UNESCO/Toson-Khulstai Biosphere Reserve
³Û²¹²ú´Ç³ÙÃ
General information
Located in the Province of Misiones, Argentina, the ³Û²¹²ú´Ç³Ùà Biosphere Reserve is home to the largest biodiversity in Argentina. Its subtropical forests, with trees, bushes and bamboos are a habitat for jaguars, tapirs and collared peccaries, among other endangered species. Currently, within the biosphere reserve limits, there are 17 Guaranà villages, one of them inside the core area of Esmeralda. They have been actively engaged in sustainable development initiatives promoted by the Biosphere Reserve’s Committee.
Detailed information
Key data
Year of nomination
1995
Country
Argentina
Total population
599
Area
Surface
236,013.00 ha
Total terresterial area
236,013.00 ha
Location
Latitiude: -26.94 - Longitude: -53.92
Contact
Ecological Characteristics
³Û²¹²ú´Ç³Ùà is a subtropical forest conditioned by two main seasons: a tropical one, with intense summer rains; and a subtropical one, with less intense precipitations and cooler weather.Even though some areas of the Biosphere Reserve have endured human-induced impacts in the past, it is currently undergoing a process of recovery, as demonstrated by the increasing presence of jaguars (Panthera onca), harpy eagles (Harpia harpyja) and tapirs (Tapirus terrestris), among other endangered species.
Socio-Economics Characteristics
The area features a great potential for both rural, ethnic and ecotourism, which has been promoted lately with events like the Ultra Marathon ³Û²¹²ú´Ç³ÙÃ, the biggest jungle race in the world. However, the biosphere reserve’s most important economic activity is forestry development and forestry use.
