Esteros del Ibera

Ibera Natural Reserve, located in the center of the Corrientes province of Argentina, is an area with an outstanding abundance in wildlife . Home to over 350 species of birds, 85 species of mammals, and more than 70 reptiles and amphibians, the reserve was created in 1983 to protect South America's second largest wetlands. The sub-tropical marsh is composed of shallow lakes edged by strips of floating vegetation, which, in places, form islands capable of supporting small trees. It is in the area of edges and islands that one is most apt to find the elusive and rare marsh deer (Blastocerus dichotomus), one of South America's largest land mammals.

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Marsh Deer are officially listed as a vulnerable species by the IUCN. They suffer from a loss of habitat, competition from domestic animals, and disease spread from domestic animals. Ibera is one of their last, and most important strongholds, but even here, they are signs that they are not doing well. In a census conducted by Dr. Marcelo Beccaceci, it was found that there is a low percentage of young animals in relation to the population. Beccaceci found several dead animals in his survey, and upon examination, found signs of parasites which are prevalent in local cattle. More studies will need to be conducted to determine the best actions to be taken to conserve the species.

Park Rangers (Guardafauna) take visitors into the reserve with small skiffs. While some are equipped with motors, they are usually poled along with a long pole which has a small, forked paddle on the end. With just the bare hiss of water moving along the boat's hull, we could easily approach many of the marshes residents.