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Yurubí Overview

Yurubí National Park, known locally as Parque Nacional Yurubí, is a protected area located in the Sierra de Aroa mountain range in Yaracuy State, Venezuela. Established on March 18, 1960, the park spans approximately 91.4 square miles (236.7 square kilometers).

Its primary purpose is to safeguard the Yurubí River basin, which supplies fresh water to the city of San Felipe.  The park’s terrain is characterized by the rugged landscapes of the Sierra de Aroa Mountains. The northern slopes rise abruptly from the flatlands of the Valles Marítimos Occidentales, creating striking scenery.

Due to the proximity to the Caribbean Sea and the unobstructed path for moist winds, the park supports wet montane and cloud forests at elevations below 1,800 meters, which is lower than typical for such habitats. The southern slopes are steeper and border the city of San Felipe. The average annual rainfall is about 1,580 mm, and the mean temperature is approximately 26.5°C.

The vegetation within Yurubí National Park includes cloud forests and low montane forests. These forests are rich in biodiversity, though comprehensive studies are limited. The park is home to at least 68 bird species, including the oilbird (Steatornis caripensis), which has a colony in a cave on the northern slope—the first recorded in Yaracuy.

Mammalian fauna includes 64 species of bats, 13 carnivores, 9 rodents, 5 marsupials, and 2 primates. Notable mammals observed in the park are the red-tailed matacán deer and the howler monkey (araguato).

Visitors to the park often frequent the Leonor Bernabó Recreational Area, which features a swimming pool and facilities for educational purposes. This area is managed by a private concession, and it attracts approximately 300 visitors each weekend. Another area, Guayabita Recreational Area, was abandoned in 1999 but has potential for future recreational and educational use.

The park offers several trails that traverse its diverse landscapes. These paths are primarily used by researchers and the few visitors who explore the park. Activities such as bird watching, hiking, and nature study are popular ways to engage with the park’s natural beauty. The absence of roads through the park enhances its pristine condition, making it a haven for those seeking solitude in nature.

Despite its well-preserved state, Yurubí National Park faces conservation challenges. Illegal hunting, particularly in the northern sector, poses a threat to wildlife. The lack of sufficient infrastructure, such as ranger stations and communication equipment, hampers effective monitoring and enforcement.

Additionally, the park is vulnerable to forest fires, especially on the drier southern slopes adjacent to agricultural lands. Human encroachment and potential colonization are ongoing concerns, necessitating vigilant management and community engagement to ensure the park’s long-term preservation.

In summary, Yurubí National Park is a vital natural reserve in Venezuela, offering a sanctuary for diverse flora and fauna. Its unique landscapes and ecosystems provide valuable opportunities for recreation, education, and research. Continued conservation efforts are essential to protect this ecological treasure for future generations.

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Park Map

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Yurubí National Park Highlights

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Yurubí National Park, located in Venezuela’s Yaracuy State, is a sanctuary for a diverse array of wildlife, encompassing various mammal species that thrive within its cloud forests and low montane ecosystems.

Common Opossum (Didelphis marsupialis)
A nocturnal marsupial recognized by its prehensile tail and distinctive white face, the common opossum is adaptable to various habitats and plays a crucial role in controlling insect populations.

Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis)
This medium-sized wild cat boasts a strikingly patterned coat with dark rosettes and stripes, making it a stealthy predator in the dense forests of the park.

Nine-Banded Armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus)
Easily identified by its armored shell and tendency to dig burrows, this armadillo is a solitary creature that feeds primarily on insects and small invertebrates.

Red Howler Monkey (Alouatta seniculus)
Known for their deep, resonant howls that can travel for miles, these primates live in social groups and are primarily folivorous, feeding on leaves high in the canopy.

White-Faced Capuchin (Cebus capucinus)
Intelligent and agile, these monkeys are recognized by their contrasting dark bodies and white faces, often seen foraging for fruits and small animals.

Greater Bulldog Bat (Noctilio leporinus)
With a wingspan reaching up to 70 centimeters, this large bat is adept at fishing, using its elongated feet to scoop prey from water surfaces.

Jaguarundi (Herpailurus yagouaroundi)
A small, slender wild cat with a uniform coat color ranging from black to reddish-brown, the jaguarundi is diurnal and known for its versatility in hunting both on the ground and in trees.

Collared Peccary (Pecari tajacu)
Resembling a wild pig, this social mammal travels in herds and is distinguished by a white band or “collar” around its neck, feeding on a varied diet of roots, fruits, and small animals.

Paca (Cuniculus paca)
A large rodent with a stout body and spotted fur, the paca is nocturnal and frequents areas near water, feeding on fruits and vegetation.

Tayra (Eira barbara)
A member of the weasel family, the tayra has a sleek body and dark fur, known for its agility and omnivorous diet, ranging from fruits to small vertebrates.

Birds

In addition to its rich mammalian fauna, Yurubí National Park is a haven for bird enthusiasts, offering sightings of numerous avian species amidst its lush landscapes.

Rufous-Cheeked Tanager (Tangara rufigenis)
This vibrant bird displays a striking combination of turquoise-blue plumage with rufous patches on its cheeks, commonly found in mixed-species flocks within the park’s forests.

Violet-Chested Hummingbird (Sternoclyta cyanopectus)
Endemic to the region, this hummingbird is noted for its iridescent violet chest and agile flight, often seen hovering near flowering plants.

White-Tipped Quetzal (Pharomachrus fulgidus)
A relative of the famous resplendent quetzal, this species features shimmering green plumage and distinctive white tips on its tail feathers, inhabiting the cloud forests.

Buff-Rumped Warbler (Myiothlypis fulvicauda)
Identified by its olive-brown upperparts and conspicuous buff-colored rump, this warbler is often observed near streams and rivers, flicking its tail as it forages.

Golden-Olive Woodpecker (Colaptes rubiginosus)
This medium-sized woodpecker exhibits olive-green plumage with golden tones and a characteristic red crown, frequently heard drumming on tree trunks.

Rufous-Collared Sparrow (Zonotrichia capensis)
A familiar sight in open areas and forest edges, this sparrow has a distinctive rufous collar and melodic song, often seen foraging on the ground.

Venezuelan Troupial (Icterus icterus)
As the national bird of Venezuela, the troupial is striking with its bright orange body contrasted by black wings and head, known for its rich, flute-like calls.

White-Winged Tanager (Piranga leucoptera)
Males of this species are bright red with contrasting white wing patches, while females are yellowish, both favoring the forest canopy where they feed on insects and fruits.

Speckled Tanager (Ixothraupis guttata)
Displaying a unique pattern of green plumage speckled with black spots, this tanager is often seen in pairs or small groups, frequenting the mid-levels of the forest.

Bay-Headed Tanager (Tangara gyrola)
With a chestnut-colored head and turquoise body, this colorful bird is a fruit enthusiast, commonly found in the park’s diverse forest habitats.

Yurubí National Park’s rich biodiversity offers a glimpse into the vibrant ecosystems of Venezuela, making it a vital area for conservation and a paradise for nature observers.

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