Natural Environments, under the Ministries of Production and Directorate of the Islands and the Interior department.

The Martín García island is a rocky outcrop belonging to the Brasilia massif, from Precambrian times (about 1800 millions of years back) as differing from the young islands of the Paraná delta, that are of an alluvial origin. On this island, close to the Tandilia region we can find the oldest surface rocks in all of Argentine. Its highest point is located near the lighthouse and in spite of only jutting up 27 m.a.s.l (88.5 ft) it is still the highest island in the Paraná River delta region.

Its coast is made up of natural beaches, mainly full with crystal rocky fragments, interspersed with a little sand. The climate is mild and humid, with a tendency to hot. Average rainfalls reach 1000 mm or almost 40 inches. The island is rich in historical events, which has made it declared a "Historic Place."

The variegated environment and flora of the island has made it one of the most bio diverse spots within the province. The so-called marginal forests are to be found on some coastal sectors of the island, with similar botanical characteristics and composition as the so-called "white mountains" of the Delta. It is an impoverished version of the subtropical forests to be found in the "Misiones" province, north of Buenos Aires.

Tree vegetation is composed of ceibo trees; laurel, a local parent of the Old World laurel, used as a specie; the "Azota caballos" (horse-whipper), a splendid native tree, of big size and beautiful leaf canopy; the "Agarrapalo" or "igua-poi", a specie like a strangling fig, which fruits are very sought after by birds that help in its dispersal; and the "chal-chal", with fleshy fruits which change colour from yellow to orange to end up red. Lianas and other clinging plants are very common in these forests, and we can mention the so-called "cipó" and clematis (angel hair) as being the most abundant.

In spite of its small surface, the number of animal species registered is quite large. Amongst the semi aquatic species the coypu or "coipo" a kind of beaver is worth mentioning, and when not being hunted, becomes quite common and, being diurnal, is quite easy to observe.

Birds make up one of the most notable aspects of the local wildlife, both because of the variety of species as well as their colourful plumage and songs. In the swamplands and on the coastal areas one can see species of big sizes such as the white and also the blue heron, cormorants, the so called "caracolero" (snail gatherer), this last one is a bird of prey with a splendid black plumage with a very curved beak which is dexterously uses to pull out snails from their shells, these being his favourite food. We can also mention the greenfinch and the "pico de plata" the silver beak.

On the island one can see the remnants of all the uses it has been out to over the centuries (quarry, prison, quarantine station and lepers colony, amongst others) all of which is reflected in its architecture. There is a developed network of small roads and walking paths, which allow for short and medium distance circuits, ideal for bicycle tours. Points of interest for visitors are the cinema theatre, the cemetery, the lighthouse, the Chinatown, the cannon emplacements, the riverside forest and the sand pit.

THE SOUTHERN COASTAL PARK

Biosphere Reserve.
Punta Indio.
In 1937, by Law 4.621, the preservation of the existing groves of hackberry trees in the Partidos of Magdalena, Castelli, Dolores, Conesa and Madariaga, was decreed, thus creating the basis for this reserve. In 1984 the Centre for the Study and Preservation of the Environment, the "CEPA- Spanish acronym" Foundation proposed the creation of a park with the characteristics of an "open reserve", in accordance with the MAB (Man and Biosphere Programme) of the UNESCO, which also supports it.

The area was declared World Reserve of Natural and Cultural Biosphere on December 8th, 1984. At present the co ordinations to carry forward the project are in the hands of the Magdalena Municipality, the La Plata National University and the CEPA Foundation.

Its extension is along the waterfront for over 70 kilometres (approximately 43.5 miles) with an average width of five kilometres (approximately 3 miles). It is characterised by a diversity of landscapes and natural habitats, as a result of the confluence of the different systems represented by the Rio de la Plata River and the Pampas plain: from the beaches with their fine yellow sand to the banks of murex and the swamps and marshlands.

MARGINAL FOREST OF PUNTA LARA

Integral Reserve
Partido Ensenada.
This reserve is to be found 18 kilometres (approximately 11 miles) from the city of La Plata, along the riverbank. It is the southernmost example of the so called "selvas en galería" (corridor forests) that border the Paraná and Uruguay Rivers, with a subtropical vegetation similar to that in southern Brazil and in most of the Argentinean Province of Misiones, differing much from the surrounding vegetation.

It shows all the typical subtropical forest characteristics: little light and huge trees that keep the air and forest floor humid, which favours the development of lower story plants. The Las Cañas stream flows through the area. There are numerous arthropods, amphibians, some mammals, and a great variety of bird life. A Visitors Centre organises guided tours.

