Wildlife Watching in Formosa Nature Reserve

Information

This natural reserve has trails and viewpoints that are useful for those interested in wildlife watching. Typical species of the dry Chaco and aquatic environments can be recorded in the vicinity of watercourses such as the Teuco or Bermejo River and the Teuquito Stream.

Starting with the mammals, this site is home to the giant armadillo (Priodontes maximus, the largest armadillo) and the giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla), which are two endangered species. The main recreational area is always home to the conejo del palo (Dolichotis salinicola), and during the night the occasional Southern three-banded armadillo (Tolypeutes matacus) often appears on the trails.

Reptiles are abundant, as the spiny lava lizard (Tropidurus spinulosus) and the Etheridge's lava lizard (Tropidurus etheridgei) frequent the trees and the surroundings of the camping area. An occasional yacaré or broad-snouted caiman can be found along the waterways.

Among the birds, the black-legged seriema (Chunga burmeisteri) is always on display. Other typical birds of the region can be seen, such as the cinereous black-tyrant (Knipolegus striaticeps) and the crested gallito (Rhinocrypta lanceolata), and at night the Chaco owl (Strix chacoensis) comes out.