Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego

4/2/2023

Shortly after our arrival in Ushuaia, Argentina, we commenced on a tour of a most wonderful and important Argentine National Park - Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego. This area which borders with Chile, is the southernmost west section of Argentina. It is the beginning of the Pan-American Highway and affectionately known as ‘The end of the World’. They do a lot of ‘The end of the World’ talk down here, it’s delightful marketing. My video short was shot near the shores of Beagle Channel in the falling snow. The map below also demonstrates our close proximity to the Chilean border on the island of Tierra del Fuego.

Video Short - T'he-end-of-the-World'

Our guide was marvelous. Well informed, very good command of the English language, she provided an entertaining and very informative tour. My interest is typically viewing and photographing wildlife first, but on this tour the landscape, nature, and snow provided dramatic images. I hope everyone enjoys viewing this as much as we enjoyed experiencing it. In my video entitled ‘llaullao and Mistletoe’ our guide explains an interesting parasitic, yet edible growth on the trees.

Video Short - 'llaullao_and_Mistletoe'

While there are no large or dangerous animals like lions or pumas, the park is filled with delightful birds, waterfowl and even the significant Glacier King Salmon. In 2021, the Argentine government took the essential action of banning salmon farming. I strongly commend this action!

Parque Nacional is home to the massive Andean Condor with a wingspan up to three meters, Albatross with a two-and-a-half-meter wingspan, and the Magellan Woodpecker. The Common Goose, Kelp Geese, various other ducks and waterfowl, and even beaver are found here. Beavers were introduced in the 1900’s for their pelts. Unfortunately, shortly thereafter, they were deemed nearly worthless, and with no natural predator have been wreaking havoc on the slow growing forest and grass’s ability to develop and survive. In this rugged extreme environment, a minor disruption can take years or decades to recover. Park rangers and locals are encouraged to hunt and kill the beaver in order to slow or halt the destruction they cause. Often see is the Red Fox, the largest four-legged land predator in the park and may grow to 12 kilos. While often spotted, we did not any on this day.