Location: 155 mi (250 km) South- East of Jujuy, Salta Province Map
Tel. (03487) 4312 683
Area: 441 km²
Open: 9am- dusk Mon- Sat
El Rey National Park is situated South- East of Jujuy in Anta Department of Salta Province in Argentina. El Rey National Park covers an area of 441 km². El Rey National Park is an extensive protected bio reserve that protects the area of the Southern Andean Yungas ecological reigon. It is largely dominated by the tropical rain forest that is spread between various elevations ranging from 750 to 2000 meters above sea level. El Rey National Park is inhabited by about 44 species of mammals, including cougars or pumas (Puma concolor), peccaries (Pevari tajaci), Tayassu pecari, capuchin monkey, ocelot, pajonal cat and many others. One of the unique animals are tapirs, the largest South American mammal that can reach a weight of over 300 kg. Yet despite its size it is completely harmless, although approaching one of these animals in the wild is not advisable.
Flora
The park presents a vegetation cover of great diversity
developed in altitudinal levels or strata. The uppermost stratum is
characterized by the presence of large specimens of white stick
(Calycophyllum multiflorum) and yellow stick (Phyllostylon rhamnoides),
followed by specimens of guayaibí (Patagonula americana), colored cebil
(Anadenanthera macrocarpa), tipa (Tipuana tipu) and hide (Enterolobium
contortisiliquum). Large specimens of cedar (Cedrus), tar (Jacaranda
mimosifolia) and Creole walnut (Juglans australis) have been observed.
All these species form a high-density forest, inside of which moisture
and shade create the conditions for the presence of specimens of
humpback molle (Blepharocalyx gigantea), laurel (Phoebe porphyria),
güili (Amomyrtella guilii), mato (Eugenia pungens). ), cebil gallows
(Parapiptadenia excelsa) and Yunguian lapacho (Tabebuia avellanedae),
among others.
The second level or stratum includes medium-sized
specimens, among which are the cochucho (Fagara coconut) and the white
tala (Crinodendron tucumanum). At lower heights, on the third level
appear the shrubs reaching 2 or 3 meters, among them a species of bamboo
(Chusquea lorentziana) and the nettle (Urera baccifera).
The
lowest level presents a dense cluster of ferns (Pteris deflexa). A great
variety of epiphytes cover the trunks and branches of the larger bearing
species, including the tank bromeliad (Tillandsia australis), the air
carnations of the genus (Tillandsia) and several species of orchids.
One plant species is a strict endemism of El Rey, that is, it was
never collected outside the limits of this park: Aphelandra lilacina.
Fauna
The native fauna consists of 44 species of mammals,
including cougars (Puma concolor), collared peccaries (Pecari tajacu)
and liped Tayassu pecari, tapirs Tapirus terrestris, brown rhinos
(Mazama gouazoubira), drop monkeys (Cebus apella), melero bears
(Tamandua tetradactyla) and some felines such as the yaguarondi
(Herpailurus yaguarondi), the ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) and the straw
cat (Leopardus pajeros).
Birds are amply represented. The
presence of common mountain peacock (Penelope obscura) has been
recorded; the capuchin duck (Anas versicolor), royal (Cairina moschata),
stinging duck (Netta peposaca), cutthroat (Amazonetta brasiliensis),
throat (Anas bahamensis) and maize (Anas georgica); the gray
(Tachybaptus dominicus), thick-peaked (Podilymbus podiceps) and common
(Rollandia rolland) macaws; the comet (Sappho sparganura), blue-fronted
(Eriocnemis glaucopoides), common (Chlorostilbon lucidus), white-bellied
(Amazilia chionogaster), bearded (Heliomaster furcifer) and dwarf
(Microstilbon burmeisteri) woodpeckers; the witch (Nycticorax
nycticorax), blue (Butorides striata), black (Ardea cocoi) and white
(Ardea alba) herons, among many other species which include almost a
hundred varieties of songbirds.
This ornithological richness
makes the park one of the most important areas for bird conservation in
Argentina.
Administration
By resolution n.o 126/2011 of the
Administration of National Parks of May 19, 2011 it was provided that
national park for administrative purposes in the category protected
areas of complexity II, therefore has in front of it a designated mayor,
from which depend 4 departments (Administration; Works and Maintenance;
National Park Ranger; Conservation and Public Use) and 2 divisions
(Dispatch and Desk of Entries, Exits, and Notifications; Human Resources
and Training). city of Salta.