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's flooded margins and lagoons shelter the marsh deer, the yellow-throated caiman, the giant anteater and the tapir, while the jabiru, the roseate spoonbill and the wattled jacana feed in the shallows. Its waters also hold pintado, jaú, dourado and pacu, and fishing rules for the Paraná basin were published on 2 October 2008.
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