After the Second World War Dr. Troels Pederson donated the territory for the creation of the national park.

The park is divided between three distinct plant communities – chaqueña, espinal, and selva paranaense.

Some characteristic native species are quebracho colorado (Schinopsis lorentzii) and quebraco blanco (Aspidosperma quebracho-blanco), urunday (Myracrodruon balansae), and viraró (Ruprechtia laxiflora), Prosopis, and caranday palm (Copernicia alba).

The Selva Paranaense is characterised by small hills, local species include the palms Syagrus romanzoffiana and timbó (Enterolobium contortisiliquum), and laurel.

Endangered species include maned wolf, neotropical river otter, and marsh deer.