Jaguar's Presence Halts Tourism at Iberá National Park, Locals Fear Economic Ruin

The Iberá National Park in Argentina faces a challenging situation as it remains partially closed, significantly impacting the local tourism industry. The presence of Ombú, a young jaguar born in the wild, frequenting public areas has led to access restrictions since May. This has prompted a strong reaction from the Iberá Tourism Chamber and the Carlos Pellegrini Guides Association, who sent a letter to the National Parks Administration president, Sergio Álvarez.

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The people who arrived complain about not being able to enter, and many decide not to come in advance because the press reports that the park is closed. This brings significant economic losses for the population.

Estrella Losada and Gastón Boccalandro, signatories of the letter, highlighted the economic consequences, noting that tourism accounts for nearly 90% of local employment in Carlos Pellegrini. The near-constant closure of the park at the start of the high season directly affects residents' income. "People who arrived complain about not being able to enter, and many decide not to come in advance because the press reports that the park is closed," the letter states, adding, "This brings significant economic losses for the population."

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Now they opened from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Why at 4 p.m.? We don't know, and they don't know what to tell you either.

While the park has since partially reopened, allowing access only to the entrance viewpoint from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the situation remains uncertain for tourism providers. The trails are still closed, and on some days, the entire park is shut down. Boccalandro finds the partial opening insufficient and difficult to explain, contrasting it with the Provincial Park, which remains open until 6 p.m. He argues that the situation is not as dangerous as portrayed and questions the rationale behind the measures.

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It is not as dangerous as they are making it out to be. I don't understand why they are taking these measures.

Boccalandro is particularly concerned about the media's portrayal of the situation. He emphasizes that the Iberá can still be visited safely, with all excursions operating normally. He clarifies that only the National Park's trails are closed, while the Provincial Park's trails are open, with the only change being that the circuit where the jaguar is sighted requires a guide. The risk, he warns, is that tourists might read "the park is closed" and decide not to visit at all, which would be far more damaging. The National Parks Administration stated they are developing an adaptive management strategy, adjusting access based on Ombú's daily movements.

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You can visit Iberá calmly. All excursions are carried out. The National Park trails are the only thing that is closed. The Provincial Park has its trails open normally; the only change is that the circuit where the jaguar is sighted is done exclusively with a guide.