Carapã Natural Reserve marks 18 years of biodiversity protection

The Carapã Natural Reserve, managed by Itaipu Binacional, is celebrating 18 years of operation as a protector of biodiversity within the Alto Paraná Atlantic Forest ecoregion. The reserve covers 4,382 hectares across the districts of La Paloma, Saltos del Guairá, and Puerto Adela in the Canindeyú Department of Paraguay.

Established via Executive Board Resolution No. 183/08 and later declared a Protected Wild Area under the National System of Protected Wild Areas (SINASIP) in 2017, the reserve is part of the UNESCO-recognized Itaipu Biosphere Reserve. The area encompasses various ecosystems, including forests, wetlands, and aquatic environments associated with the Carapã River.

The reserve serves as a habitat for numerous species, including 246 plant species and various fauna such as the bush dog, lowland tapir, puma, and the critically endangered Vinaceous-breasted parrot.