San Matías

San Matías Integrated Management Natural Area is located in the eastern lowlands of Bolivia's Santa Cruz Department, protecting critical wetland and savanna ecosystems along the Brazilian border. Established in 1997, the area encompasses diverse habitats including palm savannas, gallery forests, and seasonal wetlands that form part of the Pantanal ecosystem's southern extent. The park serves as an important biological corridor connecting Bolivian protected areas with Brazil's Pantanal, supporting exceptional biodiversity and seasonal wildlife migrations. Named after the nearby town of San Matías, the area is characterized by its flat terrain, numerous seasonal lagoons, and the Río Verde watershed. The reserve balances conservation with sustainable use by local communities, who maintain traditional cattle ranching and fishing practices within designated zones.

San Matías was designated as an Integrated Management Natural Area in 1997 as part of Bolivia's expansion of its national protected areas system to include diverse management categories. The establishment recognized the area's ecological importance as part of the greater Pantanal ecosystem and its role in cross-border conservation with Brazil. Prior to protection, the region was sparsely populated with traditional cattle ranching being the primary land use for generations. The creation of the protected area aimed to balance biodiversity conservation with continued sustainable economic activities by local communities. Management planning has focused on zoning different areas for strict protection, traditional use, and controlled resource extraction. The reserve is part of Bolivia's National System of Protected Areas and receives support from international conservation organizations working on transboundary ecosystem management.

Access to San Matías is challenging due to its remote location in eastern Bolivia, with the nearest town of San Matías serving as the primary entry point. The town is connected to Santa Cruz de la Sierra, approximately 650 kilometers away, by unpaved roads that can be impassable during the rainy season from November to March. No formal visitor facilities exist within the protected area, though basic accommodations are available in San Matías town. Visitors typically arrange guided excursions with local ranchers who know the area and can access remote sections. The dry season from May to September offers the best conditions for travel, wildlife viewing, and exploring the seasonal wetlands when water levels recede. Those planning to visit should be prepared for basic conditions, bring all necessary supplies, and coordinate with local authorities and landowners.

Conservation challenges in San Matías include balancing traditional land uses with biodiversity protection, as the area allows sustainable cattle ranching and resource extraction in designated zones. Habitat degradation from overgrazing and inappropriate fire management threatens some ecosystems, requiring ongoing dialogue with ranchers about sustainable practices. The park protects important populations of wetland birds, capybaras, caimans, and large mammals like jaguars that range across the Bolivia-Brazil border. Cross-border conservation cooperation with Brazilian protected areas is essential for maintaining wildlife corridors and managing shared ecosystems. Climate variability affecting wetland hydrology and fire frequency poses increasing challenges to ecosystem stability. Management efforts focus on community engagement, sustainable ranching practices, fire management, and strengthening transboundary conservation partnerships to ensure long-term protection of this important ecosystem.