The Traslasierra National Park, in Córdoba, will add 47,600 hectares to ensure the protection of one of the most threatened ecosystems in Argentina.
The news was shared by Aves Argentinas, an entity that formalized the purchase of the territory, which will be donated to the National State.
The acquisition corresponds to a portion of the Estancia Pinas, located in the northwest of Córdoba, on the border with La Rioja.
The Traslasierra National Park will thus reach a total of 91,600 hectares, consolidating itself as a vital refuge for the Dry Chaco.
This mountain ecosystem is one of the ecoregions least represented in Argentina’s system of protected areas, making its expansion and protection essential.
The forests of carob and quebracho trees characterize the landscape, along with species in vulnerable situations.
The Traslasierra National Park protects a critical ecosystem for threatened species
The Traslasierra National Park protects the Serrano Dry Chaco, a unique environment that develops on the western slopes of the Sierras de Pocho and Guasapampa.
This variant of the Chaco presents particular ecosystemic characteristics and harbors relevant biodiversity. Among the species inhabiting the protected area are:
- Crowned eagle (endangered)
- Chacoan peccary or quimilero pig (globally endangered)
- Land tortoise (vulnerable)
- Yellow cardinal (threatened)
- Cordoban tuco-tuco (endemic to the region)
The park also shelters one of the last populations of guanaco in Córdoba.
Additionally, it protects the honey bear, the black woodpecker, and the Chacoan rainbow boa, a species exclusive to the Dry Chaco.
The Chacoan rainbow boa was designated as a Species of Special Value by the Administration of National Parks. It is threatened by the reduction of its natural habitat.
International support key to conservation
The purchase was made possible thanks to the strategic support of World Land Trust and Wyss Foundation.
These international organizations collaborate with Aves Argentinas to strengthen the country’s system of protected natural areas, and it is not the first time they have supported the Traslasierra National Park.
In 2020, the Wyss Foundation had already contributed resources to add 17,000 hectares to the park’s original 27,000, created in 2018.
The joint work involved the Province of Córdoba and the Administration of National Parks.
This new action reaffirms Aves Argentinas’ commitment of over a century to the defense of Argentina’s natural heritage.
The Traslasierra National Park, natural and cultural heritage
The territory of the National Park is located in the old Estancia Pinas, a rural estate that presents vestiges of the Comechingón culture and a 19th-century chapel.
The forests of the area include flora such as:
- carob trees;
- quebracho trees;
- brea trees;
- cacti;
- chañar trees;
- various shrubs and grasslands.
Additionally, there are also saline sectors that complete the diversity of environments.
In particular, the horco quebracho or mountain quebracho forms characteristic forests on the slopes.
This tree loses its green foliage during winter and regrows with intensely red leaves in spring.
The species was heavily exploited in the past for rural constructions, posts, firewood, and charcoal. This pressure led the horco quebracho to a threatened situation that justifies its current protection.
With this acquisition, the Traslasierra National Park consolidates its role as a bastion of conservation of the Dry Chaco and its endemic species in the center of Argentina.
