Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
The Mar Chiquita Coastal Reserve is a protected natural area located along the Atlantic coast of Buenos Aires Province in Argentina. Centered around the large brackish lagoon called Mar Chiquita (or Mar de Ansenuza), it represents the largest permanent saline lake in South America. The reserve extends over a mix of coastal dunes, wetlands, salt marshes, and forested patches that support a wide range of flora and fauna. Its geography is defined by a shallow lagoon basin with varying salinity and water levels, influenced by precipitation and ocean tides.
Ecologically, Mar Chiquita is internationally recognized as an important bird area, hosting thousands of migratory and resident birds including flamingos, swans, herons, and several species of ducks and shorebirds. The wetland also supports populations of fish, amphibians, and small mammals adapted to the aquatic and semi-aquatic conditions. The reserve plays a critical role in regional biodiversity conservation and acts as a nursery for several fish species.
Historically, the lagoon and surrounding lands have been important to indigenous peoples and later to local fishing and farming communities. In recent decades, efforts to protect and manage the area have increased, balancing conservation goals with sustainable resource use.
Visitors to the Mar Chiquita Coastal Reserve can explore bird-watching stations, walk along levees and trails around the lagoon edge, and experience the quiet natural ambiance. The site offers unique opportunities for photography, scientific research, and environmental education. Notable landmarks include observation towers and interpretive centers highlighting the reserve's ecological significance. The reserve appeals particularly to nature enthusiasts and those interested in wetland ecosystems and coastal landscapes.