THE NORTHERN RIVERBANK ECOLOGICAL RESERVATION AREA "RIBERA NORTE"

Natural Reserve
Partido Vicente López.
It was established as a natural refuge in 1983, through an agreement between the "Vida Silvestre" (Wildlife) Foundation and the Municipality of San Silvestre. It is a coastal flood area. It has a huge central lake that communicates with the Río de la Plata River. There are many willows, ceibas, "sarandíes", cattails, reeds, "rosa china" (Chinese rose) and a few small orchids. There are many birds in the area: Argentinean ducks, Anis, "Bruja" (witch) herons, Turkish doves, Woodpigeons, Green Hummingbirds, etc. Amongst mammals we can mention the "cuis" and the coypus. The river is very contaminated and there is a lot of poaching.

THE DR. C. SPEGAZZINI MYCOLOGIC RESERVE

Mycological and Botanical Reserve.
Partido Lomas de Zamora.
It encompasses the Santa Catalina forest. The area belongs to the La Plata National University. The 60 hectares of forest is found within the area, and the old nucleus is the remnants corresponding to the poplars that were planted here by the people of the first agricultural colony that settled here. The particular conditions reigning in the forest and its relative isolation, has allowed for a unique and varied fungus flora to develop.

THE PEREYRA IRAOLA NATIONAL PARK

Partido Berazategui.
It covers an area of approximately 11000 hectares (approximately 24200 acres.) and is divided into three areas: Santa Rosa, San Juan of the Lowlands and San Juan of the Highlands. Santa Rosa is an area, which has kept many previously existing installations in order to promote tourist and recreational activities. Here you will find what used to be the old Santa Rosa Estancia Ranch mansion, which today harbours the Latin-American School of Informatics. There are also spaces for horticultural plots, a tree species botanical garden, an experimental plant nursery, a wildlife breeding station (ECAS - Spanish acronym) and a biological station specialised in wild birds. (EBAS - Spanish acronym).

San Juan of the Lowlands is located between the General Roca Railroad lines at Quilmes and the Río de la Plata River with its corridor forests. There are many tree species such as eucalyptus, local "araucaria", oaks, acacias, pines and other. Regarding wildlife we can mention endemic birds i.e. baker birds (Furnarius rufus), the "Benteveo" (comeIseeyou), "Pirincho", Woodpigeons, "Ciflón", Calanders, and others.

On the other hand, San Juan of the Highlands is situated between the General Roca Railroad line at Quilmes and those at Tamperley and the Parque Centenario Road. Here you can find hundred years old tree groves and green open desolate looking spaces.

THE ELSA SHAW DE PEARSON FOUNDATION

Private Natural Reserve.
Partido Magdalena.
It is a rolling lowlands area, bordering the river and banks of Murex. Small islands of hackberry trees and local "Coronillos" grow up there. The rest of the area is covered by grassy pastureland. Regarding wildlife there are more than 13 species of amphibians, numerous reptiles, mammals and more than 100 species of birds.

THE E. TORQUINST NATIONAL PARK AND THE LA BLANQUEADA INTEGRAL RESERVE.

Partido Torquinst.
It is located in the mountains of Sierra de la Ventana (the Window Range). It occupies 6718 hectares (almost 14800 acres) and was formed and through the purchases and donation of plots by its owner: Martín Torquinst. Of this area only 583 hectares (approximately 1282 acres) have been declared an Integral Reserve. These are located at the place called La Blanqueada. The area is crossed by valleys giving birth to streams like the Sauce Grande (Big Willow) and the Sauce Corto (Short Willow), and smaller rivulets like the Loro (Parrot) and Ventana (Window). The Window mountain peak (1134 m.a.s.l. approximately 3450 ft) with its characteristic hole has been declared a National Monument.

The grazing fields that are found between the mountains are rolling surrounding plains, which have been heavily modified as a result of cattle breeding and forestry activities. Those areas that have been spared are made out of "vizcacha" straw grazing land with its characteristic wildlife: ground non flying birds, birds of prey and carrion eaters, just to mention a few, foxes, armadillos and vizcachas.

These mountain pastures are located on the softly rolling, isolated, northern looking slopes: One can find "Flechillas", grasses, herbs and shrub land. The most characteristic animal is the lama and alpaca precursor, the Guanaco. Rocks or rocky outcrops make up the most characteristic ecological niches in the mountains: they have become refuges for plants and animals, many of them are only found here: the silver pine and the locally named "Iguana de cobre" (Copper iguana).

Along the shores of the watercourses and the slopes leading down to them there are fields of straw that are taller than a man. One can find amphibians, birds and rodents, such as the capybara. Here you will also find a Centre for Ecological Knowledge installed in the Administrative offices of the Park. There the visitor can observe a general panorama of the flora, wildlife and the different types of soils found in the area, all shown through window displays and on boards. In order for the visitor to be geographically aware where he (or she) is in the mountain area, the main room shows a miniature scale model of the area of the area, showing points of interest for tourists apart from showing the whole park area.

