Santos Luzardo National Park

Santos Luzardo Overview

Santos Luzardo National Park, known in Spanish as Parque Nacional Santos Luzardo, is a vast protected area in Venezuela that spans approximately 32,000 square kilometers (12,355 square miles).

Located in the Apure state, this park is part of the expansive Llanos region, a tropical savanna characterized by its vast grasslands, scattered forests, and seasonal wetlands. The park was established to protect the Cinaruco-Capanaparo river system, a vital ecological zone that supports an abundance of wildlife and plays a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity in the region.

The park’s landscape is defined by extensive plains, punctuated by gallery forests along the rivers and scattered morichales—wetlands dominated by the iconic moriche palm (Mauritia flexuosa). During the rainy season, much of the park is transformed into a network of flooded savannas, while in the dry season, the water recedes to reveal expansive grasslands.

The Capanaparo and Cinaruco Rivers wind through the park, offering stunning views and supporting a variety of aquatic ecosystems. These rivers are bordered by sandbanks and dense riparian forests, which provide critical habitat for many species.

Santos Luzardo National Park is home to an astonishing variety of wildlife, making it one of the most biodiverse areas in Venezuela’s Llanos. Among the most notable species found in the park are the Orinoco crocodile (Crocodylus intermedius), an endangered reptile that finds refuge in these waterways.

The park is also home to giant otters, capybaras, and tapirs, as well as jaguars and pumas, which roam the more secluded forested areas. The open plains are populated by white-tailed deer and collared peccaries, while large groups of red howler monkeys can be heard in the forested sections.

Birdlife in the park is exceptionally rich, with scarlet ibises, jabiru storks, and great egrets being some of the more visually striking species. Raptors such as black-collared hawks and king vultures soar over the savannas, while the park’s wetlands attract roseate spoonbills, whistling ducks, and herons.

The presence of hoatzins, an ancient bird species with a distinct appearance and unique digestive system, adds to the park’s ornithological interest.

A key attraction in the park is the Capanaparo River, where visitors can explore by boat or canoe, taking in the breathtaking scenery and spotting wildlife along the shores. Fishing is a popular activity, especially for species such as the peacock bass (Cichla ocellaris), a sought-after catch among sport fishers.

The park also offers opportunities for birdwatching, wildlife photography, and guided eco-tours, where visitors can experience the Llanos ecosystem up close. During the dry season, the vast open landscapes are ideal for safari-style excursions, allowing travelers to observe large herds of mammals and flocks of birds congregating around water sources.

Conservation efforts in Santos Luzardo National Park focus on protecting its fragile aquatic ecosystems and endangered species, particularly the Orinoco crocodile, which has been severely impacted by past hunting and habitat loss. Local conservation programs aim to monitor wildlife populations and promote sustainable tourism practices.

Challenges include illegal poaching, habitat degradation, and water pollution, but ongoing efforts from conservation organizations and park authorities have helped maintain the park’s ecological integrity. Through continued protection and responsible ecotourism, Santos Luzardo National Park remains a crucial stronghold for Venezuela’s unique Llanos biodiversity.

Park Map

Santos Luzardo National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Birds

The park is also a haven for bird enthusiasts, boasting a remarkable diversity of avian species.

Yellow-knobbed Curassow (Crax daubentoni)

This large, ground-dwelling bird is notable for the yellow knob at the base of its beak. Found in forested areas, it feeds on fruits, seeds, and small animals.

Orinoco Goose (Neochen jubata)

A distinctive waterfowl with striking plumage, the Orinoco goose frequents the park’s rivers and wetlands. It is often seen in pairs or small groups grazing near water bodies.

Scarlet Ibis (Eudocimus ruber)

Known for its vibrant red coloration, the scarlet ibis inhabits the park’s marshes and estuaries. It feeds on crustaceans and insects, which contribute to its striking hue.

Hoatzin (Opisthocomus hoazin)

A unique bird with a distinctive appearance, including a spiky crest and blue facial skin, the hoatzin is often found near water, feeding on leaves and vegetation.

Sunbittern (Eurypyga helias)

This medium-sized bird is recognized by its elaborate wing patterns displayed during courtship or when threatened. It frequents forest streams and riversides.

Black-collared Hawk (Busarellus nigricollis)

Often seen perched near water bodies, this raptor preys primarily on fish, swooping down to snatch them from the water’s surface.

Green Ibis (Mesembrinibis cayennensis)

With its glossy green plumage, the green ibis inhabits wetlands and marshy areas, probing the mud for insects and small aquatic creatures.

King Vulture (Sarcoramphus papa)

A striking scavenger with a colorful head and neck, the king vulture plays a vital role in the ecosystem by consuming carrion.

Blue-and-yellow Macaw (Ara ararauna)

These large, vibrant parrots are often seen flying in pairs or flocks above the forest canopy, known for their loud calls and strong pair bonds.

Limpkin (Aramus guarauna)

A wading bird with a distinctive wail-like call, the limpkin feeds primarily on apple snails in the park’s wetlands.

Santos Luzardo National Park’s diverse habitats provide sanctuary for these and many other species, making it a vital area for conservation and a remarkable destination for wildlife observation.

Santos Luzardo National Park, also known as Cinaruco-Capanaparo National Park, is a protected area located between the Capanaparo and Cinaruco rivers in Apure State, Venezuela. Established in 1988, the park encompasses a diverse range of ecosystems, including savannas, forests, and wetlands, supporting a rich array of wildlife.

Jaguar (Panthera onca)

The largest feline in the Americas, jaguars are powerful predators known for their distinctive rosette-patterned coats. They inhabit various environments within the park, from dense forests to open savannas.

Capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris)

As the world’s largest rodent, capybaras are commonly found near water bodies throughout the park. They are social animals, often seen in groups grazing on grasses and aquatic plants.

