The Biodiversity of San Rafael

The San Rafael Reserve is a mosaic of two of the world's most threatened habitats: the subtropical, humid Atlantic Forest and the Mesopotamian flooded grasslands. The meeting of these two habitats creates a rich ecosystem that is a biodiversity hotspot. It is an area with a high percentage of endemic species, meaning those that are native to the area. Not only is it the most biodiverse locality for birds in Paraguay, but also for numerous reptiles, amphibians, and more than 60 species of mammals.

Exciting Announcement!

Now available, a guide to the birds of San Rafael! This illustrated guide contains identification profiles for a total of 429 species, as well data on the conservation status of each. Currently available in English, soon to be made available in Spanish, this guide is the ultimate guide to the birds of the San Rafael Reserve, one of the most important bird areas within Paraguay! To get your own copy now, visit our site at Blurb: Take a look!

Birds of San Rafael-PRO COSARA

The San Rafael is designated as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) as categorized by Bird Life International, and was the first IBA created in Paraguay. It is also considered an IBA in Danger, meaning that the area is threatened by habitat and species loss. There have been over 400 bird species recorded in San Rafael, with many registered as endemic to the ecosystem, and several listed as Endangered or Vulnerable. Take a look through the gallery to learn more about these species, seen specifically at PRO COSARA.

Black-Throated Trogon, Surucuá amarillo, Sukuku'a sa'yju
Swallow-tailed Manakin, Bailarin azul, Saraki hovy
Blue-Naped Chlorophonia, Tangará bonito, Sai
Chesnut-Eared Aracari, Arasarí fajado, Tuka sa'yju
Green Kingfisher, Martín pescador chico, Javati'i
Plush-crested Jay, Urraca, Aka'e para
Robust Woodpecker, Carpintero grande, Ypeku guasu ka'aguy
Saffron Toucanet, Arasari banana, Tuka pakova
Yellow-Fronted Woodpecker, Carpintero arco iris, Kurutu'i
Surucua Trogon, Surucuá, Suruku'a
Versicolored Emerald Hummingbird, Picaflor esmeralda, Mainumby
Rufous-collared Sparrow, Bendito sea, Chesyhasy
Red-breasted Toucan, Tucán pico verde, Tuka'i

Fauna of San Rafael

Explore the photo gallery to learn more about the wide variety of animals that call the San Rafael subtropical forest home. To investigate further, take a look at Fauna Paraguay , a website cataloging Paraguayan wildlife, created and managed by friends of PRO COSARA.

Hooded Capuchin Monkey
Hooded Capuchin Monkey
Atlantic Forest Oncilla, or Tirika
Capybara
Coati
Coati
Crab-eating Fox
Azara's Agouti
Spotted Paca
Spotted Paca
Nine-Banded Armadillo
Nine-Banded Amardillo
Long-Furred Woolly Mouse Opossum
Long-Furred Woolly Mouse Opossum
Painted Coral Snake
Reticulated Leaf Frog
Reticulated Leaf Frog
Orange-Bellied Escuerzo
Orange-Bellied Escuerzo
Ornate Forest Toad
Black Tegu
Black Tegu
Yarara Lancehead
Yarara Lancehead
Butterfly
Spider
Butterfly

Flora of San Rafael

This gallery shows a small percentage of the many plants that unique to the Upper Atlantic Forest ecosystem. Take a look to learn about the magical trees, ferns, fungi, etc within San Rafael!

Fungi on Log
Lapacho (Lapacho Rosado, Tajy)
Lapacho
In the garden
Palm Roots
Trees on trails
Lapacho, Tajy
Laurel Negro (Alu’y hu, Laurel Hu)
Pacará (Timbó)
Cedro (Ygary)
Loro Blanco
Guayabí (Guajayvi)
Loro Negro (Peterevy)
Anchico Colorado (Kurupa'yra)
Guembe
Pindo-Palme
Arboreal Fern
Orchid