There is also an ecological 35 minutes audiovisual show called the "Sierra de la Ventana" (the Window Mountain Range). Afterwards there is a guide tour through the forestry plant nursery and the breeding pens for guanacos and deer. This Ecological Centre is attended by Park guards and Tourist Guides. It is open all year round, although out-of-season visitors have to make previous arrangements.

THE SAN BLAS BAY

Integral Reserve.
Partido Patagones.
It encompasses the islands of Jabalí, Gama and Flamenco. It is a permanent site and breeding place for the common sea lion, but you will also occasionally find elephant seals, killer whales and other whale species, all of them protected by law. Furthermore, it is an assembly place for birds living among the rushes and sea birds with local names such as "Osteros", gulls, weaverbirds, and others. One can also find American ostriches, red partridges, "Corpetonas" and flamingos.

THE LAGUNA DE ALSINA ISLAND

Integral Reserve.
Partido Guaminí.
The island has an extension of 46 hectares (slightly above 100 acres). It has a low coastline. On its westernmost side there is a small promontory of only three metres height (approximately 10 ft). The vegetation is characterised by grasses with some "Chañar" groves and in the lower part by typical saline soils vegetation. Among mammals found we can mention armadillos, small skunks, European hares and otters on the coast. There are many birds, i.e. coots, ducks, geese, Chinese partridges, gulls and others.

THE COAST OF SAMBOROMBON BAY

Integral Reserve.
Partido Castelli y Tordillo.
Low floodplains. It has no agricultural or cattle breeding possibilities. The marshlands are covered with the typical estuary halophytic vegetation. The large presence of crabs has given it its local name of "cangrejal". It is a spawning area for certain migratory sea fish of commercial and sport value: striped mullet, corvine and atherine. This reserve was created to protect endemic specie threatened by extinction: the Pampas deer.

THE TUYU PLAINS

Private Natural Reserve.
Partido General Lavalle.
It belongs to the Vida Silvestre (Wildlife) Foundation and was created in 1979 in the Leloir family holdings. Its aim is to protect and conserve the Pampas deer. There are also many other mammals and also has a great variety of bird life.

RINCON DE AJO

Integral Reserve.
Partido General Lavalle.
It is an area covered with black crab swamps, marshlands and coastal straw areas, crisscrossed by small streams and tidal canals. It is the permanent or transitory habitat of more than 41 mammal species, 76 bird species, and a great variety of reptiles, amphibians and fish. You can also occasionally find the Pampas deer crossing through.

LAGUNA SALADA GRANDE

Forestry Reserve.
Partido General Madariaga.

It was specially created to protect and conserve the natural hackberry tree stands in the area. Their importance resides in them being the only native natural tree growth on the whole of the immense Pampas plains. One can also find "coronillo", "sombra de toro" (bull shade), elderberry trees, senna and others.

THE ATLANTIC DUNES

Integral Reserve.
Partido Mar Chiquita.
Twenty kilometres (slightly over 12 miles) of sand dunes and beaches make up this Atlantic coastal reserve.

THE MAR DEL PLATA PORT

Private Natural Reserve.
Partido Tandil.
It protects and preserves the lakes situated within the fiscal area of the port, in between the Gas de Estado and the state owned YPF petroleum plant. These lakes form part of the stop and resting places for migratory birds in South America, apart from containing endemic wildlife and habitats.

CURRAL DE LA LAGUNA DE LOS PADRES

Botanical Reserve.
Partido General Pueyrredón.
It is located in the foothills of the Sierras de los Padres range, close to the Tandil Lake and Mountain range. It has an extension of 96 hectares (approximately 210 acres). It is rolling hill land, with softly inclined hillsides covered by thickets of a thorny bush called "curro". These thickets play an important role in maintaining the soil, acting as an agent against erosion and also gives rise to more benign micro climate ecological niches which favour a very special variety of wildlife.

SIERRA DEL TIGRE

Private Natural Reserve.
Partido Tandil.
It is located six kilometres (about four miles) from the centre of the city of Tandil. It has an extension of 140 hectares (slightly above 300 acres), totally fenced in. this is an area of the Tandil Range that has kept its original composition with natural sources of water, caves and grazing lands. Geological crystal formations of the so-called Tandil system make up 40% of its rocky surface.
There are natural grasses growing there, but unfortunately exotic tree species have been brought in from other places, which have altered the natural conditions of the area. Amongst the most notable mammal species we may mention the Red Marten and the grey Pampas fox. Guanacos have also been introduced to the area. It has a small zoo with endemic and exotic species. (Red deer).

DIQUE Y ACUEDUCTO DE LAS PIEDRAS

Partido Torquinst and Coronel Pringles
This area is protected since it constitutes the catchment area of drinking water for the city of Bahia Blanca. It is an ideal place to practice water sports.

