Ilha Grande National Park, River islands conservation area in Paraná and Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
Ilha Grande National Park is a conservation area along the Paraná River stretching across Paraná and Mato Grosso do Sul states. The park protects a river landscape with numerous islands, natural lakes, and freshwater marshes in the upper Paraná region.
The park was established in 1997 to protect the biological diversity of the upper Paraná River region. This decision came in response to increasing threats to the river ecosystem from development and dam construction projects.
The territory preserves archaeological sites where Guarani Indians and Xetás previously lived, leaving behind evidence of their ancient settlements.
The area is most accessible during the dry season when water levels are lower and more pathways open up. Visitors should work with local guides to safely explore the islands and find the best times for boat excursions.
The park represents one of the last intact river wetlands in this region and provides habitat for several threatened animal species found nowhere else nearby. Visitors regularly spot marsh deer and brown howler monkeys while navigating through the islands and channels.
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