Predelta National Park

Predelta Overview

Predelta National Park, or Parque Nacional Predelta in Spanish, is a protected area in Argentina that spans approximately 33.2 square miles (86 square kilometers). Located in the province of Entre Ríos, near the city of Diamante, the park sits at the beginning of the Paraná River Delta, an important wetland ecosystem.

This region is characterized by a dynamic landscape of islands, lagoons, river channels, and marshes, which shift over time due to sediment deposition from the Paraná River. The park’s vegetation is primarily composed of riparian forests, wetlands, and grasslands, with an abundance of native trees such as willows, alders, and ceibos, whose striking red flowers are a notable feature of the park.

The rich and varied habitats of Predelta National Park support a diverse array of wildlife. Among the key mammals found here are the capybara, the world’s largest rodent, along with marsh deer and neotropical otters, both of which rely on the wetland environment.

The park is also home to crab-eating foxes, armadillos, and howler monkeys, which can often be heard calling from the forested areas. The birdlife is especially vibrant, with over 200 species recorded. Notable birds include the rufescent tiger heron, black-necked swan, jabiru stork, and various kingfishers that frequent the waterways. Birds of prey such as the great black hawk and snail kite are often seen soaring above, while smaller songbirds fill the forest with their calls.

One of the park’s main attractions is its vast wetland ecosystem, which creates a haven for birdwatching and wildlife observation. Visitors often explore the park by boat, allowing them to navigate the interconnected channels and lagoons while spotting wildlife along the riverbanks.

Fishing is a common recreational activity in designated areas, as the Paraná River supports a wide variety of fish, including dorado, surubí, and boga. Hiking trails through forested sections offer opportunities for nature walks and photography, while the park’s picnic areas provide scenic spots for visitors to relax and enjoy the tranquil environment.

The best way to experience the park is by taking guided boat tours that reveal the intricacies of the wetland ecosystem. Canoeing and kayaking allow for a more intimate exploration of the waterways, while birdwatching excursions offer excellent chances to spot rare and colorful species.

Interpretive trails provide insights into the region’s biodiversity and conservation efforts, helping visitors appreciate the delicate balance of this wetland environment.

Conservation efforts within Predelta National Park focus on protecting the Paraná Delta’s fragile ecosystem from threats such as deforestation, agricultural expansion, and pollution from human activities upstream.

The park’s status as a protected area has helped preserve key habitats for endangered species and maintain the water quality essential for aquatic life. However, climate change and fluctuating water levels continue to pose challenges, requiring ongoing monitoring and adaptive management strategies. The park has seen success in increasing awareness of wetland conservation and engaging local communities in sustainable practices, ensuring that this vital ecosystem remains intact for future generations.

Park Map

Predelta National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Birds

Predelta National Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with its wetlands, lagoons, and forests supporting an incredible diversity of bird species, including many waterfowl, wading birds, and raptors. Here are some of the most remarkable 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 resembling a goose, the southern screamer is often seen near wetlands, where it feeds on aquatic plants.

Black-necked Swan (Cygnus melancoryphus)
One of the most elegant waterbirds in the park, the black-necked swan is easily recognizable by its white body and black neck.

Rosy-billed Pochard (Netta peposaca)
A striking duck species, the male rosy-billed pochard has a bright red bill 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.

Predelta National Park is a crucial sanctuary for Argentina’s wetland and riparian wildlife, preserving a rich and diverse ecosystem that supports some of the country’s most iconic species.

Predelta National Park, located in the province of Entre Ríos, Argentina, serves as the gateway to the Paraná River Delta, one of South America’s most important wetland ecosystems. The park consists of floodplains, lagoons, river channels, and dense riparian forests, providing an ideal habitat for a wide range of wildlife. Here are some of the most notable mammals and reptiles found in the park:

Capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris)
The world’s largest rodent, the capybara is a semi-aquatic species commonly found near the park’s rivers and marshes, where it grazes on aquatic plants and grasses.

Neotropical River Otter (Lontra longicaudis)
An excellent swimmer, the Neotropical river otter thrives in the park’s waterways, preying on fish, amphibians, and crustaceans.

Pampas Fox (Lycalopex gymnocercus)
A highly adaptable carnivore, the Pampas fox preys on rodents, birds, insects, and fruits, playing an essential role in controlling small mammal populations.

Lesser Grison (Galictis cuja)
A small, agile predator, the lesser grison is an efficient hunter that preys on rodents, birds, and insects in the park’s wetlands and forests.

Marsh Deer (Blastocerus dichotomus)
A symbol of the Paraná Delta, the marsh deer is the largest deer species in South America and is well adapted to the park’s wetland habitats.

Collared Peccary (Pecari tajacu)
This pig-like mammal forages in the park’s forests, feeding on fruits, roots, and small invertebrates, often moving in small social groups.

Broad-snouted Caiman (Caiman latirostris)
A medium-sized caiman commonly found in the park’s slow-moving waters, where it preys on fish, amphibians, and small mammals.

Yacaré Caiman (Caiman yacare)
This species is an important predator in the park’s aquatic ecosystem, helping regulate fish populations.

False Water Cobra (Hydrodynastes gigas)
A large, non-venomous snake that mimics the behavior of venomous species by flattening its neck, this species preys 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 hunts in the park’s marshes and riverbanks.