Bioma Pampa-Quebradas del Norte, Biosphere reserve in Rivera Department, Uruguay.
Bioma Pampa-Quebradas del Norte is a protected area spanning more than 110,000 hectares where subtropical grasslands, native forests, ravines, and basaltic rock formations exist side by side. The landscape alternates between open grasslands and forested areas shaped by distinctive geological features.
The area gained UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status in 2014, committing the region to protect its ecosystems and support sustainable development approaches. This designation marked the formal beginning of coordinated conservation efforts across the territory.
Local farming communities practice traditional livestock management and small-scale agriculture in ways that shape the landscape visibly today. These activities reflect a way of life that has adapted to coexist with the natural surroundings over generations.
Visitors can walk marked trails throughout the reserve and join guided tours to observe wildlife and native plants. Preparation for changing weather and patience for wildlife watching will help make the visit more rewarding.
The reserve serves as a biological corridor where subtropical species expand southward into Uruguay, hosting rare amphibian species found nowhere else in the country. This ecological role makes it a place where visitors can encounter plants and animals typically found much further north.
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