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The Flora & Fauna of the Iguaçu National Park
Fauna
The Iguaçu National Park has a wide biodiversity and is home to 257 species of butterfly, 18 species of fish, 12 species of amphibians, 41 snake species, 8 species of lizards and 45 species of mammals.
Amongst all of this wildlife are pumas, tapirs and deer and many endangered species such as spotted jaguars, giant otters, giant anteaters and the broad-snouted caiman. The coati, the symbol of the Foz do Iguaçu, is a protected species often found wandering in the National Park. |
348 species of bird have been identified in the Park to date. In addition to toucans, hummingbirds and macaws, a number of very rare bird species are found including the black-fronted piping guan, the vinaceous-breasted parrot and the harpy eagle. Great Dusky Swifts are often seen around the Falls as they love water and build their nests just behind the Falls. |
Flora
The Iguacu National Park is also home to many rare and endangered species of flora. The clouds of spray generated by the waters powering over the falls are conducive to the growth of lush vegetation.
The flora in the Park can be divided into two main groups; the semidecidual seasonal forest and the Araucaria woods. The latter is dominated by pine trees.
Some tree species reach heights of up to 30 meters, such as Pacara Earpod Tree, Cedar, Amberwood, the Angico Tree, the Canafistula Tree and the Ipês.
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The intermediate strata is made up of Xaxim, Wild Orange and Gum Trees.
Delicate orchids and bromeliads are found on the rainforest floor. The Wild Fig and Ssai Palm can also be found, although the latter was damaged by over harvesting for palm hearts. The endangered Winter's Bark Tree and Ilex Paraguaiensis also grow in the Park.
Along the banks of the Iguaçu River Can trees and Taquarucu are found mixed with swamp grass.
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