- Address: Parque Nacional Defensores del Chaco, Paraguay
- Founded: 6 August 1975
In the north-west of Paraguay, there are arid plains that are one of the largest oases of wildlife in the whole of South America. Here in the middle of undeveloped and almost unoccupied areas is the historical national park of Chaco defense, the main feature of which is a rich flora and fauna.
History of Chaco Defense Park
The date of foundation of this natural object is August 6, 1975. In that year, the Government of Paraguay withdrew from circulation nearly 16% of the land of the Upper and Lower Chaco. This allowed to break many natural objects here, including the historical national park of the Chaco defense.
The main goal of the creation of this natural park is to preserve the biodiversity of the region and the populations of animals and plants under threat of extinction. Another priority is to conserve dry tropical forests.
Climatic and geographical features of the Chaco Defense Park
This natural object is located in the arid zone, in which the maximum rainfall is 500-800 mm per year. In winter, that is, from June to September, in the historic national park of Chaco defense is quite cold. During the day, the air temperature can drop to 0 ° C, and at night there are often frosts. In the summer (December - February), the air temperature reaches + 42 ° C.
Despite the fact that the park is located mainly on the plains, there are hilly areas here. They are known as Cerro Leon and represent a mountain formation, whose diameter is 40 km, and the maximum height is 600 m above sea level.
Chaco Defense Park biodiversity
The local flora is represented mainly by xerophytic plants, small forests and prickly bushes. Clover, some types of locust beans, cacti and air carnations also grow here. From the animals on the territory of the historic Chaco National Park you can find:
- giant armadillo;
- anteaters;
- tapirs;
- several species of parrots;
- ostriches;
- monkeys;
- reptiles;
- representatives of the cat family (jaguarandi, puma, ocelot, jaguar).
All of the above animals and plants are protected by the state. Hunting is prohibited here, so local inhabitants reproduce without any problems.
In the immediate vicinity of the historic Chaco National Park, there are many other reserves and wildlife preserves, including:
- Defensortes del Tinfunke;
- Tafi-Jupi;
- Mbrukuyu ;
- Cerro-Cora ;
- Nakundei.
Visit this national park and other reserves in order to wander through its untouched areas, explore rare plant species and get to know the local inhabitants.
How to get there?
In order to enter this nature conservation area, it will be necessary to drive almost to the border of Paraguay and Bolivia . The Chaco National Historical Park is located almost 100 km from the border and 703 km from Asuncion . With the capital it connects the road Ruta Transchaco. Under normal weather and road conditions, the whole journey takes about 9 hours.