Chaco National Park

Chaco Overview

Chaco National Park, known as Parque Nacional Chaco in Spanish, is located in northeastern Argentina, in the province of Chaco. Covering an area of approximately 58 square miles (150 square kilometers), the park was established in 1954 to preserve the diverse ecosystems of the Gran Chaco region.

The park is characterized by its subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters, and its terrain features a mix of dense forests, wetlands, and savannas. The landscape is dominated by quebracho trees, which are known for their dense, reddish wood, along with algarrobo and palm species.

The Bermejo River, one of the important water sources in the region, flows near the park and supports a range of aquatic and terrestrial life. Seasonal flooding creates marshes and lagoons, enhancing the park’s biodiversity.

Chaco National Park is home to a rich variety of wildlife, with mammals such as the jaguarundi, puma, and tapir roaming the forests. Armadillos, including the large hairy armadillo, and anteaters like the giant anteater are also present. The park is a haven for birdwatchers, with more than 300 recorded bird species, including the striking red-legged seriema, the toco toucan, and the endangered crowned solitary eagle.

Reptiles such as caimans, tortoises, and various snake species thrive in the park’s wetlands and grasslands. The combination of dense vegetation and open spaces provides an ideal habitat for both elusive predators and large herbivores.

One of the most popular attractions in the park is the Laguna Panza de Cabra, a seasonal lagoon that attracts diverse birdlife and serves as an excellent spot for wildlife observation. The Sendero Pehuajó, a well-maintained trail, allows visitors to explore the park’s different environments, from the towering quebracho forests to open savannas. Interpretive signs along the trails offer insight into the flora and fauna of the region.

Visitors can also experience the park through guided tours, which provide deeper knowledge about the natural and cultural history of the Chaco. Camping is permitted in designated areas, offering an opportunity to experience the park’s nocturnal wildlife.

The park faces several conservation challenges, primarily linked to deforestation and climate change. The surrounding region has seen significant agricultural expansion, leading to habitat fragmentation.

However, conservation efforts within the park have helped protect key species, and ongoing research programs aim to monitor wildlife populations and ecological health. Reforestation projects and anti-poaching measures have been implemented to ensure the long-term preservation of the park’s biodiversity.

Chaco National Park serves as an essential refuge for native species and continues to be a crucial site for scientific research and environmental education.

Park Map

Chaco National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Birds

Chaco National Park is home to a wide range of bird species, from large raptors to colorful parrots. The park’s mix of forests, wetlands, and savannas creates diverse habitats that attract many resident and migratory birds. Here are some of the most notable species found in the park:

Greater Rhea (Rhea americana)
The largest flightless bird in South America, the greater rhea roams the grasslands in small groups, feeding on plants, seeds, and insects.

Savanna Hawk (Buteogallus meridionalis)
A striking raptor with reddish-brown plumage, the savanna hawk is often seen soaring over open areas, hunting for small mammals and reptiles.

Red-legged Seriema (Cariama cristata)
A unique ground-dwelling bird, the red-legged seriema is known for its loud calls and its habit of hunting lizards and small rodents.

Monk Parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus)
One of the most common parrots in the region, the monk parakeet builds large communal nests in trees and feeds on seeds, fruits, and vegetation.

Blue-fronted Amazon (Amazona aestiva)
A highly intelligent and vocal parrot, the blue-fronted Amazon is commonly seen in the park’s woodlands, where it feeds on fruits and nuts.

Black-and-white Hawk-Eagle (Spizaetus melanoleucus)
A powerful raptor of the Chaco forests, this hawk-eagle hunts birds, small mammals, and reptiles from high perches.

Bare-faced Curassow (Crax fasciolata)
A large, ground-dwelling bird, the bare-faced curassow forages in the undergrowth for fruits and insects. It is often heard before being seen.

Toco Toucan (Ramphastos toco)
The largest toucan species, the toco toucan is easily recognizable by its enormous orange beak. It plays an important role in seed dispersal.

White Woodpecker (Melanerpes candidus)
A striking woodpecker with mostly white plumage, this bird is often seen in small groups, drumming on tree trunks in search of insects.

Chaco Owl (Strix chacoensis)
A nocturnal predator, the Chaco owl is a secretive species that hunts small mammals, birds, and insects in the park’s dry forests.

Chaco National Park is a vital sanctuary for Argentina’s dry forest wildlife, preserving some of the country’s most unique and endangered species.

Chaco National Park, located in the Gran Chaco region of northern Argentina, is a vast expanse of dry forests, wetlands, and savannas. The park is home to a rich variety of wildlife, including large mammals, reptiles, and unique nocturnal species. Here are some of the most notable species found in the park:

Jaguar (Panthera onca)
The top predator of the Chaco region, the jaguar is a powerful and elusive big cat. It preys on peccaries, capybaras, and other mammals within the dense forests.

Maned Wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus)
This tall, long-legged canid is known for its unique appearance and omnivorous diet, which includes fruits, small mammals, and insects. It is a solitary and elusive species.

Giant Anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla)
An iconic species of the Chaco, the giant anteater is recognized for its long snout and bushy tail. It feeds almost exclusively on ants and termites.

Chacoan Peccary (Catagonus wagneri)
Also known as the tagua, this rare peccary species was once thought to be extinct. It is an important herbivore in the Chaco forests, feeding on cacti, roots, and fruits.

Lowland Tapir (Tapirus terrestris)
The largest land mammal in South America, the lowland tapir is a key seed disperser in the Chaco’s ecosystem. It prefers dense vegetation near water sources.

Puma (Puma concolor)
A highly adaptable predator, the puma inhabits a variety of landscapes in the park, preying on deer, rodents, and birds.

Capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris)
The world’s largest rodent, the capybara is a social and semi-aquatic species that thrives near the park’s rivers and wetlands. It is an important prey species for jaguars and caimans.

Black Howler Monkey (Alouatta caraya)
One of the loudest land animals, the black howler monkey is a key primate species in the park. It lives in groups and feeds on leaves, fruits, and flowers.

Paraguayan Caiman (Caiman yacare)
A common reptile in the Chaco’s wetlands, the Paraguayan caiman is an opportunistic predator that feeds on fish, amphibians, and small mammals.

South American Rattlesnake (Crotalus durissus)
A venomous snake found in the park’s dry forests, the South American rattlesnake preys on rodents, birds, and lizards, playing a key role in population control.