The wildlife in Costero del Sur is diverse and includes numerous species of birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. The reserve is an important stopover for migratory birds and supports significant populations of waterfowl. Notable species include the black-necked swan, several species of herons and egrets, and the endangered marsh deer. The wetlands provide habitat for capybaras, while the grasslands support various rodent species. The area is also home to several species of snakes, lizards, and amphibians adapted to both terrestrial and aquatic environments.
The reserve hosts a rich diversity of plant life representative of the Pampean region, including one of the last remaining patches of native talar forest. These forests are dominated by tala trees (Celtis ehrenbergiana) and other native species like coronillo and molle. The coastal areas feature extensive grasslands with species adapted to sandy and saline conditions. Wetland areas support aquatic vegetation including rushes, sedges, and floating plants. The reserve is particularly important as it preserves some of the last remaining examples of original Pampean vegetation.
The reserve's geological formation is characterized by coastal plains and ridges formed by marine deposits from the Rio de la Plata estuary. The landscape features a series of parallel beach ridges that were created during different sea-level fluctuations throughout the Quaternary period. The soil composition varies from sandy deposits near the coast to rich alluvial soils inland, creating diverse habitats. The area also contains significant wetlands and coastal lagoons formed by the interaction between freshwater and the estuary system.
The Costero del Sur Biosphere Reserve was established in 1984 and was designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the same year. The area has historically been significant for its indigenous populations who lived along the Rio de la Plata coastline. During colonial times, the region played a crucial role in early European settlement and trade routes. The reserve was created to protect the last remaining natural coastal areas of the Pampean region, which had been largely transformed by agricultural development and urbanization throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.
The reserve's most distinctive features include its extensive wetland system, the unique talar forest formations, and the coastal ridges along the Rio de la Plata. The area encompasses approximately 30,000 hectares of protected landscape, offering visitors opportunities for birdwatching, nature photography, and ecological research. The reserve contains several walking trails that showcase different ecosystems, and there are observation points for wildlife viewing. The combination of coastal, forest, and wetland environments in close proximity makes this reserve particularly valuable for conservation and educational purposes.
The Costero del Sur Biosphere Reserve experiences a temperate climate typical of the Buenos Aires Province. Summers (December to February) are warm and humid with average temperatures around 25°C (77°F), while winters (June to August) are mild with temperatures ranging from 8-15°C (46-59°F). Rainfall is distributed throughout the year, with slightly higher precipitation in summer months. The coastal location brings moderate breezes and occasional strong winds from the Rio de la Plata, which can influence local weather patterns and create unique microclimates within the reserve.
Argentina
-35.2660°, -57.2330°
1984
300
Costero del Sur is a protected coastal area along the Río de la Plata. The reserve features wetlands, grasslands, and riparian forests that provide habitat for numerous bird species. It serves as an important conservation area for local flora and fauna while protecting traditional farming practices.