Mburucuya National Park

Mburucuya Overview

Mburucuyá National Park, or Parque Nacional Mburucuyá in Spanish, is located in northeastern Argentina in the Corrientes Province. Covering an area of approximately 44 square miles (114 square kilometers), the park is a protected area dedicated to preserving the rich biodiversity of the Iberá Wetlands and the Espinal ecoregion.

This relatively small but ecologically significant park is characterized by a mix of grasslands, wetlands, forests, and palm groves, creating a diverse landscape that supports an array of plant and animal species. The region’s terrain includes gently rolling hills, marshy areas, and lagoons, with notable water bodies such as Laguna Iberá. The presence of native tree species like the quebracho, urunday, and caranday palm contributes to the park’s lush scenery, while seasonal wildflowers enhance the beauty of its grasslands.

Wildlife is a major attraction at Mburucuyá National Park, with an impressive array of mammals, birds, and reptiles that thrive in its varied habitats. Among the most notable species are the capybara, the world’s largest rodent, and the maned wolf, an elusive canid native to South America.

The park is also home to the howler monkey, which can often be heard calling from the tree canopies. Birdwatchers will find Mburucuyá a paradise, as it hosts species such as the jabiru stork, the giant wood rail, and the striking red-crested cardinal. Raptors, including the black-collared hawk and the savanna hawk, are commonly spotted soaring over the wetlands. Reptiles such as caimans and turtles inhabit the park’s lagoons, while various amphibians thrive in its moist environments.

A visit to Mburucuyá National Park offers an opportunity to experience nature through various activities suited to its terrain and ecosystem. Hiking trails wind through forests and wetlands, allowing visitors to observe wildlife up close and appreciate the unique scenery.

Birdwatching is a favorite pastime, given the park’s incredible avian diversity. Photography enthusiasts will find endless inspiration in the landscapes and wildlife. The park is also ideal for peaceful nature walks and educational visits, as it serves as a living classroom for conservation and ecology. Although less commercialized than other Argentine parks, Mburucuyá’s remote nature enhances the sense of tranquility and immersion in the wild.

Conservation efforts in Mburucuyá National Park focus on protecting the native flora and fauna while ensuring minimal human impact on the environment. The park is a crucial part of the Iberá Wetlands conservation strategy, contributing to the preservation of one of South America’s most important freshwater ecosystems.

Successful rewilding efforts have helped maintain populations of native species, though challenges such as habitat fragmentation and human encroachment remain ongoing concerns. Park authorities and conservation groups continue to work toward sustainable management and environmental education to promote the importance of preserving this unique natural area.

Park Map

Mburucuya National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Birds

Mburucuyá National Park is a haven for birdwatchers, with its wetlands, forests, and grasslands providing essential habitat for resident and migratory bird species. Here are some of the most notable birds found in the park:

Jabiru Stork (Jabiru mycteria)
The largest stork in the Americas, the jabiru is a striking bird with a massive black bill and a red neck patch, commonly seen wading in shallow waters searching for fish and amphibians.

Southern Screamer (Chauna torquata)
A large, noisy bird that resembles a goose, the southern screamer is often seen near wetlands, where it feeds on aquatic plants.

Black-necked Swan (Cygnus melancoryphus)
An elegant and graceful bird, the black-necked swan is one of the most recognizable species in the park’s wetlands.

Rosy-billed Pochard (Netta peposaca)
A distinctive duck species, the male rosy-billed pochard is recognized by its bright red beak and is commonly found in the park’s lagoons.

White-faced Ibis (Plegadis chihi)
A wading bird that uses its long, curved beak to forage for small fish, insects, and crustaceans in the park’s marshes.

Snail Kite (Rostrhamus sociabilis)
A specialist predator, the snail kite feeds almost exclusively on freshwater snails, using its hooked beak to extract them from their shells.

Wattled Jacana (Jacana jacana)
Known for its long toes, this bird is perfectly adapted for walking on floating vegetation in marshes, where it forages for insects and small aquatic creatures.

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

Fork-tailed Flycatcher (Tyrannus savana)
A striking bird with a long, forked tail, this species is an agile hunter that catches insects mid-flight.

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

Mburucuyá National Park is a crucial sanctuary for Argentina’s wetland and subtropical forest wildlife, preserving a diverse range of species in one of the country’s most ecologically important regions.

Mburucuyá National Park, located in the province of Corrientes, Argentina, is a lush and diverse ecosystem characterized by wetlands, grasslands, and subtropical forests. It serves as a critical habitat for a wide variety of wildlife, including many species that thrive in its humid and marshy landscapes. Here are some of the most notable mammals and reptiles found in the park:

Marsh Deer (Blastocerus dichotomus)
The largest deer species in South America, the marsh deer is well adapted to wetland environments, feeding on aquatic plants and grasses.

Maned Wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus)
This tall, fox-like canid is an omnivore that preys on small mammals, birds, and fruits, particularly the lobeira fruit, which is essential to its diet.

Pampas Fox (Lycalopex gymnocercus)
A highly adaptable carnivore, the Pampas fox preys on rodents, birds, insects, and fruits, playing a vital role in the park’s ecosystem.

Capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris)
The largest rodent in the world, the capybara is a semi-aquatic species that thrives in the park’s wetlands, living in groups and serving as prey for large predators.

Neotropical River Otter (Lontra longicaudis)
An excellent swimmer, the Neotropical otter inhabits rivers and marshes, where it preys on fish, amphibians, and crustaceans.

Collared Peccary (Pecari tajacu)
A pig-like mammal that moves in groups through the park’s dense vegetation, the collared peccary forages for fruits, roots, and small invertebrates.

Lesser Grison (Galictis cuja)
A small but fierce predator, the lesser grison is an agile hunter that preys on rodents, birds, and insects.

Broad-snouted Caiman (Caiman latirostris)
A common sight in the park’s wetlands, the broad-snouted caiman is a top predator that feeds on fish, amphibians, and small mammals.

Yellow Anaconda (Eunectes notaeus)
One of the largest snake species in South America, the yellow anaconda is a powerful constrictor that preys on fish, birds, and mammals in the park’s marshes and riverbanks.

False Water Cobra (Hydrodynastes gigas)
A non-venomous snake that mimics venomous species by flattening its neck, the false water cobra preys on fish, amphibians, and small mammals.