Iberá Wetlands

The Iberá Wetlands, also known as Esteros del Iberá, in the province of Corrientes in northwestern Argentina, form one of the most important freshwater reservoirs on the South American continent.

The wetlands comprise a network of marshes, swamps, bogs, lakes, and lagoons as part of the Humid Chaco ecoregion. The Iberá Wetlands span an area of 13,000 - 15,000 sq km (5,800 - 6,000 sq mi). They are a vital water source for the region and play a crucial role in flood control.

Biodiversity

The Iberá Wetlands are a vast and diverse natural ecosystem renowned for their biodiversity and ecological significance.

Home to over 4,000 plant species, hundreds of bird species, numerous mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and an abundance of aquatic life, the wetlands comprise approximately 30% of Argentina's biodiversity.

Protected Areas

The protected areas within the Iberá Wetlands in northwestern Argentina can be classified into the following hierarchy:

1. Iberá National Park (Parque Nacional Iberá):

   • Iberá National Park is the highest level of protection within the Iberá Wetlands.
   • It covers an area of approximately 1,300 sq km (500 sq mi).
   • The Park aims to preserve the wetlands' ecosystems, including their flora, fauna, and cultural heritage.
   • It offers nature-based tourism and outdoor activities opportunities while promoting sustainable practices.

2. Iberá Natural Reserve (Reserva Natural Iberá):

   • The Iberá Natural Reserve is the original core protected area within the Iberá Wetlands.
   • It covers an area of approximately 1,340 sq km (517 sq mi).
   • Managed by The Conservation Land Trust (CLT) in collaboration with local communities, the Reserve focuses on conserving and restoring the wetlands' natural ecosystems.
   • The Reserve serves as a wildlife sanctuary and a research site, with efforts made towards restoring locally extinct species, such as the jaguar and giant anteater.

3. Iberá Provincial Reserve (Reserva Provincial Iberá):

   • The Iberá Provincial Reserve is a provincial-level protected area within the Iberá Wetlands.
   • It covers an extensive area of approximately 1,720 sq km (664 sq mi).
   • The Corrientes Province manages the Reserve and complements the Iberá Natural Reserve and Iberá National Park conservation efforts.
   • Its primary objectives include preserving the wetlands' natural and cultural heritage, promoting sustainable development, and providing opportunities for ecotourism.

Together, these protected areas contribute to the preservation and sustainable management of the Iberá Wetlands' unique ecosystems and wildlife.

_{Map depicting the location of Esteros del Iberá, Corrientes, Argentina}

Iberá National Park

Iberá National Park, also known as Parque Nacional Iberá, is a renowned national park in northeastern Argentina in the expansive Iberá Wetlands. Established in 2018, the Park represents a significant milestone in the region's conservation efforts and contributes to protecting its unique biodiversity and ecosystems.

Spanning an area of approximately 1,300 sq km (500 sq mi), Iberá National Park encompasses diverse habitats such as marshes, swamps, lagoons, wet meadows, and forests. It is a crucial sanctuary for an extraordinary array of plant and animal species, including many rare and endangered ones.

The National Park is particularly renowned for its wildlife. It provides a refuge for numerous charismatic species, including capybaras (the world's largest rodent), marsh deer, giant river otters, howler monkeys, yacaré caimans, and various bird species.

The Park's birdlife is especially remarkable, with over 350 species documented, including the colorful roseate spoonbill, the striking black-and-white jabiru stork, and the critically endangered crowned solitary eagle.

Iberá National Park features a network of trails and waterways for hiking, boating, and wildlife observation. Guided tours and interpretive programs provide insights into the Park's ecology, conservation efforts, and cultural heritage.

Iberá Natural Reserve

The Iberá Natural Reserve, also known as Reserva Natural Iberá or Iberá Reserve, is the core and original protected area of the Iberá Wetlands. It was established in 1983 and covers an extensive area of approximately 1,340 sq km (517 sq mi).

The Iberá Natural Reserve is the largest protected area in Argentina. It protects a spectacular offering of streams, marshes, lagoons, and swamps that cover approximately 14% of Corrientes Province.

The Iberá Natural Reserve is home to an incredible variety of wildlife, including turtles, black caimans, capybaras, giant anteaters, giant otters, howler monkeys, maned wolves, jaguars, caimans, various deer species, and over 360 species of birds.

The Reserve is managed by The Conservation Land Trust (CLT) in collaboration with local communities. Its primary objective is the conservation and restoration of the wetlands' natural ecosystems.

The Natural Reserve serves as a wildlife sanctuary and a research site, focusing on restoring locally extinct species, such as the jaguar and giant anteater.

Iberá Provincial Reserve

The Iberá Provincial Reserve, also known as Reserva Provincial Iberá, is a protected area within the Iberá Wetlands in northeastern Argentina. Established by the Corrientes Province in 1983, the Reserve covers an extensive area of approximately 1,720 sq km (664 sq mi).

The primary objective of the Iberá Provincial Reserve is to preserve the natural and cultural heritage of the Iberá Wetlands. It complements the conservation efforts of the neighboring Iberá Natural Reserve and Iberá National Park.

Diverse ecosystems characterize the Reserve, including marshes, lagoons, swamps, and forests. It is a vital habitat for many plant and animal species, contributing to the region's exceptional biodiversity.

Within the Iberá Provincial Reserve, visitors can experience the beauty of the wetlands through various activities. Exploring the Reserve's trails, visitors can observe and appreciate the rich wildlife, which includes capybaras, marsh deer, yacaré caimans, and numerous bird species.

The Reserve is committed to promoting sustainable development and responsible tourism practices. It provides opportunities for ecotourism, allowing visitors to appreciate the natural wonders of the wetlands while supporting the local economy and community initiatives.

In addition to its ecological significance, the Iberá Provincial Reserve also holds cultural value. It is home to local communities with long-standing connections to the land, and efforts are made to preserve and celebrate their cultural heritage.