The Iberá Wetlands is a diverse habitat that supports the world’s biological animal diversity, and makes a significant contribution to the notheast region of Argentina. Countless colors, landscapes and more than 5,000 fauna species turn Corrientes province into an attractive destination for wildlife travellers and lovers.
Until not long ago, Iberá Wetland’s fauna was only considered a resource for hunting and trading, and this led many animal species to become endangered or decimated.
The Iberá Nature Reserve has enabled protecting and reintroducing the animal wildlife, which has gradually recovered and regained a key place in the ecosystem of the region. The reserve is a sanctuary for Argentina’s fauna, offering tourists the opportunity to appreciate the many animal species found in Argentina and learn about its significance.
What animals are commonly found in argentina? Watch the video and learn more about the Wetlands Wildlife the northeast of our country:
Animal Species from Iberá Wetlands
The Iberá Wetlands are in a unique location in Corrientes, Argentina, that serves as a meeting point for different ecosystems of neighboring regions. This nature reserve provides shelter for the wildlife that inhabits the land.
What animals are commonly found in Argentina? Let’s learn more about the many species we can find living in the Iberá Wetlands, northeast region of the country right here below:
Fish
Our marine wildlife is quite diverse. In the waters of Iberá live about 125 species of fish. The water ecosystem provides shelter and breeding for some commercial species of the Paraná River.
The best known fishes in this argentinian region include:
- Dorado (Salminus brasiliensis)
- Pacú (Piaractus mesopotamicus)
- Surubí (Pseudoplatystoma spp.)
- Tararira (Hoplias spp.)
- Boga (Leporinus obtusidens)
- Armado (Rhamdia spp.)
- Manduvá (Ageneiosus spp.)
- Patí (Luciopimelodus spp.)
Perhaps the most widely known of these aquatic creatures in the region is the Surubí, an icon of Corrientes cuisine.
Amphibians
Forty amphibian species inhabit the estuaries and reign supreme, including the cururú toad, the tree frog and the climbing frog. A wide variety of other animals, like birds and reptiles feed on them. The species are among the most representative widlife in the Iberá wetlands.
Other amphibian species that can be found in this Argentinian wetlands are:
- Argentine horned frog (Ceratophrys ornata)
- Argentine toad (Rhinella arenarum)
- Surinam toad (Pipa pipa)
- Common tree frog (Hypsiboas pulchellus)
- Budgett’s frog (Lepidobatrachus laevis)
Birds
At least 344 bird species cross the skies in the the Argentinian Iberá region. Several species are commonly found in the inner marshlands’ wildlife.
The most outstanding birds of the region are:
- Chajá (Chauna torquata)
- Red-legged Seriema (Cariama cristata)
- White Stork (Ciconia ciconia)
- Whistling Heron (Syrigma sibilatrix)
- Southern Lapwing (Vanellus chilensis)
- Rufescent Tiger Heron (Tigrisoma lineatum)
- Jabiru stork (Jabiru mycteria)
- Roseate spoonbill (Platalea ajaja)
Even though the bird species in the Iberá Wetlands may not be considered endangered, it’s crucial to care for them due to their role in maintaining ecosystem balance, their significance as indicators of environmental health, and their contribution to ecotourism and cultural heritage.
Reptiles
Some 60 species of reptiles populate in the Iberá swamps, including the largest and most abundant predators in the region: black caiman (Melanosuchus niger) and broad-snouted caiman (Caiman latirostris). Since these animal species have been threatened, the Iberá National Park and the residents have worked on their rewilding, reproduction and protection.
Other reptile species that can be found in the Argentinian wetlands are:
- Yacare Caiman (Caiman yacare)
- Spectacled Caiman (Caiman crocodilus)
- Green Anaconda (Eunectes murinus)
- Yellow Anaconda (Eunectes notaeus)
- Red-footed Tortoise (Chelonoidis carbonaria)
- Argentine Tegu (Salvator merianae)
Mammals
The northeast wetlands are home to large populations of mammals of varying sizes, the most conspicuous being:
- Capybara
- Aguará-guazú or maned wolf
- River otter
- Marsh deer
These species are known as the most captivating in the Argentinian Wetland region.
Fauna of Iberá Wetlands and Puerto Valle
Our lodge Puerto Valle Hotel de Esteros is the perfect spot for learning about the local fauna and the story behind each species. Want to enjoy the view of our privileged spot in Corrientes? Check out our gallery of photos of Esteros del Iberá Wetlands in Argentina, where you will find native animals, flora and beautiful natural landscapes.
Are you a tourist and traveller looking to connect with Argentina’s wildlife and nature? Come and enjoy a one-of-a-kind stay at our hotel, surrounded by nature in the heart of the Iberá Wetlands.