|
FORMOSA NATURAL RESERVE
Province of Formosa
Dating from 1968 this reserve protects
a sample of the western (dry) chaco. Covering an area of 10,000 ha, it
is located in the west of the province of Formosa on the northern bank
of the Teuco (or Bermejo) river. The nearest town is Ing. Juárez
some 65 km north of the western edge of the reserve.
ITS NATURAL
ASPECTS
Within the borders of the reserve there is a varied vegetation of some
importance. On the shores of the Bermejo river and its lesser Teuquito
the riverine forests are dense and composed of many species of trees peculiar
to the area. On the flats between the rivers there is the only protected
stand of palo santo trees, much sought for the green, aromatic wood and
which is seriously threatened everywhere else. It grows in almost pure
stands and the sparse understorey has cactuses such as ucle and cardoon.
In the floodable areas there grow stands of the native willow and Tessaria.
The fauna of the region is particularly interesting; one must make mention
of the giant anteater, a species severely threatened almost everywhere;
a brocket - both these are to be seen in the reserve. Among the birds
the turquoise-fronted parrot finds refuge here from those who collect
the chicks for the cage-bird market; chachalacas, the white-fronted woodpecker,
are both fairly common. Reptiles include a certain slow, climbing, chameleon-like
lizard amongst other species, a caiman in the flood channels of the river.
The capybara is also associated with water-courses, as is the southern
screamer, ducks and herons. A fishing-bat becomes active at dusk. Here
the giant armadillo is still to be encountered, but its survival can only
be guaranteed with full protection in all the surrounding area as well
as the reserve.
HOW TO GET
THERE
From the capital of the province, Formosa route 81 leads to Ing. Juárez
some 450 km west. There turn south along route 39 for 65 km to the reserve.
OF INTEREST
There is a camping area with bathrooms from which a trail (Monte Adentro)
leads one through the western chaco woods, some 6 km long, to search out
the local fauna and get to know the trees. There is a half-way short-cut
for an early return.
Thanks to APN - Administración
de Parques Nacionales
|