NATURAL ATTRACTIONS

There are many different kinds of natural reserves in Argentina. According to their administration, characteristics and objectives they are classified as follows:

1) The Provincial Parks:
These are reserves, which due to their natural attractions fulfil a double objective: To protect the environment as well as offer a space for recreation and education. As stated: "In order to determine the different uses of their area and to order the activities therein, the Parques Provinciales Provincial Parks must be zoned".

2) The Integral Natural Reserves:
These are reserves which are established to protect nature as a whole, where only scientific expeditions are allowed to enter, always that no alterations are made to the environment, whether on its wild or plant life or its physical properties. In such Reserves the maintenance of the natural ecosystems and the restoration or recuperation of degraded lands are of the utmost importance, since this will allow for their sustainability under the most natural conditions possible. Access is totally limited.

3) Natural Reserves with Specific Objectives:
These have been constituted to protect the soil, the flora, the fauna and natural or cultural sites or objects. Human activities are allowed, but must follow established rules. They may have been established to protect botanical, wildlife, geological or paleontological areas of interest and/or watersheds, areas of scenic value (aesthetic values), educational (for educational and teaching purposes) as well as those with mixed objectives.

4) Multiple Use Reserves:
These are basically oriented towards the investigation and experimentation of the natural and sustainable use of the environment and the natural resources with all the species therein contained. They may include areas modified by man in order to be used for comparative studies on the impact of degraded lands vs. natural ecosystems. Zoning is imposed by law.

5) Wildlife Shelters:
Theses are areas that require protection due to their special characteristics or because they contain habitats of critical importance for the survival of endangered species of flora and fauna. For this reason the collecting of specimens or hunting is permanently and totally forbidden with the exception of the collecting of specimen for scientific purposes or for zoo exhibits.

Natural Monuments:

Apart from the classification of Natural Reserves, Argentinean law allows for the possibility to declare National Monument to areas, objects or living species of animals and plants for their aesthetic, historical or scientific interest and which need a total protection.
These can be either on the surface of the land or in watercourses or under the sea. They can also be found within the boundaries of a Natural Reserve, but the fact of their being declared a National Monument means that the will receive special attention. As an example, in the Province of Buenos Aires we will find that the Cerro de la Ventana Mountain and Stag or the Deer of the Pampas have both been declared National Monuments.
The natural hackberry tree forests are considered in the public domain, to avoid their destruction, since it is the only original and proper tree specie of the Pampas Plains. All inland public and private watercourses and lakes were declared to be Tourist Reserves in the year 1972.

FAUNA IN IGUAZU

Iguazu Nature ...

FLORA Y FAUNA

Iguazu National Park is the perfect spot for the traveler to breathe in the special aroma of the green foliage of the Misiones rainforest. And it is definitely the best place in the world to discover the wonder and beauty of the immense waterfalls, and their surroundings full of mystery and ecological implications.

Alongside the waterfalls at Iguazu, the extraordinary variety of species of animals and vegetation has become one of the outstanding features of the park. Wherever visitors go, they will be constantly astonished at the sight of birds, mammals, flowers and exuberant vegetation.

On the banks of the river and on the islands of the delta formed just before it plunges over the falls, trees have grown that need large amounts of water to develop. Among these, there are two particular communities which are unique to this part of Argentina: the woods of cupay, a tree with drooping leaves, copper-colored as buds, and the tufts of Paspalum lilloi, a graminea (grass-type) that grows among the rocks in the river.

In total, there are rather more than 90 species of tree flora within the park. Some of these trees are spectacular when they are in flower. One is the lapacho negro which, at the end of the winter and before its leaves emerge, becomes completely covered with pink blossom; also the lapacho amarillo and the ibirá pytá, with their yellow blossom; and a rainforest species of ceibo, with reddish-orange flowers, that has been declared the Argentine national flower.

In some sectors, there is a very special community: woods of palmito and palo rosa. The latter is a huge tree that can be over 40 meters tall and has a straight trunk of up to two meters in diameter. In its shade, and in that of other large trees, grow the palmitos, slender palm trees with trunks that end in a much sought-after edible heart (heart of palm), whose extraction causes the death of the plant.

The birds that are undoubtedly those most characteristic of the area are the swifts (the symbol of Iguazu National Park) which, with a show of great precision, fly through the gaps between the columns of falling water, to pose on the rock wall where they roost and even nest.

Towards midday, on the sunny parts of the paths, the visitor can see Tropidurus lizards, highly skilled in climbing trunks and rocks and agilely skimming up the walkways and stairs.

And in the area of the walkways, it is common to find groups of coati, which have become quite tame, and the great toucan, one of the five species found in the park.

Along the paths an unequalled range of butterflies can be seen, many of which are yellowish with black marks and designs. They are seen wherever pools have formed, because they feed on the salts dissolved in them.

