Refugio Mbaracayú

Itaipu Binacional created a strip of environmental protection at the border between the cities of Mundo Novo (Brazil) and Salto del Guairá (Paraguay).

The sanctuary comprises a series of low hills with numerous springs and streams in their valleys, plus low-lying areas with wetlands and estuaries toward the river Parana.

Ecosystems in the Refuge create the ideal conditions for animal life, among which are: monkey (Cebus apella), kuatí (Nasua nasua), fox (Crab-eating fox), on wetlands are: capybara (Hydrochaeris), otter (Lutra) and mentioned in special form of swamp deer to (Blastocerus dichotomus), animal in serious danger of extinction, this deer appears frequently in the area, especially on the banks of streams, in almost all notándose opportunities their presence as a couple.

In this Refuge are identified over 250 species of birds, highlighting three new records for Paraguay: Anhima cornuta, Picummus albosquammatus and Schistochlamys melanopis.

According to latest techniques of management of protected areas, this refuge is divided into distinct zones in order to handle them properly.

Zone extensive use: areas to which visitors access for education and recreation (and self-guided interpretive trails, paths "cross country", etc..

Zone Core: natural areas that have received the minimum of disruption caused by man (with three distinct nuclei and characteristic of the place).