Río Negro National Park

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Río Negro National Park, located in northern Paraguay, is part of the Pantanal, the world’s largest tropical wetland. Its mix of flooded grasslands, marshes, savannas, and gallery forests makes it a biodiversity hotspot, providing critical habitat for numerous aquatic and terrestrial species.

Jaguar
As the top predator in the Pantanal, the jaguar is often found along riverbanks, hunting capybaras, caimans, and other mammals.

Giant Otter
An endangered species, the giant otter thrives in the park’s rivers and wetlands, hunting fish in family groups and displaying highly social behavior.

Marsh Deer
This large, water-loving deer is well adapted to the flooded grasslands, where it feeds on aquatic vegetation.

Capybara
The largest rodent in the world, the capybara is a highly social and semi-aquatic species that thrives along the park’s riverbanks and wetlands.

Maned Wolf
Recognized by its long legs and reddish fur, the maned wolf is a solitary canid that feeds on small mammals, birds, and fruit.

Lowland Tapir
A keystone herbivore in the park, the lowland tapir plays a vital role in dispersing seeds and maintaining the health of forest and wetland ecosystems.

Black Caiman
A top predator in the park’s waterways, the black caiman preys on fish, birds, and mammals, contributing to the balance of aquatic life.

Yacaré Caiman
This smaller caiman species is commonly found basking along riverbanks and plays a key role in controlling fish populations.

Neotropical River Otter
A smaller relative of the giant otter, this agile predator hunts fish, crustaceans, and amphibians in the park’s waterways.

Yellow Anaconda
One of the largest snake species in the world, the yellow anaconda thrives in the park’s wetlands, preying on fish, birds, and small mammals.

Birds

Río Negro National Park is also an outstanding birdwatching destination, home to an incredible variety of wading birds, raptors, and waterfowl that depend on the Pantanal’s wetlands.

Hyacinth Macaw
The world’s largest parrot, this brilliant blue macaw is an endangered species that thrives in the park’s forests, feeding on palm nuts.

Jabiru Stork
The tallest flying bird in South America, the jabiru stork is a signature species of the Pantanal, often seen wading in wetlands in search of fish.

Roseate Spoonbill
This striking pink wading bird uses its spoon-shaped bill to filter small aquatic organisms from the water.

Black-collared Hawk
An expert fisher, the black-collared hawk is commonly seen near rivers and wetlands, swooping down to catch fish with its sharp talons.

Southern Screamer
A large, goose-like bird, the southern screamer is known for its loud calls and is often found in wetland areas.

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.

Rufescent Tiger Heron
This elegant heron is commonly seen stalking fish along the water’s edge, blending into the vegetation with its reddish-brown plumage.

Limpkin
A wading bird specialized in feeding on freshwater snails, the limpkin is frequently found along the park’s rivers and lagoons.

Great Egret
A graceful white heron, the great egret is a patient hunter of fish, amphibians, and insects in the park’s shallow waters.

Yellow-rumped Cacique
A striking black-and-yellow bird, this species builds large, hanging nests in colonies and is often seen near rivers and wetlands.

Río Negro National Park’s extensive wetlands, diverse habitats, and rich biodiversity make it one of Paraguay’s most important conservation areas. As part of the Pantanal, it provides a critical refuge for rare and endangered species, ensuring the preservation of one of the most productive and dynamic ecosystems in South America.