"PARANAENSE" OR MISIONES RAINFOREST

Thanks to its wealth of biodiversity, Iguazu National Park attracts researchers from all over the world. The climate is that of a subtropical rainforest: humid. In summer, the thermometer records temperatures ranging between 25 and 45 degrees centigrade, on average. There is no well-defined dry season. The winter never gets harsh, and frosts are few and far between.

The Misiones rainforest is a prolongation of the Paranaense rainforest. At the central point of the 66,148 hectare Iguazu National Park lies the Waterfalls Area, where it is possible to gaze on the Iguazu Falls, especially the greatest of them all: the Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat).

In the heart of the rainforest lie the Moconá Falls: three kilometers of unending falls of up to 20 meters in height, with hundreds of falls wafting their spray in the breeze to form an absolutely unique spectacle.

And in the very heart of the Park is "La Selva" (the jungle), a real natural sanctuary. Many elements have combined to create this protected ecosystem. And along its paths a world can be discovered that remains hidden to the everyday citizen.

The rainforest usually makes the climate more temperate, reducing the extremes of heat, and acting as a shelter against the cold, to maintain the high ambient humidity. In this context it provides the right environment for the development of a great variety, some 2,000, of vegetable species, growing in a multiplicity of forms.

Mammals are distributed throughout all the strata of the vegetation, and many of them share features determined by their rainforest habitat: their water-friendly nature, and their ease in moving through the dense vegetation.

As far as fish are concerned, there is a marked difference between the upper and lower parts of the river. The falls have constituted a barrier between the two sectors for many thousands of years, and so they have evolved separately.

The fauna of the lower river, consisting of the surubí, pacú, sábalo and piranha, have never managed to reach the upper river, where chanchitas de colores, tarariras, dientudos and moncholos are entirely at home.

SPECIES IN DANGER

The park is a space where species in danger of extinction are protected. It shelters a natural heritage that includes:

More than 2,000 species of local flowers: leafy ferns, bromelias, orchids, palms and gigantic trees that support a great variety of climbing plants, which provide fruits that attract monkeys, coatis, deer or toucans.
450 species of birds, which fly around naturally without shyness in the early hours of the morning and in the evening. Among them are toucans, urracas (jays), teros, parrots and the amazing swifts, with a species exclusive to the area of the Iguazu Falls.
80 species of mammals, among them five varieties of felines that run, camouflaged, through the chiaroscuro of the rainforest. The ocelot (Felis pardalis), the yacutinga (Aburria jacuntinga) and the macuco (Tinamus solitarius) are also found.
And innumerable insects, among which are a great number of colored butterflies.

PROVINCIAL NATURAL MONUMENTS

Natural monuments are the places, living species and plants, natural environments, and archeological and paleontology sites of singular scientific, esthetic or cultural importance, declared as such by special laws, and which are given absolute protection. They are inviolable. No activity can take place in them except guided tours that guarantee the principle of absolute intangibility, official inspections or scientific research permitted by the appropriate authority, and that necessary for their proper care.

Among these Natural Provincial Monuments we have:

Lobo Gargantilla
This is the largest otter in the world. It is also known as the "great river otter" or "giant otter". Some have been recorded up to 2.40 meters in length and with a weight of over 25 kilograms. It is a strong, muscular animal. Of diurnal habits, it forms groups of up to nine individuals that, at mating time, separate into pairs. The brood consists of three babies, born in very deep caves excavated in the banks of the shore and among the vegetation. They feed mainly on fish, and complete their nutrition with water birds, small mammals and turtles.

Harpy Eagle
The most powerful eagle in the province. It lives in tropical and sub-tropical rainforests. It is a solitary hunter, and is considered to be one of the super-predators of the rainforest, together with the jaguar. It captures a range of prey with the help of its sharp claws and powerful beak. The male measures 70 centimeters long, and the female 90 centimeters, with a wingspan of nearly two meters. Its diet consists of mammals like the weasels, monkeys, anteaters and coatis.

Anteater
This is one of the most curious animals in America. Also known as "Tamanduá guazú", "Yurumi', "Flag-Anteater" or "Great Anteater". Its body is robust and elongated, with a hard coat and a long tail. It frequents open areas with reeds, woody areas and the Misiones rainforest. To feed itself it has a toothless muzzle. Its tongue is 60 centimeters long and its diet is based mainly on ants, termites, bees and beetles. It is nocturnal in its habits.

Chorao (White-bellied Seed Eater)
The chorao lives in the tree strata of the Paranaense rainforest, especially in ParanaPine woods. It feeds on wild fruits and moves around in small bands or pairs, especially in the summer months. In winter they gather in the zone where the ParanaPine grows. It breeds in spring. The destruction of the rainforest, and the near disappearance of the ParanaPine woods mean that its survival is in some doubt.

