Nacunday National Park

Popular

Nacunday National Park, located in southeastern Paraguay, is a biodiverse protected area known for its lush Atlantic Forest, rolling hills, and the impressive Salto Ñacunday waterfall. As part of the Upper Paraná Atlantic Forest, the park is a critical habitat for many endangered species and plays a key role in water conservation for the region.

Jaguar
The top predator of the Atlantic Forest, the jaguar relies on the park’s dense vegetation for hunting capybaras, peccaries, and deer.

Puma
A highly adaptable predator, the puma shares its habitat with the jaguar but primarily hunts smaller mammals such as armadillos and rodents.

Lowland Tapir
One of the largest herbivores in the park, the lowland tapir is a crucial seed disperser that helps regenerate the forest.

Ocelot
A nocturnal wild cat, the ocelot is an agile hunter that preys on small mammals, birds, and reptiles in the forest undergrowth.

Giant Anteater
With its long snout and powerful claws, the giant anteater specializes in consuming ants and termites, playing an important role in insect population control.

Capybara
The largest rodent in the world, the capybara is highly social and semi-aquatic, thriving along the banks of the Ñacunday River.

Collared Peccary
A pig-like mammal that forages in the forest for fruits, roots, and small invertebrates, often moving in small groups.

Crab-eating Fox
This omnivorous canid is well adapted to forest edges and open areas, feeding on fruits, insects, and small vertebrates.

Neotropical River Otter
An excellent swimmer, the neotropical river otter hunts fish, amphibians, and crustaceans in the park’s rivers and wetlands.

Black-and-white Tegu
One of the largest lizard species in South America, the black-and-white tegu preys on insects, bird eggs, and small vertebrates.

Birds

Nacunday National Park is also a paradise for birdwatchers, hosting a remarkable variety of Atlantic Forest species, including many rare and endangered birds.

Popular Bird Species in Nacunday National Park

Toco Toucan
With its oversized orange bill, the toco toucan is one of the most recognizable birds in the park, feeding on fruits and small insects.

Bare-throated Bellbird
Known for its loud, metallic calls, this striking bird has a bright white body and a bare, blue throat, playing a key role in seed dispersal.

Harpy Eagle
One of the most powerful birds of prey in the world, the harpy eagle hunts monkeys, sloths, and large birds in the park’s dense canopy.

Red-and-green Macaw
This vibrant and social parrot is often seen flying in pairs, feeding on nuts and fruits in the park’s forested areas.

Helmeted Woodpecker
A rare species found in the Atlantic Forest, the helmeted woodpecker is easily recognized by its red crest and powerful drumming on trees.

Black-fronted Piping Guan
An endangered species, this large game bird is often seen in the treetops, foraging for fruits and leaves.

Spot-backed Antshrike
This elusive bird is found in dense undergrowth, using its curved bill to catch insects and small invertebrates.

Yellow-fronted Woodpecker
A striking woodpecker with a bright yellow forehead and black-and-red plumage, it plays an essential role in controlling insect populations.

White-bearded Manakin
Known for its energetic courtship displays, this small bird performs rapid acrobatic movements to attract mates.

Chestnut Seedeater
This small bird thrives in the park’s grasslands and forest edges, feeding primarily on seeds.

Nacunday National Park’s rich Atlantic Forest ecosystems, spectacular waterfalls, and diverse wildlife make it one of Paraguay’s most ecologically significant protected areas. With its dense forests, rare species, and scenic landscapes, the park provides a valuable sanctuary for conservation and a unique opportunity for visitors to explore the biodiversity of Paraguay’s eastern region.