Orinoco Crocodile (Crocodylus intermedius)

Critically endangered and native to the Orinoco River basin, these crocodiles have been the focus of conservation efforts, including reintroduction programs within the park’s rivers. They are among the largest crocodile species, with some individuals exceeding 6 meters in length.

Giant Anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla)

Recognizable by their elongated snouts and bushy tails, giant anteaters roam the savannas and forests of the park, feeding primarily on ants and termites.

Giant Otter (Pteronura brasiliensis)

These social and vocal mammals inhabit the park’s rivers and lakes. Known for their playful behavior, giant otters live in family groups and are skilled hunters of fish.

Manatee (Trichechus manatus)

Also known as sea cows, manatees are gentle aquatic mammals found in the park’s freshwater habitats. They graze on aquatic vegetation and are known for their slow, graceful movements.

Anaconda (Eunectes murinus)

Among the world’s largest snakes, green anacondas thrive in the park’s wetlands and rivers. They are powerful constrictors, preying on a variety of animals, including fish, birds, and mammals.

Giant Armadillo (Priodontes maximus)

This elusive and nocturnal species is the largest of the armadillos. It digs extensive burrows and feeds primarily on insects and other small invertebrates.

Puma (Puma concolor)

Also known as mountain lions or cougars, pumas are adaptable predators found in various habitats within the park. They have a broad diet, preying on animals ranging from small rodents to deer.

Spectacled Caiman (Caiman crocodilus)

Commonly seen in the park’s waterways, these medium-sized crocodilians are named for the bony ridge between their eyes, which gives the appearance of spectacles.

Birds

The park is also a haven for bird enthusiasts, boasting a remarkable diversity of avian species.

Yellow-knobbed Curassow (Crax daubentoni)

This large, ground-dwelling bird is notable for the yellow knob at the base of its beak. Found in forested areas, it feeds on fruits, seeds, and small animals.

Orinoco Goose (Neochen jubata)

A distinctive waterfowl with striking plumage, the Orinoco goose frequents the park’s rivers and wetlands. It is often seen in pairs or small groups grazing near water bodies.

Scarlet Ibis (Eudocimus ruber)

Known for its vibrant red coloration, the scarlet ibis inhabits the park’s marshes and estuaries. It feeds on crustaceans and insects, which contribute to its striking hue.

Hoatzin (Opisthocomus hoazin)

A unique bird with a distinctive appearance, including a spiky crest and blue facial skin, the hoatzin is often found near water, feeding on leaves and vegetation.

Sunbittern (Eurypyga helias)

This medium-sized bird is recognized by its elaborate wing patterns displayed during courtship or when threatened. It frequents forest streams and riversides.

Black-collared Hawk (Busarellus nigricollis)

Often seen perched near water bodies, this raptor preys primarily on fish, swooping down to snatch them from the water’s surface.

Green Ibis (Mesembrinibis cayennensis)

With its glossy green plumage, the green ibis inhabits wetlands and marshy areas, probing the mud for insects and small aquatic creatures.

King Vulture (Sarcoramphus papa)

A striking scavenger with a colorful head and neck, the king vulture plays a vital role in the ecosystem by consuming carrion.

Blue-and-yellow Macaw (Ara ararauna)

These large, vibrant parrots are often seen flying in pairs or flocks above the forest canopy, known for their loud calls and strong pair bonds.

Limpkin (Aramus guarauna)

A wading bird with a distinctive wail-like call, the limpkin feeds primarily on apple snails in the park’s wetlands.

Santos Luzardo National Park’s diverse habitats provide sanctuary for these and many other species, making it a vital area for conservation and a remarkable destination for wildlife observation.

Birds

The park is also a haven for bird enthusiasts, boasting a remarkable diversity of avian species.

Yellow-knobbed Curassow (Crax daubentoni)

This large, ground-dwelling bird is notable for the yellow knob at the base of its beak. Found in forested areas, it feeds on fruits, seeds, and small animals.

Orinoco Goose (Neochen jubata)

A distinctive waterfowl with striking plumage, the Orinoco goose frequents the park’s rivers and wetlands. It is often seen in pairs or small groups grazing near water bodies.

Scarlet Ibis (Eudocimus ruber)

Known for its vibrant red coloration, the scarlet ibis inhabits the park’s marshes and estuaries. It feeds on crustaceans and insects, which contribute to its striking hue.

Hoatzin (Opisthocomus hoazin)

A unique bird with a distinctive appearance, including a spiky crest and blue facial skin, the hoatzin is often found near water, feeding on leaves and vegetation.

Sunbittern (Eurypyga helias)

This medium-sized bird is recognized by its elaborate wing patterns displayed during courtship or when threatened. It frequents forest streams and riversides.

Black-collared Hawk (Busarellus nigricollis)

Often seen perched near water bodies, this raptor preys primarily on fish, swooping down to snatch them from the water’s surface.

Green Ibis (Mesembrinibis cayennensis)

With its glossy green plumage, the green ibis inhabits wetlands and marshy areas, probing the mud for insects and small aquatic creatures.

King Vulture (Sarcoramphus papa)

A striking scavenger with a colorful head and neck, the king vulture plays a vital role in the ecosystem by consuming carrion.

Blue-and-yellow Macaw (Ara ararauna)

These large, vibrant parrots are often seen flying in pairs or flocks above the forest canopy, known for their loud calls and strong pair bonds.

Limpkin (Aramus guarauna)

A wading bird with a distinctive wail-like call, the limpkin feeds primarily on apple snails in the park’s wetlands.

Santos Luzardo National Park’s diverse habitats provide sanctuary for these and many other species, making it a vital area for conservation and a remarkable destination for wildlife observation.