Illiger's Macaw
A Misiones' species that must be considered in danger, since its numbers have seriously diminished during the past century. In 1959 it was seen daily around the Iguazu falls. Little more than ten years later it had practically disappeared. In 1980 it was photographed by chance in the lower Urugua-í, which is the last known record of it in the country, but this also encourages us to hope that it still exists in small numbers.

Brazilian Merganser
This is an extremely timid and diffident animal. The origin of its name is its long dentate beak that has a great number of "teeth". It frequents forest streams with clear water, among the marginal woods of mataojos (Pouteria salicifolia) and sarandis, where there is no permanent human presence. In winter (breeding time for the species) it feeds on some small fish (mojarras, morays, eels), water insects and mollusks that it captures without difficulty. It is the only representative of this singular genus in South America.

Zorro pitoco - Bush Dog
This wild dog-like canine takes its name "zorro pitoco" from its very short tail, as the Portuguese word "pitoco" has precisely this meaning. It lives in Paranaense type rainforests, near the water. In Argentina it is known only for four animals caught in the lower reaches of the Urugua-í stream. It is the only South American canine with gregarious habits, and hunts in packs of five to ten or more individuals. Its usual prey are the agouti or cutía, the paca, tapetis (forest rabbits), tatus (armadillos), rodents and birds, and even young deer.

Anta or tapir
This animal can measure up to 2.54 meters in length. Its weight ranges between 220 and 300 kilograms. Its elongated snout is very useful, since it is highly mobile and enables it to live in the forest and obtain its food from all kinds of vegetation (leaves, shoots, tender branches, grasses, fruits, etc.) and some smaller vertebrates or invertebrates. It is a good swimmer and likes to go down to drink water or refresh itself in the streams, and also chew the salty mud of the banks. It can breed at any time of year.

Red Howler Monkey (Carayá rojo)
This is a robust monkey with a long, prehensile tail. There are no differences between male and female, except when they are young. This species is associated with the eastern Misiones forests, especially in high, hill lands, and very often in ParanaPine woods. They are sociable and noisy. Their voices can be heard three kilometers away. They are mainly active at dusk. Their diet is based on leaves and fruits, such as cinnamon, the American timber tree, the pindo palm, ambay (cecropia tree), among others.

Jaguar (Yaguareté)
This is the largest feline in America, and symbol of the Misiones rainforest. Males can reach 2.50 meters in overall length and a weight of 140 kilograms. Secretive and solitary in habits, it moves through all the environments: forest, reeds, the banks of rivers and streams. It needs large hunting territories, and covers up to 11 kilometers per day. They give birth to one or two cubs every two years. In the forest it behaves as a nocturnal predator. Its most common prey are collared peccaries, coatis, deer, tapirs, capybaras, yacaré alligators, lesser anteaters, monkeys, pacas, fish, etc.

ParanaPine
This is an imposing colossus of the Misiones rainforest and one of the most beautiful, especially when it reaches full maturity and develops its immense umbrella-shaped crown. Perennial in foliage, it reaches 40 meters in height and a diameter of 1.5 meters. It is a long-lived species with some trees passing 300 years in age.

Palo rosa
This magnificent tree is the tallest in the Misiones rainforest. There are examples with a height of 42 meters and 1.6 meters in diameter. Its crown is variable in shape and thickness, and is held up by relatively few thick, twisted branches that divide and divide again. This characteristic, and its great height, makes this giant easy to identify. Its distribution within Argentina is limited solely to the province of Misiones.

THE HOME OF THE BIRDS

In a 20 hectare area of the rainforest, 6 kilometers from the city of Puerto Iguazu, on National Route Nº 12 and near the National Park, lies the Threatened Birds Recovery and Breeding Center called Güirá Ogá, which means "the Home of the Birds" in the Guaranilanguage. It was founded on August 23rd, 1997, with the objective of rescuing, recovering, rehabilitating, breeding and reintroducing bird species that are in danger of extinction in the Misiones rainforest.

The Misiones or "Paranaense" rainforest is one of the most threatened environments in Argentina and at the same time is the one with broadest biodiversity. At the beginning of the 20th century, this forest covered a large part of Brazil, Paraguay and almost all the province of Misiones. Nowadays, 5% remains in Brazil, 15% in Paraguay and 45% in Misiones.

However, thanks to a vast network of National and Provincial Parks as well as private protected areas, a Green Corridor - as the diagonal of forest that runs from Iguazu to below the Moconá falls is called - shelters the last remnants of this environment. It contains more than 1,400,000 hectares of jungle and the province of Misiones has the responsibility of preserving it for future generations.

Güirá Ogá has been built in the middle of the forest, taking advantage of spaces left by the great trees that have fallen down due to wind, storms or intense rains. This means that not a single tree has been felled during its construction. This demonstrates that mankind, when it makes up its mind to do so, can live in harmony and balance, without modifying or destroying the ecosystem of which it is part.

