Yverá Wetlands

Welcome, intrepid explorers and lovers of untouched nature, to the absolute crown jewel of Argentina's ecological landscapes: the Esteros del Iberá, or the Yverá Wetlands. Situated deep within the Corrientes province, this is not…

Our entry point into this vast aquatic wilderness is the charming, dusty outpost of Colonia Carlos Pellegrini. Before we step onto the boats, it is crucial to analyze the socio ecological role of this small town. …

As our small boat pushes away from the dock and glides into the open lagoon, we encounter the defining geographical and biological feature of the Iberá ecosystem: the embalsados. To the untrained eye, these appear to be solid,…

Drifting silently through the narrow, reedy channels, we are now entering the prime domain of Iberá's two most iconic, and remarkably abundant, residents. On the muddy banks of the embalsados, you will undoubtedly spot families…

As the sun climbs higher, illuminating the vast expanses of the marsh, we shift our academic focus upward. The Yverá Wetlands are internationally recognized as an Important Bird Area, boasting a staggering inventory of over three…

Navigating away from the deep open water, our boat approaches the shallower, heavily vegetated transitional zones where the marsh meets the dry savannas. This perimeter habitat is the crucial domain of two of South America's most…

We now address the most academically ambitious and inspiring aspect of the Iberá Wetlands: the unparalleled rewilding initiative. For much of the twentieth century, the apex predator of this ecosystem, the yaguareté or jaguar,…

As our boat slowly glides back toward the docks of Colonia Carlos Pellegrini, the setting sun begins to paint the brilliant waters of the Yverá Wetlands in spectacular hues of gold, violent purple, and deep crimson. Let us take…