Ciervo de los pantanos National Park

Ciervo de los pantanos Overview

Ciervo de los Pantanos National Park, known locally as Parque Nacional Ciervo de los Pantanos, is a protected natural area in Argentina, covering approximately 204 square miles (528 square kilometers).

Located in the Buenos Aires Province, near the city of Campana, this park safeguards a diverse wetland ecosystem within the Paraná Delta. The region is characterized by marshlands, lagoons, grasslands, and riparian forests, providing a unique landscape that supports an array of wildlife and vegetation.

The park’s wetlands, shaped by the meandering waterways of the Paraná River, are interspersed with native tree species like the curupí and willows, along with floating vegetation that thrives in the slow-moving waters.

The park is named after its most iconic resident, the marsh deer, a large and vulnerable species that relies on the protected wetlands for survival. Other notable mammals found in the park include capybaras, neotropical otters, and crab-eating foxes.

The rich birdlife makes it a key site for birdwatching, with species such as the long-winged harrier, black-necked swan, and the striking scarlet-headed blackbird. Reptiles and amphibians, including broad-snouted caimans and several species of frogs, further add to the biodiversity of the region.

Visitors to Ciervo de los Pantanos National Park can explore the area through its network of trails and waterways. Hiking paths allow for close encounters with the diverse flora and fauna, while guided boat tours offer a unique perspective of the wetlands, revealing the beauty of the submerged forests and open lagoons.

Wildlife observation points and birdwatching stations are placed strategically within the park, enhancing the experience for nature enthusiasts. Kayaking and canoeing are also popular activities, allowing for an immersive journey through the park’s waterways.

The park faces several conservation challenges, including habitat loss due to agricultural expansion and urban development in surrounding areas. Pollution from industrial and agricultural activities threatens water quality, impacting both wildlife and plant species.

However, conservation efforts, such as habitat restoration and environmental education programs, have been successful in raising awareness and improving ecological conditions within the park. The protection of the marsh deer and other vulnerable species remains a key focus of management strategies, ensuring the long-term survival of this valuable wetland ecosystem.

Park Map

Ciervo de los pantanos National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Birds

Ciervo de los Pantanos National Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with its vast wetlands, marshes, and grasslands supporting a diverse avian population. The park provides habitat for both resident and migratory birds, including many waterfowl and raptors. Here are some of the most notable bird species found in the park:

Southern Screamer (Chauna torquata)
A large, noisy bird often found near wetlands, the southern screamer has a distinctive call and is known for its strong flying abilities despite its large size.

Wattled Jacana (Jacana jacana)
This striking bird, with its long toes, is perfectly adapted for walking on floating vegetation in marshes and wetlands. It primarily feeds on insects and small aquatic creatures.

Rosy-billed Pochard (Netta peposaca)
A beautiful duck species, the male rosy-billed pochard has a distinctive red beak and is commonly found in the park’s wetlands.

Black-necked Swan (Cygnus melancoryphus)
One of the most elegant birds in the park, the black-necked swan is easily recognizable by its white body and contrasting black neck. It feeds on aquatic plants.

White-faced Ibis (Plegadis chihi)
This wading bird is commonly found 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 striking raptor with reddish-brown plumage, the savanna hawk is often seen soaring over open areas, hunting for small mammals and reptiles.

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.

Great Egret (Ardea alba)
A large, graceful wading bird, the great egret is often seen standing motionless in shallow water, waiting to catch fish with its sharp beak.

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.

Ciervo de los Pantanos National Park is a crucial sanctuary for Argentina’s wetland and grassland species, providing a refuge for some of the country’s most iconic and endangered wildlife.

Ciervo de los Pantanos National Park, located in Buenos Aires Province, Argentina, is a wetland and grassland ecosystem that provides critical habitat for many species. The park is named after its most iconic resident, the marsh deer, and is home to a diverse array of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. Here are some of the most notable species found in the park:

Marsh Deer (Blastocerus dichotomus)
The largest deer species in South America, the marsh deer is the park’s namesake and most emblematic species. Adapted to wetland environments, it feeds on aquatic plants and grasses.

Neotropical Otter (Lontra longicaudis)
A semi-aquatic mammal, the Neotropical otter is an agile swimmer that preys on fish, amphibians, and crustaceans in the park’s rivers and lagoons.

Pampas Fox (Lycalopex gymnocercus)
This small canid is highly adaptable and feeds on rodents, insects, fruits, and birds, making it an important predator in the ecosystem.

Capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris)
The largest rodent in the world, the capybara thrives in the park’s wetlands, where it lives in large social groups and serves as prey for jaguars and caimans.

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

Lesser Grison (Galictis cuja)
A small, ferret-like carnivore, the lesser grison is a fast and agile predator that preys on small mammals, birds, and insects.

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

Broad-snouted Caiman (Caiman latirostris)
This medium-sized caiman is found in the park’s waterways, where it preys on fish, amphibians, and small mammals, playing a key role in the ecosystem.

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.

False Water Cobra (Hydrodynastes gigas)
A non-venomous snake that mimics the behavior of cobras by flattening its neck when threatened, this species preys on fish, amphibians, and small mammals.