Birds which are part of the project

The big eagles of the Misiones rainforest have adapted to living in its dense heart. The undoubted queen of all birds is the Harpy Eagle, the strongest and most powerful bird of prey in the world.
Together with the Harpy, other smaller but very powerful eagles, such as the Ornate Hawk-Eagle, the Black Hawk-Eagle, the Black-and-White Hawk-Eagle and the Crested Eagle, form with other raptors the largest group of the species included in the project.
The parrots, the most attractive of which is the very large Red Macaw, which is probably extinct in Misiones nowadays, the Wine-Breasted Parrot, the Golden-Collared Macaw, the Red-Spectacled Parrot and others also form part of the project. Due to these birds' ability to talk (imitate speech), and their attractive colors, commercial hunting has decimated their populations, and today they are on the edge of extinction.
The guans include the Bare-Faced Curassow, a species practically extinct in Misiones; the Dusky-Legged Guan, and the Black-Fronted Piping Guan. These are species that, except for the first, used to abound in the Misiones rainforest. Today they survive only in the Iguazu National Park, the Urugua-í Provincial Park and other protected areas.
The Macuco is the biggest member of the partridge family: it can reach almost half a meter in height. More often heard than seen, it is the only partridge which habitually sleeps on the branches of trees. It has been hunted almost to extinction for its highly sought-after meat, and nowadays survives in nature reserves.

Its location within the Triple Border, and the traffic in fauna from neighboring countries into Argentina, means that a great number of wild species confiscated by the customs and security forces are attended in Güirá Ogá. Many animals are also hit by cars on the access road to Iguazu National Park and are referred to the center to be attended.

As there is no wild fauna rehabilitation center in the region, Güirá Ogá has to deal with all injured animals. They receive veterinary treatment, are rehabilitated and subsequently released in their natural habitat.

Those animals which have suffered irreparable injuries and cannot be return to their natural environment are passed on to zoos or institutions nominated by the Ministry of Ecology.

Thus, Güirá Ogá, without abandoning its original project of aiding threatened birds, looks after all those animals that have suffered the misfortune of crossing man's path.

Sparrow hawks, owls, toucans, Squirrel Cuckoos, Giant Anteaters, Crab-Eating Raccoons, Porcupines, Yacaré Alligators, etc., are only a few of the 220 animals that have had to be attended in three years of work and 150 of which up to date, thanks to the efforts of those who work daily at Güirá Ogá, have been able to return to their only real home: the rainforest of Misiones.

FAUNA IN MENDOZA

Mendoza Nature ...

FAUNA IN SALTA

Salta Nature ...

FLORA AND FAUNA
The Cordillera Mountainrange Region, which comprises the mountainous area, offers little margin for the growth of plants. Vegetation is represented by cacti and leafless plants, and by the scarce grass particular to arid soils. Llamas, vicuñas and guanacos, embody the animal life as well as some smaller fine fur animals like the chinchilla.

In the less inhospitable ravines, groups of goats and sheep, from which the locals get their meat and the wool to weave the clothes covering them, can be seen. Up in the sky, where they usually are, the condors reveal their presence.

The sub-Andean region, meaning the lower valleys, offers on the other side a more heterogeneous panorama of vegetal species. It is perhaps the area showing the most ample variety of trees, bushes and grasses, as well as cultivations in general. The pacarás, walnuts, locust trees, pine trees, mulberries, huckleberries, acacias, paraísos, etc, stand out; among the fruit trees there are peach trees, quinces, pears, grapevines, plum trees; as well as garden plants and others for industrial use.

Fauna is also diverse and variegated, for the benign weather allows the breeding of almost any zoological species, like the pure-bred cattle and horses good for commercialisation. Among the felines, there are jaguars, pumas and cats in general. In addition, there are collared peccaries, so called majanos, capybara, and tapirs, so called corzuelas, agoutis, so called charatas, and cranes and herons in general; as well as ducks, rabbits, ostriches, vizcachas, partridges, wild boars and deer.

The Chaco-Oranense region, or north-eastern plain of the province, has a forest-like configuration holding exuberant woods with gigantic cedars, quinua, oaks, Tipas and lapachos; svelte and curious palm trees grow at the eastern marshy areas; rich black and white locust trees, so called palo blanco, palo amarillo, palo santo, lapacho, cebil, chañar, guayacán, yuchán, tala, tusca, along with diverse cacti.

In some arid plains, leafless species and thorny bushes with scarce leafs, such as the locally known chaguar, the tusca, the quimil, the jarilla, the espinillo or the "sombra de toro" (bull's shadow), can be observed.

The fauna of the region is perhaps the most interesting, for it still contains wildlife species, such as the puma, the tapir or anta, the wildcat, the jaguar, the wild boar or mountain hog and the anteater.

