%3Amax_bytes(150000)%3Astrip_icc()%2FTAL-header-patagonia-azul-argentina-ARGENTINANP0525-ae0dc819d0994c4d9e81de31fc208424.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
The 'Galápagos of Argentina' Has a New National Park With 60 Islands and Islets—and It's Teeming With Marine Life
A new marine provincial park, the area's first, will change that. Argentina's new Patagonia Azul Provincial Park expands the previous protected sliver of land dramatically, effectively safeguarding a marine coastal area that's roughly the size of Yosemite National Park (or 729,294 acres). Not only does the acreage protect the area's plentiful wildlife, who come to feed and breed, but it safeguards over 60 islands and islets, kelp forests, and rugged coastal habitats.
'This is a resounding win for marine conservation," Sofia Heinonen, executive director of Rewilding Argentina, said in a press release shared with Travel + Leisure . "Patagonia Azul places under legal protection one of the most biodiverse areas of the Argentine Sea with over 50 species of seabirds, many of which nest in the more than 60 islands and islets with kelp forests, islands and rocky intertidal areas that support unique ecosystems where diverse kinds of sea life converge.'
Rewilding Argentina, a conservation organization that purchases private land and donates it for national parks, provided the land that will act as the entrance to the park and its islands. It will also help the park develop facilities for visitors—like campgrounds and trails—and continue monitoring populations of humpback whales, petrels, penguins, and sea lions.
The formation of the park was led by the government of Chubut (the local province), Argentine National Parks Administration, non-governmental organizations, and the local community of Camarones.
The new, expansive Patagonia Azul Provincial Park is connected to other renowned wildlife areas via a scenic coastal road that runs from the Cabo Dos Bahías Protected Natural Area, which is known for its penguin colony, to the village of Bahía Bustamante, the only town in Argentina dedicated to collecting seaweed and mussels.
Plans are underway to make the new park more suited to visitors, including the addition of hiking trails, campsites, a biological station, and marine access points.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Snakes on terrain: The skinny on Massachusetts species
As of deadline, the city of Attleboro shared reports of a possible venomous snake in Attleboro, with city officials urging caution after reports of bites two at least two dogs. MassWildlife has not confirmed any reports of venomous snakes. Worcester Magazine and Telegram & Gazette are following information, and will post any relevant updates to and For Christine Sparks, it was beautiful to behold. Sparks is a volunteer with the Greater Worcester Land Trust, who leads group hikes with GWLT stewardship coordinator Olivia Houde, focusing on native plants. In June 2024, while at Nick's Woods, a tranquil, forested place in the northern area of Worcester, Sparks made the acquaintance of a small, elegant garter snake. "I was up the glacial erratics, and found this beauty basking in the sun," said Sparks. Glacial erratics are rocks or boulders moved by glaciers long, long ago, and deposited to their present site. Which, if you are a garter snake, might be providential, as it allows places to scoot away and hide, as well as to crawl onto for a bit of sun and warmth. "Quietly, I sat down on the ground next to the snake. We spent some time observing each other," said Sparks, who related her story in a message on social media, where she had posted some photos and a video. "I find snakes are gentle and curious creatures." The snake flickered its tongue, as snakes are wont to do, which to a human might signal an ominous portent. For the snake, it's a way to gather sensory information about its surroundings. "It's interesting to think of observing the world via a different mode," said Sparks. "This is one seemed intrigued by my presence. It's always a treat to see a snake in the wild." Along with garter snakes, Sparks has seen quite a few water snakes, corn snakes and rat snakes. "I have a special fondness for snakes," said Sparks. "Years ago, a large, black rat snake made its home by my front steps. It was like a pet to me. I would bring a book outside, and read. The snake would curl up by my feet, like a dog." Snakes as pets? Learn state rules If Sparks has cultivated a way to commune with snakes while respecting their need for calm and safety, this might prove trickier both for people who love snakes, and who want to get as far away from them as possible. And I will freely disclose: I love snakes. Their beauty, their grace, their mystery. Seeing one is always a thrill, and they continue to hold a welcome place in my heart. But first, a bit about what snakes are, and where they come from. In scientific terms, they belong, along with lizards, to a classification of reptiles known as squamates, or the order, "squamata." Sounds impressive, right? It basically means, "scaly." With some 12,000 or so species, it's an order not to be