Las Chinchillas National Reserve

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Las Chinchillas National Reserve
IUCN Category Ia (Strict Nature Reserve)
Chinchilla Habitat
Chinchilla Habitat
Location Coquimbo Region, Chile
Nearest city Illapel
Area 42.29 km²
Governing body Corporación Nacional Forestal

Las Chinchillas National Reserve is a nature reserve located in the Choapa Province, Coquimbo Region, Chile. The reserve gives shelter to the last colonies of Long-tailed Chinchillas in the wild.

[edit] Biology

In addition to the chinchillas, other small mammals (mainly rodents), 2 fox species and felines like the Puma live within the reserve and surrounding hills. Actually only about 1/2 of the wild chinchillas are located within the reserve boundaies. The other half live on private and communally owned lands.

The reserve is home to a number of species of birds, including Chilean Mockingbird, Chilean Tinamou, Long-tailed Meadowlark, Moustached Turca and Harris's Hawk. Owl species inhabiting the park include Burrowing Owl, Austral Pygmy-owl and Great Horned Owl. The Andean condor can also be seen in the area.

[edit] References

Languages