Ansenuza National Park

Ansenuza Overview

Ansenuza National Park, known locally as Parque Nacional Ansenuza, is located in the Córdoba Province of Argentina. Covering approximately 2,588 square miles (6,688 square kilometers), the park encompasses the vast Mar Chiquita Lake, one of South America’s largest saline lakes, and its surrounding wetlands.

This expansive landscape is characterized by shimmering waters, salt flats, and marshes, creating a unique ecosystem that supports an extraordinary variety of wildlife. The terrain is relatively flat, with low-lying areas dominated by wetlands and grasslands that extend beyond the lake’s shores. The park also features patches of native forest, including species like algarrobo and quebracho trees, which provide shelter for many animals.

The park is a haven for birdlife, particularly migratory and resident waterbirds. Among its most famous inhabitants are flamingos, including the Chilean, Andean, and James’s flamingos, which gather in large numbers, painting the landscape with pink hues.

The wetlands also attract a variety of herons, egrets, and ibis, while raptors such as the peregrine falcon and chimango caracara soar above. Mammals like the capybara, the largest rodent in the world, thrive in the park’s wetlands, while pampas deer roam the surrounding grasslands. Other notable species include the Geoffrey’s cat, coypu, and several types of armadillos. The park’s biodiversity makes it one of Argentina’s most significant sites for wildlife conservation.

One of the park’s most remarkable features is Mar Chiquita Lake itself, a vast and dynamic body of water with fluctuating salinity levels that change with the seasons. The lake and its surrounding wetlands are recognized as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance due to their role in supporting migratory birds and rich biodiversity.

The park is also home to salt flats and mudflats, which create a visually striking landscape, particularly at sunrise and sunset. Visitors are often drawn to the picturesque scenery, where the interplay of water, sky, and birds offers breathtaking views.

There are many ways for visitors to experience the park. Birdwatching is one of the most popular activities, with guided tours and observation points available for those hoping to spot flamingos and other waterbirds. Photography enthusiasts will find plenty of opportunities to capture the stunning scenery and diverse wildlife.

The lake also offers possibilities for boating and kayaking, allowing visitors to explore its vast waters while taking in the surrounding beauty. Hiking trails meander through different ecosystems, providing a chance to experience the transition from wetlands to dry forests. Cycling is another way to explore the park’s vast landscapes, while cultural tours introduce visitors to the local communities and their traditions tied to the lake.

The park faces conservation challenges, particularly concerning water levels and pollution from agricultural runoff in the surrounding region. Maintaining the delicate balance of the lake’s salinity is crucial for the survival of its diverse bird populations.

Conservation efforts have been successful in designating the area as a national park, which provides greater protection and management for its ecosystems. Ongoing research and monitoring programs aim to safeguard the park’s biodiversity, while ecotourism initiatives help raise awareness about the importance of preserving this unique environment.

With its vast landscapes, rich birdlife, and conservation significance, Ansenuza National Park stands as one of Argentina’s most remarkable natural areas.

Park Map

Ansenuza National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Birds

Ansenuza National Park is one of the most important bird conservation areas in South America, serving as a vital refuge for waterbirds, raptors, and migratory species that rely on Laguna Mar Chiquita’s wetlands.

Chilean Flamingo (Phoenicopterus chilensis)
One of the most iconic birds of the park, the Chilean flamingo gathers in large flocks along the shores of the salt lake, feeding on microscopic organisms.

James’s Flamingo (Phoenicoparrus jamesi)
A rare high-altitude flamingo species, James’s flamingo migrates to the park’s wetlands, where it filters algae and plankton from the saline waters.

Andean Flamingo (Phoenicoparrus andinus)
One of the rarest flamingos in the world, the Andean flamingo is a seasonal visitor to the park, where it feeds in shallow, mineral-rich lagoons.

Southern Screamer (Chauna torquata)
A large and distinctive wetland bird, the southern screamer is known for its loud calls and powerful wings, which allow it to soar over the marshes.

Rosy-billed Pochard (Netta peposaca)
A striking duck species with a bright red bill, the rosy-billed pochard is a common sight in the park’s lakes and wetlands.

Black-necked Swan (Cygnus melancoryphus)
This elegant swan species inhabits the park’s calm waters, feeding on aquatic vegetation and raising its young in protected wetland areas.

White-faced Whistling Duck (Dendrocygna viduata)
A highly social waterfowl species, the white-faced whistling duck gathers in large flocks in the park’s wetlands, where it feeds on seeds and aquatic plants.

Savanna Hawk (Buteogallus meridionalis)
A powerful raptor commonly seen in the park’s grasslands and wetlands, the savanna hawk hunts rodents, reptiles, and small birds.

Great Grebe (Podiceps major)
The largest grebe species in South America, the great grebe is often seen diving in the park’s lakes, searching for fish and aquatic invertebrates.

Nacunda Nighthawk (Chordeiles nacunda)
A nocturnal bird that hunts insects over the park’s wetlands and grasslands, the nacunda nighthawk is an expert aerial forager.

