Islas de Santa Fe National Park

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Islas de Santa Fe National Park, located in the Paraná River Delta in Argentina, is a unique wetland and riparian ecosystem composed of islands, lagoons, and marshlands. This park provides vital habitat for a diverse array of wildlife, including aquatic and semi-aquatic species. 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 highly social and semi-aquatic species that thrives in the wetlands, feeding on grasses and aquatic plants.

Neotropical Otter (Lontra longicaudis)
This semi-aquatic mammal is a skilled swimmer and an important predator in the park’s waterways, feeding on fish, crustaceans, and amphibians.

Pampas Fox (Lycalopex gymnocercus)
A highly adaptable canid, the Pampas fox preys on small mammals, birds, and insects while also scavenging for carrion.

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

Nutria (Myocastor coypus)
A large, semi-aquatic rodent, the nutria is commonly found in the park’s lagoons and marshes, feeding on aquatic vegetation and roots.

Broad-snouted Caiman (Caiman latirostris)
A medium-sized caiman that thrives in the park’s slow-moving waters, it is an apex predator that feeds on fish, amphibians, and small mammals.

Yacaré Caiman (Caiman yacare)
This species is commonly found basking on riverbanks or gliding through the water, where it helps regulate fish populations in the park’s waterways.

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.

Green Iguana (Iguana iguana)
One of the largest lizards in the region, the green iguana is an herbivore that spends much of its time in trees, feeding on leaves, flowers, and fruit.

Argentine Black-and-White Tegu (Salvator merianae)
A large and powerful omnivorous lizard, the black-and-white tegu is an opportunistic feeder that consumes insects, small animals, and fruits.

Birds

Islas de Santa Fe National Park is a paradise for birdwatchers, with its wetlands and forests providing essential habitat for both resident and migratory birds. Many waterbirds, raptors, and songbirds thrive in this region. Here are some of the most remarkable bird species 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 distinctive red neck patch. It wades through shallow waters in search of fish and amphibians.

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

Rosy-billed Pochard (Netta peposaca)
A beautiful duck species, the male rosy-billed pochard features a vibrant red bill and is commonly found in the park’s marshes and lagoons.

Southern Screamer (Chauna torquata)
A large, noisy bird resembling a goose, the southern screamer is an excellent swimmer and often seen near wetlands, feeding on aquatic plants.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

Islas de Santa Fe National Park plays a crucial role in protecting Argentina’s wetland and riparian wildlife, providing a safe haven for an extraordinary diversity of species.