sneezed at; their origins reaching back as far as perhaps 250 million years. And, as with a lot of animals that date before our time as humans, we're learning more about them, including, as in an article published in 2022 in Nature, through the discovery of fossils that lend clues to their true triumph of diversity. "First, despite Hollywood's depiction, the snakes you find on Trust lands are safe, somewhat shy, and generally helpful. They are an important part of the land management staff," said Colin Novick, executive director of the Greater Worcester Land Trust. "Second, seeing snakes is generally a good sign of the health of the local habitat. There are enough insects, small mammals, and hiding spots to make it possible for snakes to live there. This is really a great sign." There is no doubt: snakes strike an emotive chord, carrying a collective weight of millennia of folklore and superstition. And, an evolutionary biologist might argue, a bit of good sense: our human, hunter-gatherer ancestors spent most of their lives outdoors, and accidentally stepping on, say, a cobra, could really mess up your day. We love, fear, respect and adore them, often without middle ground. Scroll through posts in any wildlife group on Facebook, for example, and you will find a sprinkling of posts, sometimes with a slightly blurred photo, focusing on a garden or porch, and a request for help, to wit: How do I get this thing off my property? From a conservation standpoint, extreme fear and adoration of snakes can and do put fragile species at risk. This includes here in Massachusetts, home to some 14 species of snakes, most of whom post no threat to people or pets. "Especially in the Worcester area, Metro West and 495, there are simply no venomous or harmful snakes," said Michael Jones, herpetologist with Mass Wildlife. The state is home to only two venomous species -- the copperhead, which makes its home nestled in the hills of western Massachusetts, and the timber rattler, whose sparse inhabitance includes the Blue Hills Reservation. "There are two in the state, both endangered, and both very rare. You will only find them in the mountainous areas," said Jones. Snake venom's main purpose is for hunting prey, which might include small rodents or other creatures, depending on the snake species. Nonvenomous snakes include constrictors, that literally suffocate their prey; still other snakes might simply snap up an animal small enough. All eat their prey whole, and it's perhaps these various means of hunting that freak some people out. Endangered denotes high risk factors for extinction, including low population count, loss of habitat, and frequency of hazards, including those posed by humans, such as habitat encroachment, and motor vehicle strikes. Species at risk such as these two need understanding, and respect for their needs. If some people find snakes, any snakes, completely terrifying, there is also the opposite problem: people who love them so much, they just have to see one in the wild. Don't take this personally: neither the copperhead nor timber rattler needs hugs, pats, or selfies. Jones said even seeking them out could disrupt their home and habits. "With copperheads and rattlers, there is a lot of potential for damage, without meaning to," Jones said. "They are tied to features they have probably used for hundreds and thousands of year. We are trying to create barriers, such as limiting recreational areas, where they winter over, or give birth, or gave them more space, because human behaviors can influence those snakes." If you're wondering why the heck venomous snakes live here at all, Jones said, at one time, both species once had larger ranges, with a preference for bedrock. What remains for both species are tiny islands of space. The rest is gone, said Jones, mostly to clearing space for human development and agriculture, and removing or killing individual snakes in the name of safety, or making the area more conducive to humans and their pets and farm animals. "I think that is a very common misconception that this is not rattlesnake habitat," said Jones. "If you look at the historical record, and town histories, county histories, it is clear they were there, they were very widespread, and abundant, around the state — including Essex County, Peabody, Lynn, Manchester ... they were very widespread in the Connecticut River Valley." And now? "I think we are reaching a point where some of our specialized and rare habitats are so fragmented and degraded, they can't tolerate much more foot traffic, and they need more space," Jones said. "I think we all need to think of what are own personal ethics are around observing wildlife." But when a snake, perhaps especially a large one, makes an appearance in someone's yard, cases of mistaken identity are common. Some venomous and nonvenomous snakes have similar markings and colors. The milk snake and water snake are sometimes misidentified, including as the cottonmouth, a venomous snake that lives far from here, in the southeastern U.S. "I think there is a lack of familiarity with them," said Jones. "If everyone in the Commonwealth understood that