The reserve is home to an impressive array of wildlife, including over 400 bird species, making it a crucial area for avian conservation. Notable mammals include the jaguar, Andean bear, puma, and various monkey species such as the howler monkey. The area also supports significant populations of endangered species like the red-fronted macaw and the Tucuman parrot. The reserve's rivers host diverse aquatic life, including several endemic fish species and various amphibians adapted to different elevation zones.
Tariquia Reserve protects one of the largest remaining sections of Tucuman-Bolivian forest, a unique ecosystem transitioning between Andean and Chaco environments. The reserve hosts over 800 plant species, including valuable timber trees like cedar and oak. Notable species include the endangered Podocarpus parlatorei (mountain pine) and various orchid species. The vegetation changes dramatically with elevation, from humid subtropical forests in lower areas to cloud forests at higher elevations, featuring abundant epiphytes, ferns, and bromeliads.
The reserve encompasses part of the Serranía del Aguaragüe mountain range, characterized by steep valleys and dramatic elevation changes. The area features sedimentary rock formations dating back to the Devonian and Carboniferous periods, with notable limestone and sandstone deposits. The terrain is marked by numerous rivers and streams that have carved deep valleys through the mountains, creating a complex network of watersheds. Soil composition varies significantly throughout the reserve, contributing to its diverse ecosystems.
Established in 1989, Tariquia Flora and Fauna National Reserve was created to protect one of Bolivia's most important remnants of Tucuman-Bolivian forest. The area has historical significance dating back to pre-Columbian times, when indigenous groups including the Guaraní people inhabited the region. The reserve's name comes from the Tariquia River, which has been crucial to local communities for centuries. In recent decades, the reserve has faced challenges from oil exploration and agricultural expansion, leading to increased conservation efforts and community involvement in protection initiatives.
Key attractions include the Tariquia River system, which provides essential water resources and creates spectacular waterfalls throughout the reserve. The Serrania del Aguaragüe offers impressive viewpoints and hiking opportunities, while the transition zones between ecosystems showcase unique biodiversity. The reserve also features several indigenous communities that maintain traditional practices, offering cultural insights. Research stations and designated hiking trails provide opportunities for scientific study and ecotourism, though access to some areas requires special permits and local guides.
Tariquia Reserve experiences a subtropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The wet season runs from November to March, bringing significant rainfall and humidity, while the dry season extends from April to October with more moderate temperatures. Average temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), though they can drop lower in winter months. The reserve's varying elevation (from 900 to 2,800 meters) creates multiple microclimates, affecting both weather patterns and biodiversity throughout the protected area.
Bolivia
-21.7330°, -64.3170°
1989
2470
Tariquia protects important Yungas cloud forest ecosystems. The reserve is known for its rich biodiversity and serves as a water source for surrounding communities. It contains numerous endangered species and spectacular mountain landscapes.