THE PROVINCIAL NATURAL RESERVES
In addition to three National Parks (El Rey, Baritú and Los Cardones), the Salta province has numerous National Reserves in different places. They had been declared Provincial Reserves to preserve the nursery space of nature's genetic resources, to protect the environment surrounding catch basins that form the different rivers, to preserve the cultural, archaeological, geological, paleontological, and environmental patrimonies of Salta, and to guarantee the maintenance of the important biodiversity living on this territory.

Some data about the natural reserves and protected areas in Salta follows:

RESERVA DE FLORA Y FAUNA ACAMBUCO RESERVE
Location: The Departamento de San Martín Department (Northern Salta).
Type: Declared Permanent Forestry Reserve and Perpetual Seed Reserve.
Holder of the land: The Provincial State.
Surface: 8266 hectares.

THE RESERVA DE FLORA Y FAUNA LOS PALMARES RESERVE
Location: The Departamento de Anta Department (South-eastern Salta).
Holder of the land: The Provincial State.
Surface: 6000 hectares.

LOTES FISCALES 32 Y 33 ESTATES
Location: The Departamento de Anta Department (South-eastern Salta).
Holder of the land: The Provincial State.
Surface: 25536 hectares.

THE RESERVA NATURAL DE FAUNA Y FLORA SILVESTRE LOS ANDES RESERVE
Location: The Departamento de Los Andes Department (western Salta).
Category: Multiple uses.
Holder of the land: The Provincial State.
Surface: 1440000 hectares.

THE RESERVA "FINCA LAS COSTAS" RESERVE
Location: The Departamento Capital Department.
Category: Permanent and intangible.
Holder of the land: The Municipio de la Ciudad de Salta Municipality.
Surface: 10259 hectares.

THE ZONA DE RESERVA DE LA VICUÑA RESERVED ZONE
Location: Departments of Cachí, Molinos, San Carlos, La Poma, Los Andes, Rosario de Lerma, Iruya, Santa Victoria and Cafayate.

THE CERROS 20 DE FEBREROAND SAN BERNARDO MOUNTAINS
Location: The Departamento Capital Department.
Holder of the land: The Municipio de la Ciudad de Salta Municipality.
Surface: 100 hectares.

THE BOSQUES PROTECTORES ALEDAÑOS A LA CIUDAD DE SALTA SURROUNDING PROTECTED WOODS
Location: The Departamento Capital Department.
Holder of the land: The Municipio de Salta Municipality and private owners.
Surface: not established.

DEPARTAMENTOS: LA POMA, SAN CARLOS, LA VIÑA, GUACHIPAS AND CAFAYATE DEPARTMENTS
Category: Multiple use.
Holder of the land: The Provincial State.
Surface: Not defined.
The Monumento Natural del Abra del Acay Natural Monument, the Monumento Natural Angastaco Natural Monument, and the Reserva Natural Manejada de la Quebrada de Cafayate Gorge Natural Managed Resources Reserve, are included under this common designation.

CAMPO ALEGRE
Location: The Departamento de La Caldera Department.
Holder of the land: Provincial State.
Surface: 100 hectares.

FAUNA IN SAN LUIS

San Luis Nature ...

In spite of the arid conditions of San Luis' geography, the fauna is abundant. Pumas, mountain cats, grey foxes, marmots and wild boars are the biggest carnivores allowing themselves to be caught by the eye of the traveller, although mostly by their tracks left by the scarce water holes. The mara, wrongly called the Patagonian hare, can be seen around the roads. The deer, formerly abundant, is sparse nowadays.

When travellers get into the heart of the province, they will open their senses little by little until becoming inundated by the melodious repertoire of its particular birds. The first ones to show off are the active so called teros, the yellow cardinals, the so called reinas mora and also the catita parakeets from the sierras.

But travellers will also encounter the so called pepiteros and monteritas, apart from a great variety of small birds. The bird list is completed with the rhea, the grey falcon, the collared peccary, the goldfinch, the cat thrush, the baker bird, and the majestic Andean condor.

Amphibious species are very scarce and they spend the dry season buried under ground or in small shaded puddles in the form of tadpoles.

The lizards are the most common reptiles. And the rodent eating boa is sought after for its beautiful skin.

There are also numerous aquatic birds, among which the common flamenco stands out. Atherines, trout and criollo perch can be found in its watercourses.

FAUNA

NATURE

FAUNA IN BUENOS AIRES

FAUNA IN IGUAZU

FAUNA IN MENDOZA

FAUNA IN SALTA

FAUNA IN SAN LUIS

FAUNANATURE

FAUNA IN BUENOS AIRES

FAUNA IN IGUAZU

FAUNA IN MENDOZA

FAUNA IN SALTA

FAUNA IN SAN LUIS

FAUNA

NATURE