The Iguazú National Park

Iguazú National Park, together with its Brazilian sister park Iguaçu, is one of the world’s most visually and sonically unique natural places known for its gigantic waterfalls. It is situated in the Department, in the north of the province of Misiones in Argentina’s northeastern point and borders the Brazilian city of Parana towards the north. The Iguazu or Iguaçu River, which spans over three kilometres, descends 80 metres vertically in a sequence of cascades. 

The river, suitably titled after the indigenous meaning for “big water,” creates a massive horseshoe bend amid the two parks and serves as Argentina’s and Brazil’s international border before flowing into the enormous Parana River only about 25 kilometres downstream. Vast clouds of spray constantly saturate the various river islands and adjoining riverine forests, resulting in a highly humid microclimate that favours lush and dense subtropical vegetation with a diversified fauna.

Integrity

The conservation history of Iguazú National Park dates back to the early twentieth century. The integrity of Iguazú National Park should be examined in connection with its Brazilian sister property. The two holdings together provide a unique remnant of a formerly much bigger forest region, and they effectively maintain the magnificent waterfall system. Effective management of protected areas and mitigation of land utilisation effects in and about the surrounding landscape. This increases the likelihood of preserving many of the values for which the property was inscribed and contributing to the survival of species living on the property and the broader landscape.

Protection and Management Requirements

The national government owns Iguazú National Park under the National Parks Law of Argentina’s SIFAP (National System of Federal Protected Areas). Rangers and other qualified personnel are in charge of the department for managing this protected area. A budget has been set aside to ensure that the department has the tools and facilities to carry out operations appropriately. A regional technical department provides professional assistance, and a sub-tropical research centre conducts ecological investigations.

History of Iguazú National Park

The Eldoradense culture hunter-gatherers lived in this part of the park many years ago. After some Eldoradense culture, hunter-gatherers were replaced by the Guaran in approximately 1,000 CE, who brought in new agricultural technologies, and then by the Spanish and Portuguese conquerors in the 16th century. However, their heritage lives on in this area. The park and river are both named Guaraní y guasu, “large water”. The national park strives to protect nature as little as possible, whereas the reserve permits human activity and infrastructure. The reserve’s establishment allowed for the development of an international airport and property sale for three tourist hotels. Its Brazilian twin Iguaçu National Park is located across the Iguazu River.

Conservation Status and Prospects

The conservation status of Iguazú National Park, according to the IUCN’s Conservation Outlook Assessment, is of “grave concern.” The IUCN assessment highlights current high-level concerns such as shooting, invasive species, logging, fisheries, climate change, tourism development, habitat degradation, water-borne pollutants, and dams on the Upper Iguazu River. The report reveals the currently underway story of a Baixo Iguaçu dam just on the Brazilian side of the divide. It expresses concern about political and economic stress to paving the segment of National Route 101, which runs through the site, putting the area’s biodiversity, landscape, and aesthetic values at risk.

Wildlife

The park is located in the Ecoregion of Alto Paraná Atlantic Forests. Several rare and endangered species can be found in the park, including the jaguars, jaguarundi, South American tapir, ocelot, tirica, anteater, black-fronted whistling guan, harpy eagle, and yacare caiman. There are also birds like the big dusky swift and giant toucans, animals such as the coat, and various insects. The vinaceous amazon, so named because of its wine-coloured plumage, can be found in this park on rare occasions. Its banks are highly forested, with trees such as the ceibo, Argentina’s national flower, growing alongside it. Lapacho negro and Amarillo trees, as also palmetto trees & the 40-meter-high Palo rose, are among the park’s flora.

Conclusion

The semicircular waterfall in the site’s heart is 80 metres high and 2,700 metres wide, and it’s located on a basaltic line that runs through Argentina and Brazil. For its massive waterfalls, Iguazú National Park, including its Brazilian sister park Iguaçu, is among the world’s most aesthetically and sonically spectacular natural locations. The central government owns Iguazú National Park. It is situated in the north of the province of Misiones. Rangers and other competent staff manage this protected area. As per the IUCN’s Biodiversity Outlook Assessment, Iguazu National Park’s conservation status is a “severe concern.” There is rich wildlife in Iguazú National Park.