they are abundant, there would be far less questions. These are two snakes that startle people, both very harmless. They are found statewide. If you see one, you are seeing a very small part of the population area." Another snake that gets a lot of buzz: the racer. "Beautiful, glossy, very big black snake, and it's completely harmless," Jones said. "It would bite you if you caught it, but it is hard to catch." The sensation is like a really bad paper cut said Jones, who said he's gotten his share of bites. Not because they graze on humans, but biting is one of the few defenses a snake has. So, you find a snake in your yard; your friends assure you it will probably move along on its own and that it's not after you, your child or dog. But you don't like it, and want to dispatch it, anyway. Jones said, the snake is likely a consumer of mice, rats and other disease vectors, so not only will not hurt anyone, it may actually do some good. And if you want to do something to help snakes? "Overall, I think it's great when people are interested in snakes, and see them, and document them," said Jones. " Meaningful ways to contribute include a bit of citizen science. "If you see road kill, like water snakes and racers, that can be important information," said Jones. "Submit that info to a naturalist." If you find a snake in your yard, you can give it safe quarter by putting out some plywood planks where it might take shelter. This allows a way to observe it without encroaching. "I personally think that is an ethical way to observe it. This just gives them a place to take cover." Woo! Science is a column of science news and newsmakers in Worcester and the region. Got a science news idea? Email Margaret Smith at msmith@ This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Woo! Science: Timber rattlers and other snakes need a fair 'shake'
Tom's Guide
2 days ago
- Tom's Guide
I test outdoor gear for a living — and the best Patagonia jacket I've ever owned is 30% off right now
I test outerwear for a living, and my closet is absolutely stuffed. That might sound like a good problem to have, but it often leads to overwhelming indecisiveness. Fortunately, I've got my Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket, the longest-serving piece of outerwear I own, and my most reliable companion to reach for when all else fails. Normally, a cool $239, this last-you-a-lifetime jacket is 30% off through Patagonia directly. Better yet, the deal applies to both men's and women's styles, with ample colors and sizes to choose from. Men can save 30% on my favorite jacket right now by shopping Patagonia directly. With eight colors to select from and sizes ranging from XS to XXXL, there's something for everyone. Women can also save $73 off the cost of the Nano Puff Jacket through Patagonia, with a total of eight styles to choose from, including my personal favorite, 'Rock Melon.' What makes the Nano Puff so darn good? Outrageously lightweight and packable, yet immensely well insulated, this go-to functions flawlessly as both a main outer jacket and an inner insulating layer, depending on the weather. It's also water and wind-resistant. For example, my Patagonia Nano Puff joins me under my oversized ski jacket on each and every snowboard mission, sans very warm spring riding days. It's also one of my preferred jackets for air travel, with elastic sleeves that easily roll up. When stuffed inside the zippered chest pocket, this Patagonia converts into a small but mighty head/neck pillow; it also takes up little luggage space in this form. Having received my first Patagonia Nano Puff jacket as a gift all the way back in 2012, Patagonia has stood by the garment, replacing it once and repairing it twice since. The charge? Zero dollars.
Condé Nast Traveler
2 days ago
- Condé Nast Traveler
Exploring the Endless Allure of Costa Rica
Adventure Seekers: Dominical and Osa Peninsula For travelers with an adventurous spirit, Costa Rica's South Pacific is a dream come true. Start in Dominical, a low-key beach town bordered by the Baru River. You can reach Dominical from San José via a four-hour self-drive or a shared shuttle. Spend your first day or two embracing the laid-back spirit of pura vida with beach walks or an easy surf lesson at Dominicalito Beach. Once settled, visit Nauyaca Waterfalls, a two-tiered waterfall that looks like a scene straight out of a jungle fairy tale. The falls are accessible via an easy hike, a shuttled 4x4 pickup, or a guided horseback ride. Next up is the heart and soul of the trip, the Osa Peninsula. The journey is a true adventure that includes moderate to challenging hikes, but the reward is a wild, unspoiled jungle with magnificent wildlife encounters—Osa Peninsula hosts approximately 50% of all of the species found in Costa Rica. Begin with a night in Drake Bay, the remote gateway town to Corcovado National Park. The next morning, embark on an hour-long boat ride to Sirena Ranger Station in Corcovado National Park. Those prone to seasickness should prepare for a potentially bumpy, albeit quick, ride. Possible dolphin sightings along the way often provide a welcome distraction. Corcovado