Lihué Calel National Park

Lihué Calel Overview

Lihué Calel National Park, or Parque Nacional Lihué Calel in Spanish, is a protected natural area located in central Argentina, within La Pampa Province.

The park spans approximately 124 square miles (320 square kilometers) and is known for its rugged terrain, which includes the Lihué Calel mountain range that rises above the otherwise flat landscape of the Pampas. The name “Lihué Calel” comes from the indigenous Mapuche language and translates to “mountain of life,” reflecting the importance of this area as a refuge for flora and fauna in an otherwise arid region.

The park is characterized by rocky hills, deep ravines, and a landscape shaped by geological activity over millions of years. Among its most striking geographical features are Cerro de la Sociedad Científica, the highest peak in the park, and the numerous granite outcrops that contrast with the surrounding plains.

The vegetation in Lihué Calel National Park consists of a mix of xerophytic and semi-arid plant species adapted to the harsh climate. Low shrubs dominate the landscape, including species such as jarilla, chañar, and piquillín, which are well-suited to withstand long periods of drought.

Cacti, grasses, and small trees are scattered throughout, adding to the region’s biodiversity. Riparian vegetation can be found along watercourses, providing essential habitat for local wildlife. Despite the semi-arid conditions, the park’s flora is rich in species that have adapted to limited rainfall and nutrient-poor soils.

Lihué Calel National Park provides a crucial habitat for a variety of wildlife, particularly mammals and birds that thrive in Argentina’s central plains. Visitors may encounter species such as guanacos, the largest native herbivore in the park, as well as armadillos, foxes, and the elusive puma, which roams the rocky hills in search of prey. Among the smaller mammals, the mara, a large rodent resembling a hare, is a unique sight.

The birdlife in the park is also diverse, featuring species such as the elegant crested tinamou, the black-chested buzzard-eagle, and the colorful burrowing parrot. Raptors are commonly seen soaring above the hills, while songbirds and smaller species find refuge in the park’s dense shrublands.

One of the park’s most significant attractions is its rich cultural history, as evidenced by ancient indigenous petroglyphs found in various locations. These rock carvings, attributed to pre-Columbian cultures, provide insight into the spiritual and artistic expressions of early inhabitants.

The park also contains remnants of old settlements, trails, and landmarks that hint at the region’s historical importance for indigenous groups and later European settlers. The Cueva de Halada, a small rock shelter featuring petroglyphs, is a notable point of interest for visitors interested in archaeology and anthropology.

Visitors to Lihué Calel National Park can engage with its landscape and wildlife through a variety of activities. Hiking is one of the most popular ways to explore, with trails leading through the rocky terrain, offering scenic views and opportunities for wildlife observation.

The Sendero Valle de las Pinturas is a particularly rewarding trail that takes visitors past indigenous rock art sites and through some of the most picturesque areas of the park. Birdwatching is another major draw, as the park’s diverse avian population provides endless opportunities for enthusiasts to spot unique species.

Camping is permitted in designated areas, allowing visitors to experience the solitude and beauty of the park under a sky filled with stars. Educational programs and guided tours provide additional ways for visitors to deepen their understanding of the park’s ecological and cultural significance.

Conservation efforts in Lihué Calel National Park focus on protecting its unique biodiversity and preserving its cultural heritage. Challenges include desertification, climate change, and the encroachment of invasive species that threaten native flora and fauna.

However, successful management strategies have led to the recovery of key species, and ongoing research aims to ensure the long-term sustainability of the park’s ecosystems. The park is managed by Argentina’s National Parks Administration, which implements conservation policies, monitors wildlife populations, and works to educate the public on the importance of preserving this remarkable landscape.

Park Map

Lihué Calel National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Lihué Calel National Park, located in the province of La Pampa, Argentina, is a unique oasis in the otherwise flat and arid landscape of the Pampas. The park features rolling hills, rocky outcrops, and dry scrublands, creating a diverse habitat for wildlife adapted to harsh conditions. Here are some of the most notable mammals and reptiles found in the park:

Puma (Puma concolor)
The top predator of the park, the puma roams the hills and grasslands, preying on guanacos, rodents, and birds.

Guanaco (Lama guanicoe)
A hardy herbivore, the guanaco is well-adapted to dry environments and plays a crucial role in the ecosystem by maintaining vegetation balance.

Pampas Fox (Lycalopex gymnocercus)
This small, omnivorous canid is commonly seen in the park, feeding on rodents, insects, fruits, and carrion.

Patagonian Mara (Dolichotis patagonum)
A large, rabbit-like rodent, the Patagonian mara is a fast-running herbivore that thrives in open grasslands and rocky terrain.

Lesser Grison (Galictis cuja)
A small, fierce predator, the lesser grison is a skilled hunter of rodents, birds, and insects, contributing to the park’s natural balance.

Big Hairy Armadillo (Chaetophractus villosus)
An expert digger, this armadillo is a nocturnal species that feeds on insects, small vertebrates, and plant matter.

Plains Viscacha (Lagostomus maximus)
A nocturnal rodent that lives in underground burrows, the plains viscacha is a social species often seen in groups at dusk.

Patagonian Lizard (Liolaemus darwinii)
This small reptile thrives in the rocky outcrops and sandy soil, feeding on insects and small plants.

Chaco Tortoise (Chelonoidis chilensis)
A slow-moving reptile adapted to dry conditions, the Chaco tortoise feeds on grasses, cacti, and flowers.

South American Rattlesnake (Crotalus durissus)
One of the few venomous snakes in the region, the South American rattlesnake is an important predator of rodents and small animals.

Birds

Lihué Calel National Park is home to a diverse bird population, with species that inhabit scrublands, rocky slopes, and open grasslands. Many of these birds are well-adapted to arid conditions. Here are some of the most notable bird species found in the park:

Greater Rhea (Rhea americana)
The largest flightless bird in South America, the greater rhea is a common sight in the park’s open plains, foraging for seeds, insects, and small vertebrates.

Elegant Crested Tinamou (Eudromia elegans)
A well-camouflaged ground bird, the elegant crested tinamou is known for its distinctive calls and quick running speed.

Variable Hawk (Geranoaetus polyosoma)
A powerful raptor that hunts rodents, reptiles, and birds, the variable hawk is commonly seen soaring over the hills.

Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia)
Unlike most owls, this species is active during the day and nests in burrows. It preys on insects, small mammals, and reptiles.

Red-legged Seriema (Cariama cristata)
A unique bird with a loud call, the red-legged seriema hunts lizards, snakes, and insects on the ground.

Scimitar-billed Woodcreeper (Drymornis bridgesii)
This bird uses its long, curved bill to extract insects from tree bark and rocky crevices.

White-fronted Woodpecker (Melanerpes cactorum)
A specialist of arid environments, this woodpecker is often seen clinging to cacti and tree trunks in search of food.

Chilean Flamingo (Phoenicopterus chilensis)
Occasionally spotted in seasonal wetlands, the Chilean flamingo is a graceful wading bird that filters small invertebrates from the water.

Brown Cacholote (Pseudoseisura lophotes)
A social and noisy bird, the brown cacholote builds large stick nests and is commonly seen in small family groups.

Patagonian Mockingbird (Mimus patagonicus)
A highly adaptable songbird, the Patagonian mockingbird is known for its varied vocalizations and ability to mimic other bird calls.

Lihué Calel National Park serves as an important refuge for Argentina’s steppe and scrubland wildlife, preserving a unique ecosystem that supports a diverse range of species.