Traslasierra National Park

Traslasierra Overview

Traslasierra National Park, known locally as Parque Nacional Traslasierra, is a protected area located in the northwest of Córdoba Province, Argentina.

Established in 2018, the park encompasses approximately 440 square kilometers (170 square miles) of the Dry Chaco ecosystem, one of the most threatened ecoregions globally. The park is situated within the historical Estancia Pinas, a rural estate that preserves remnants of the Comechingón culture and a 19th-century chapel.

The terrain of Traslasierra National Park is characterized by its mountainous landscapes, including the western slopes of the Sierras de Pocho. This area showcases the Chaco Serrano forest, a unique environment within the Dry Chaco region.

The landscape features rolling hills, dense woodlands, and arid valleys, creating a diverse mosaic of habitats. The park’s vegetation includes native species such as quebracho blanco, algarrobo, horco quebracho, mistol, and brea, which are well-adapted to the semi-arid conditions of the region.

Wildlife in Traslasierra National Park is diverse, with approximately 230 bird species, 35 mammal species, and 30 reptile species identified within its boundaries. Notable mammals include the puma, guanaco, collared peccary, and the Chacoan peccary—a species once thought extinct in the province of Córdoba.

The park also provides habitat for the Argentine tortoise and the lesser anteater. Bird enthusiasts can observe species such as the crowned solitary eagle, Andean condor, yellow cardinal, turquoise-fronted amazon, and Chaco owl, some of which are considered threatened or endangered.

Visitors to Traslasierra National Park can explore the remnants of the Estancia Pinas, including its well-preserved colonial-era buildings and chapel. The park’s diverse landscapes offer opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife observation. While the park is still in the process of developing its infrastructure, future plans aim to enhance accessibility and visitor facilities to promote ecotourism and environmental education.

The establishment of Traslasierra National Park represents a significant conservation success, protecting a substantial portion of the Dry Chaco ecosystem. This achievement results from collaborative efforts among national and provincial governments, non-governmental organizations, and international foundations.

Notably, the Wyss Foundation contributed $4 million to support the park’s creation, ensuring the preservation of this critical habitat. Ongoing conservation challenges include managing land use changes, preventing deforestation, and mitigating the impacts of agricultural expansion to maintain the ecological integrity of the park.

Park Map

Traslasierra National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Traslasierra National Park, located in Córdoba Province, Argentina, is a protected area dedicated to preserving the Gran Chaco dry forests and mountain ecosystems. The park features rugged sierras, arid valleys, and diverse woodlands, creating a habitat for a wide range of wildlife, including some of Argentina’s most elusive and endangered species. As part of the Chaco Serrano ecoregion, Traslasierra provides a critical refuge for species that have lost much of their original habitat due to human activity.

Jaguar (Panthera onca)
Once widespread across Argentina, the jaguar is now rare in the region. It is a top predator, playing a vital role in controlling populations of herbivores and maintaining the ecological balance.

Maned Wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus)
A distinctive canid with long legs and a reddish coat, the maned wolf is an omnivorous species that feeds on rodents, birds, and fruits in the park’s dry forests and grasslands.

Puma (Puma concolor)
The largest predator in the park, the puma is a powerful and elusive hunter that preys on guanacos, deer, and smaller mammals.

Pampas Deer (Ozotoceros bezoarticus)
A rare and protected species, the Pampas deer thrives in the park’s grasslands and open woodlands, grazing on native plants.

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 rugged terrain.

Lesser Grison (Galictis cuja)
A small but aggressive mustelid, the lesser grison preys on rodents, birds, and reptiles. It is highly adaptable and thrives in the park’s forests and grasslands.

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

Chacoan Peccary (Catagonus wagneri)
An endangered species, the Chacoan peccary is a pig-like mammal that forages in the park’s dry forests, feeding on fruits, roots, and cacti.

Nine-banded Armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus)
A well-armored nocturnal forager, the nine-banded armadillo digs for insects and small invertebrates in the park’s forests and grasslands.

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

Birds

Traslasierra National Park is also home to a remarkable diversity of birds of prey, songbirds, and forest species, many of which depend on the park’s woodlands, rocky outcrops, and grasslands for food and nesting.

Black-and-chestnut Eagle (Spizaetus isidori)
A powerful raptor, the black-and-chestnut eagle soars over the park’s mountain ridges, hunting monkeys, birds, and small mammals.

Chaco Eagle (Buteogallus coronatus)
One of the rarest raptors in South America, the Chaco eagle is an endangered species that relies on the park’s dry forests for survival.

Blue-crowned Parakeet (Thectocercus acuticaudatus)
A striking and social parakeet, this species nests in tree hollows and feeds on fruits and seeds in the park’s forests.

Turquoise-fronted Amazon (Amazona aestiva)
A large and intelligent parrot, the turquoise-fronted Amazon is often seen flying in noisy flocks over the park’s woodlands.

Scimitar-billed Woodcreeper (Drymornis bridgesii)
A unique woodcreeper species, it uses its long, curved bill to extract insects from tree bark in the park’s dry forests.

Crested Caracara (Caracara plancus)
A scavenger and opportunistic predator, the crested caracara is frequently seen foraging along roadsides and open areas.

Red-legged Seriema (Cariama cristata)
A large terrestrial bird, the red-legged seriema is known for its loud calls and its habit of hunting reptiles and small mammals.

Spot-winged Falconet (Spiziapteryx circumcincta)
A small but fierce bird of prey, the spot-winged falconet hunts insects and small vertebrates in the park’s dry forests and savannas.

Toco Toucan (Ramphastos toco)
The largest toucan species, the toco toucan is recognized by its enormous orange bill and is often seen feeding on fruits in the park’s forests.

Rufous Hornero (Furnarius rufus)
A common but charismatic bird, the rufous hornero is famous for its clay oven-shaped nests, which it builds in trees and on man-made structures.

Traslasierra National Park is a biodiversity stronghold in Argentina, offering protection for dry forests, mountain ecosystems, and rare wildlife. Whether observing majestic eagles soaring above the sierras, tracking elusive jaguars, or exploring ancient woodlands, visitors to the park experience one of South America’s most important and fragile natural landscapes.