Campos del Tuyu National Park

Campos del Tuyu Overview

Campos del Tuyú National Park, known as Parque Nacional Campos del Tuyú in Spanish, is a protected area in Argentina that spans approximately 56 square kilometers (22 square miles).

Located in the Buenos Aires Province along the Atlantic coast, it forms part of the country’s efforts to safeguard the unique ecosystems of the Pampas region. This relatively small but ecologically significant park is one of the lesser-known national parks in Argentina, yet it plays a crucial role in protecting critical habitats for native wildlife, particularly the endangered Pampas deer.

The landscape of Campos del Tuyú National Park is characterized by vast grasslands, marshes, and coastal wetlands. The terrain is predominantly flat, which is typical of the Pampas, an expansive biome that extends across much of Argentina. The park’s proximity to the Atlantic Ocean also influences its environment, contributing to a mix of saltwater and freshwater ecosystems.

The vegetation mainly consists of tall grasses, native shrubs, and patches of woodlands that provide shelter for various species. The marshy areas and lagoons within the park are particularly important for maintaining the biodiversity of the region, acting as breeding grounds for many bird species and supporting aquatic life.

The park is best known for being a sanctuary for the Pampas deer, a species that was once widespread across Argentina but has suffered drastic population declines due to habitat destruction and hunting. Campos del Tuyú provides one of the last refuges for this endangered species, allowing visitors the rare opportunity to observe them in their natural habitat. Other notable mammals in the park include the Geoffroy’s cat, the South American gray fox, and the capybara, the world’s largest rodent.

Birdwatchers will find an impressive variety of avian species, including the greater rhea, a large flightless bird native to South America, as well as herons, flamingos, and various migratory shorebirds that use the wetlands as resting and feeding grounds.

One of the most appealing aspects of Campos del Tuyú is its relatively untouched environment, which offers a sense of remoteness and tranquility. Unlike larger and more tourist-heavy national parks in Argentina, this park provides a more intimate experience with nature.

The park’s wetlands and grasslands make it an excellent destination for birdwatching, and photography enthusiasts will find plenty of opportunities to capture the beauty of the Pampas landscape. While the park is not heavily developed for tourism, visitors can enjoy hiking along designated trails, wildlife spotting, and guided educational tours that focus on the importance of conservation efforts in the region.

Conservation remains a key focus of the park’s management, particularly in efforts to protect the Pampas deer population. Habitat loss due to agriculture and urban expansion has been one of the greatest challenges for this species, and Campos del Tuyú serves as a vital stronghold.

Efforts have been made to monitor and support the deer population, while also maintaining the health of the wetlands and grasslands that sustain them. The park’s status as a national protected area has been a success in ensuring that this unique ecosystem remains preserved, though ongoing conservation work is necessary to address threats from climate change and human encroachment.

Park Map

Campos del Tuyu National Park Highlights

Wildlife

birds

Campos del Tuyú National Park is a haven for birdwatchers, particularly due to its wetlands and grasslands, which attract a wide variety of waterfowl, raptors, and songbirds. Here are some of the most notable bird species found in the park:

Greater Rhea (Rhea americana)
The largest bird in South America, the greater rhea is a flightless species that roams the park’s grasslands in small groups, feeding on plants, seeds, and insects.

Southern Screamer (Chauna torquata)
A large, distinctive bird with a loud call, the southern screamer is often seen near wetlands, where it forages for plants and small invertebrates.

Rosy-billed Pochard (Netta peposaca)
A striking duck species, the rosy-billed pochard is commonly found in the park’s wetlands, where it feeds on aquatic plants and small invertebrates.

White-faced Ibis (Plegadis chihi)
This wading bird is a common sight in the park’s marshes, where it uses its long, curved beak to search for small fish, insects, and crustaceans.

Savanna Hawk (Buteogallus meridionalis)
A powerful raptor with reddish-brown plumage, the savanna hawk hunts small mammals, reptiles, and large insects in the park’s open grasslands.

Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia)
Unlike most owls, the burrowing owl is active during the day and lives in underground burrows. It preys on insects, small mammals, and reptiles.

Black-necked Swan (Cygnus melancoryphus)
One of the most elegant birds in the park, the black-necked swan is found in lagoons and wetlands, where it feeds on aquatic plants.

Long-winged Harrier (Circus buffoni)
This medium-sized raptor is often seen gliding low over grasslands in search of rodents and small birds.

Fork-tailed Flycatcher (Tyrannus savana)
Recognizable by its long, forked tail, this bird is a skillful aerial hunter that catches insects mid-flight in the park’s open areas.

Brown-and-yellow Marshbird (Pseudoleistes virescens)
A striking yellow and brown songbird, this species thrives in wet grasslands, where it feeds on insects and small amphibians.

Campos del Tuyú National Park is a crucial sanctuary for Argentina’s native grassland species, offering protection to some of the country’s most endangered wildlife.

Campos del Tuyú National Park, located in Buenos Aires Province, Argentina, is a coastal grassland ecosystem that provides a refuge for many unique and endangered species. The park features wetlands, grasslands, and coastal dunes, making it a vital habitat for both terrestrial and aquatic wildlife. Here are some of the most iconic mammal and reptile species found in the park:

Pampas Deer (Ozotoceros bezoarticus)
The star species of the park, the Pampas deer is an endangered species that thrives in Campos del Tuyú. Once widespread across Argentina’s grasslands, it has now become rare due to habitat loss.

Geoffroy’s Cat (Leopardus geoffroyi)
A small but agile wild cat, Geoffroy’s cat is a skilled nocturnal hunter that preys on small mammals, birds, and reptiles in the park’s grasslands and marshes.

Lesser Grison (Galictis cuja)
This small, ferret-like carnivore is a fast-moving predator that feeds on rodents, insects, and birds. It is highly adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats.

Nutria (Myocastor coypus)
A large, semi-aquatic rodent, the nutria is commonly seen in the park’s wetlands and rivers, where it feeds on aquatic plants and roots.

South American Gray Fox (Lycalopex griseus)
An adaptable omnivore, the South American gray fox feeds on small mammals, birds, fruits, and insects, making it an important predator in the ecosystem.

Lesser Hairy Armadillo (Chaetophractus vellerosus)
This small, burrowing armadillo is well adapted to the park’s grasslands and sandy soils, where it digs for insects and plant roots.

Patagonian Weasel (Lyncodon patagonicus)
A rare and elusive species, this small mustelid is a nocturnal hunter that preys on rodents and birds, helping to control pest populations.

Argentine Black-and-White Tegu (Salvator merianae)
One of the largest lizards in South America, the black-and-white tegu is a powerful predator and scavenger, feeding on eggs, small animals, and fruits.

Green Anole (Anolis bimaculatus)
A small, insectivorous lizard, the green anole is known for its ability to change color to blend into its surroundings, making it an expert in camouflage.

Speckled Rattlesnake (Crotalus durissus)
A venomous snake found in the park’s grasslands, the speckled rattlesnake helps regulate rodent populations, making it an important predator in the ecosystem.