Ansenuza National Park is a biodiversity hotspot in Argentina, offering a sanctuary for thousands of waterbirds, iconic mammals, and unique wetland ecosystems. Whether observing flamingos wading in the vast lagoon, spotting capybaras along the shoreline, or listening to the calls of the southern screamer at dusk, visitors to the park experience one of South America’s most important and breathtaking natural reserves.

Ansenuza National Park, located in Córdoba Province, Argentina, is one of the country’s newest and most important conservation areas. The park protects Laguna Mar Chiquita, South America’s largest saltwater lake, and its surrounding wetlands, which form a vital habitat for an incredible diversity of wildlife. The marshes, grasslands, and forests of Ansenuza support a wide array of migratory birds, aquatic species, and terrestrial mammals, making it a crucial ecosystem in the region.

Maned Wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus)
A striking canid with long legs and a reddish coat, the maned wolf is an elusive hunter that feeds on rodents, birds, and fruit. It thrives in the park’s grasslands and open woodlands.

Pampas Deer (Ozotoceros bezoarticus)
Once widespread across Argentina, the Pampas deer is now a protected species in the park. It grazes on grasses and shrubs, playing a key role in maintaining the health of the ecosystem.

Geoffroy’s Cat (Leopardus geoffroyi)
A small and agile wild cat, Geoffroy’s cat is a nocturnal predator that hunts rodents, birds, and reptiles in the park’s grasslands and wetland edges.

Crab-eating Fox (Cerdocyon thous)
A highly adaptable omnivore, the crab-eating fox is commonly seen in the park, where it scavenges and hunts small prey along the lake’s shores.

Lesser Grison (Galictis cuja)
A small but aggressive mustelid, the lesser grison preys on rodents, birds, and reptiles. It is an excellent swimmer and often hunts near the park’s waterways.

Capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris)
The largest rodent in the world, the capybara thrives in the park’s wetlands, where it grazes on aquatic vegetation and serves as prey for large predators.

Neotropical River Otter (Lontra longicaudis)
An important aquatic predator, the neotropical river otter hunts fish, amphibians, and crustaceans in the park’s lakes and marshes.

Southern Three-banded Armadillo (Tolypeutes matacus)
This unique armadillo is capable of rolling into a tight ball for protection. It forages in the park’s grasslands, searching for insects and small invertebrates.

Plains Viscacha (Lagostomus maximus)
A large rodent closely related to chinchillas, the plains viscacha lives in burrows and is an essential part of the food chain in the park’s dry forests and grasslands.

South American Coati (Nasua nasua)
A highly social and curious mammal, the coati is often seen climbing trees and foraging on the forest floor for fruits, insects, and small vertebrates.

Birds

Andean Flamingo (Phoenicoparrus andinus)
One of the rarest flamingos in the world, the Andean flamingo is a seasonal visitor to the park, where it feeds in shallow, mineral-rich lagoons.

Southern Screamer (Chauna torquata)
A large and distinctive wetland bird, the southern screamer is known for its loud calls and powerful wings, which allow it to soar over the marshes.

Rosy-billed Pochard (Netta peposaca)
A striking duck species with a bright red bill, the rosy-billed pochard is a common sight in the park’s lakes and wetlands.

Black-necked Swan (Cygnus melancoryphus)
This elegant swan species inhabits the park’s calm waters, feeding on aquatic vegetation and raising its young in protected wetland areas.

Savanna Hawk (Buteogallus meridionalis)
A powerful raptor commonly seen in the park’s grasslands and wetlands, the savanna hawk hunts rodents, reptiles, and small birds.

Great Grebe (Podiceps major)
The largest grebe species in South America, the great grebe is often seen diving in the park’s lakes, searching for fish and aquatic invertebrates.

Nacunda Nighthawk (Chordeiles nacunda)
A nocturnal bird that hunts insects over the park’s wetlands and grasslands, the nacunda nighthawk is an expert aerial forager.

Birds

Andean Flamingo (Phoenicoparrus andinus)
One of the rarest flamingos in the world, the Andean flamingo is a seasonal visitor to the park, where it feeds in shallow, mineral-rich lagoons.

Southern Screamer (Chauna torquata)
A large and distinctive wetland bird, the southern screamer is known for its loud calls and powerful wings, which allow it to soar over the marshes.

Rosy-billed Pochard (Netta peposaca)
A striking duck species with a bright red bill, the rosy-billed pochard is a common sight in the park’s lakes and wetlands.

Black-necked Swan (Cygnus melancoryphus)
This elegant swan species inhabits the park’s calm waters, feeding on aquatic vegetation and raising its young in protected wetland areas.

Savanna Hawk (Buteogallus meridionalis)
A powerful raptor commonly seen in the park’s grasslands and wetlands, the savanna hawk hunts rodents, reptiles, and small birds.

Great Grebe (Podiceps major)
The largest grebe species in South America, the great grebe is often seen diving in the park’s lakes, searching for fish and aquatic invertebrates.

Nacunda Nighthawk (Chordeiles nacunda)
A nocturnal bird that hunts insects over the park’s wetlands and grasslands, the nacunda nighthawk is an expert aerial forager.