Iguazu National Park - (World Heritage Site in Argentina)

Iguazu National Park

Short Report

The semicircular waterfall in the heart of this site is approximately 80 m high and 2,700 m in diameter and is located on a basaltic line on the border between Argentina and Brazil. From many waterfalls which huge jets, it is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world. The area surrounding subtropical rain forest has more than 2,000 species of vascular plants and is the home of the typical nature of the region: tapirs, giant anteaters, howler monkeys announce, ocelots and' jaguars looking over you on draped and caymans.

Wide Report

The site comprises the national park and national reserves in Misiones province are located, north-eastern Argentina. The Iguazú River forms the northern border of the reserves and park, and also the southern border of do Iguaçu National Park World Heritage site in Brazil. The Iguazú waterfalls span the border between Argentina and Brazil. 80 M high and 3 km wide, the waterfalls are composed of many waterfalls which lead to huge water jets and one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world.

The vegetation is usually subtropical wet forest rich lianas and epithytes, although the forests less biodiversity in comparison with others in Brazil and parts of Paraguay. Nonethless, more than 2,000 species of vascular plants have been identified. Vegitation around is particularly lush due to the constant mist.

The fauna is typical of the region and tapir view wit hits, coati, tamandua, raccon. The site is particularly rich in birds imports thereof with almost half of the Argentine birds found. Endangered mammals such as the jaguar, ocelot and tiger-cat number under the predator, and the giant anteater and Brazilian otter are also found. Primates include the black-capped Capuchin monks and black howler monkey. There are also small populations of endangered broad-nosed Caiman crocodiles and the threat of Brazilian merganser (sawbill duck).

The first inhabitants of the region were the Caingangues Indians. This strain was struck by the Tupi-Guaranies who coined the name Iguazú (Big Water).  The first European to the waterfalls was the Spaniard Don Alvar Nuñes Cabeza the on this trip was in 1541 and 10 years later Spanish and Portuguese colonisation started. There are at least two sites of archaeological interest within the park.

Source:whc/unesco