Karukinka Natural Park, Protected natural reserve in Tierra del Fuego, Chile.
Karukinka Natural Park is a vast protected area in Tierra del Fuego covering around 2,720 square kilometers with mountains, peatlands, forests, and coastal zones. The diverse landscapes form distinct ecosystems adapted to southern conditions and cold temperatures.
The park was established when Goldman Sachs transferred its landholdings to the Wildlife Conservation Society, creating a major nature reserve in the Magallanes Region. This transfer protected one of South America's last large tracts of untouched landscape.
The park serves as a hub for environmental research where scientists study how climate change affects remote ecosystems in the Southern Hemisphere. Visitors can observe the ongoing scientific work and understand why this region matters for global understanding.
Reaching the park requires arranging transportation from Punta Arenas, which takes careful planning and reliable arrangements. Bring sturdy footwear, weather-resistant clothing, and navigation tools since conditions are remote and demanding.
The park contains several distinct lakes including Blanco, Despreciado, Deseado, and Fagnano, each supporting different subantarctic habitats. These water bodies function as separate ecosystem islands, hosting different communities of animals and plants.
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