Iberá National Park

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Iberá National Park, located in northeastern Argentina in the province of Corrientes, is one of the largest wetland ecosystems in the world. This vast area of marshes, lagoons, grasslands, and forests supports an incredible variety of wildlife, including many rare and endangered species. 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 perfectly adapted to wetland environments. It feeds on aquatic plants and is often seen wading through the shallows.

Giant Otter (Pteronura brasiliensis)
A rare and endangered species, the giant otter is an excellent swimmer and a top predator in Iberá’s waterways, hunting fish, crustaceans, and amphibians.

Capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris)
The largest rodent in the world, the capybara is a highly social, semi-aquatic species commonly seen resting near the water’s edge or swimming in Iberá’s lagoons.

Pampas Fox (Lycalopex gymnocercus)
A highly adaptable canid, the Pampas fox feeds on rodents, birds, insects, and fruits, making it a key predator in the park’s ecosystem.

Maned Wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus)
This long-legged, solitary canid is an omnivore, feeding on small mammals, birds, and fruits, particularly the lobeira fruit, which is essential to its diet.

Lesser Grison (Galictis cuja)
A small, weasel-like predator, the lesser grison is an agile hunter that preys on rodents, insects, and birds in the grasslands and wetlands.

Neotropical River Otter (Lontra longicaudis)
An excellent swimmer, this otter species is found in Iberá’s rivers and marshes, preying on fish, amphibians, and crustaceans.

Broad-snouted Caiman (Caiman latirostris)
One of two caiman species in the park, the broad-snouted caiman prefers still waters, where it feeds on fish, amphibians, and small mammals.

Yacaré Caiman (Caiman yacare)
A common sight in the Iberá wetlands, the yacaré caiman is a top predator, helping regulate fish populations in the park’s extensive waterways.

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

Birds

Iberá National Park is one of Argentina’s premier birdwatching destinations, with over 350 recorded species. The park’s wetlands, grasslands, and forests provide vital habitat for a diverse range of birdlife, including many rare and endemic 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 patch on its neck. It is commonly seen wading in shallow waters, hunting for fish and amphibians.

Southern Screamer (Chauna torquata)
A large, noisy bird that resembles a goose, the southern screamer is an excellent swimmer and is often seen near wetlands, where it forages for aquatic plants.

Black-necked Swan (Cygnus melancoryphus)
A graceful and elegant bird, the black-necked swan is found in Iberá’s lagoons, where it feeds on aquatic vegetation.

Rosy-billed Pochard (Netta peposaca)
One of the most beautiful duck species in South America, the male rosy-billed pochard has a distinctive red beak and is a common sight in the park’s wetlands.

Great Egret (Ardea alba)
A large, elegant wading bird, the great egret is often seen patiently hunting fish and small amphibians in Iberá’s marshes.

Scarlet-headed Blackbird (Amblyramphus holosericeus)
A striking blackbird with a bright red head, this species is often found among reeds and marsh vegetation, feeding on insects and small invertebrates.

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

Savanna Hawk (Buteogallus meridionalis)
A powerful raptor with reddish-brown plumage, the savanna hawk hunts small mammals, reptiles, and large insects in the park’s grasslands.

Fork-tailed Flycatcher (Tyrannus savana)
Easily recognizable by its long, forked tail, this agile bird catches insects mid-flight and is often seen perched on fence posts and small trees.

Wattled Jacana (Jacana jacana)
This bird is perfectly adapted for walking on floating vegetation due to its long toes. It is commonly seen foraging for insects and small aquatic creatures in Iberá’s marshes.

Iberá National Park is a vital sanctuary for Argentina’s wetland wildlife, protecting some of the country’s most endangered species and offering one of the best wildlife-watching experiences in South America.