can only be explored with a certified guide. While day trips from Drake Bay or Sierpe are an option, a multi-night guided tour offers the richest experience. The first night is typically spent at Sirena Ranger Station, a dorm-style accommodation with hearty meals. From Sirena, your guide will lead you along trails through the secondary forest, tailoring the route to get a glimpse of the wildlife. Sightings of white-faced capuchin monkeys, spider monkeys, sloths, tapirs, toucans, owls, and snakes are all possible. On select tours, a day-two agenda ventures deeper into the primary forest. The further in you get, the denser and darker the canopy. This is Costa Rica's wild heart where you might see puma and jaguar in their natural habitat. Hikes to your overnight at San Pedrillo Station are longer and slower, and you'll be rewarded with a once-in-a-lifetime immersion in the pristine jungle. From there, a short hike back to Drake Bay and a well-deserved lunch at a local soda—a casual restaurant serving traditional Costa Rican cuisine—concludes the journey. Multigenerational Explorers: La Fortuna and Puerto Viejo de Talamanca For those traveling with kids, teens, or grandparents, La Fortuna is the natural choice. It takes just under three hours to reach La Fortuna from San José by car or shared shuttle. Begin with a guided night hike through the El Silencio Reserve, listening as the rainforest hums to life at dusk. Nearly half the species in this stretch of forest are nocturnal, offering a rare chance to encounter species like red-eyed tree frogs and bats in their natural environments. Round out your animal spotting the following day with a guided morning walk through a designated wildlife sanctuary, where smiling sloths often steal the show. Wherever you are in La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano looms on the horizon like a silent, scenic watchdog. Though it hasn't erupted in more than a decade, the active volcano still heats water deep underground, forming mineral-rich hot springs. Spend an afternoon at one of the area's renowned hot springs resorts—ideally, one that features a water park for the kids and spa-like serenity for the adults. For a soft adventure, hike the paved 500-step trail down to La Fortuna Waterfall, where a stunning cascade and swimming hole await. To experience an entirely different side of Costa Rica, take a four- to five-hour drive to Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean coast. In the Old Port of Talamanca, a rich, Afro-Caribbean culture imbues the laid-back beach town with joy, color, and flavor. Dishes like jerk chicken and rice and beans cooked in coconut milk reflect the region's deep Jamaican and British colonial influences that are distinctive from other parts of Costa Rica. Visit the Indigenous Bribri community, which has inhabited Talamanca for thousands of years. Take a guided tour of the Bribri cacao farm to gain an understanding of how the community cultivates this ancestral crop with such care, fostering a deep connection with the land. If you have more time, stay in a traditional Bribri-style lodge—partake in a traditional cacao ceremony and embrace the beauty of living in close communion with nature. Afterward, spend a day riding bikes around jungle-fringed roads, dip in the warm waters at Playa Cocles, or catch a wave if you're a seasoned surfer. Also be sure to keep an eye out for wild sloth viewings all the while, as this region is full of them. Golden-Year Travelers: Monteverde and Nicoya Peninsula For those golden-year travelers seeking a budget-friendly way to explore Costa Rica, begin in Monteverde. Translating to 'green mountain,' this verdant mountain region is perched 4,662 feet above sea level, though it is only a three-hour drive from San José. Much like the Pacific Northwest, Monteverde is evergreen thanks to the mist-laden clouds that cast a dreamy haze over its horizon. Start with a visit to Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve. While many visitors choose to explore independently, a naturalist guide can help you seek out elusive wildlife—sloths and quetzals among them. Stroll across hanging bridges under a canopy of green, and keep an eye out for more than 400 species of wild orchids lining the well-marked trails. Stop by the hummingbird garden, where 14 species of petite, fairylike birds dart from plant to plant, sipping nectar from native blooms. After exploring the wonders of the cloud forest, head to the Nicoya Peninsula. The journey takes about five hours of self-driving, including a scenic ferry ride. Shared shuttles are also available. Stay in Montezuma, a charming old fishing village with a bohemian heart. Visit the Saturday farmers market, explore the handful of local shops, and take an easy hike to the Montezuma waterfall for a refreshing dip in its natural pool. Wake early to catch the spectacle of sunrise before driving 30 minutes to the neighboring Santa Teresa. Spend the day on its wide, sandy beaches, stopping at Playa Hermosa's tide pools during low tide. Have an early dinner at a local soda and end your day with a breathtaking, candy-colored sunset.
