Vegetation burned in March 2006 fires in San Rafael National Park, Paraguay © Ron Myers

The Nature Conservancy has been working closely with conservation partners in Paraguay since 1987 to protect the country's unique habitats.  Although Paraguay is a landlocked nation and only about the size of the state of California, it harbors a suprising amount of biodiversity. For instance, Paraguay supports more than 650 species of birds — about as many as all of North America. More than 13,000 vascular plant species are also found there.

There are two major conservation areas with fire threats at this time. San Rafael National Park, which spans 173,000 acres (70,000 ha), experienced so many fires in February 2006 that there were not enough people or equipment to control them. Park rangers estimate that it will take at least 30 years for the land to return to its pre-fire condition.

Mbaracayú Natural Reserve, which still contains many indigenous people, is in eastern Paraguay and encompases 159,000 acres (64,400 ha). The misuse of fire for agricultural purposes is an important issue in this area. Adequate fire management is needed to preserve the flora and fauna of this park.

Learn more about The Nature Conservancy's work in Paraguay including the Chaco.