Dulce River Wetland

Abstract

The Dulce River wetland, located in the lower floodplain of the Dulce River, is considered one of the few large wetlands remaining in the Chaco ecoregion. This wetland is characterized by a heterogeneous and complex landscape that combines the Dulce River braided channel, temporary and permanent ponds, extended grasslands, halophytic scrubs, and elevated areas with woody vegetation, all of which provide habitat to abundant and diverse flora and fauna. The vegetation formations are described in relation to the dynamics generated by the annual flood and fire pulses, which are critical drivers of the wetland dynamics. With regard to land use, the wetland remained almost unaltered and sparsely populated until recent years. However, at present, the wetland is threatened by a reduction in water flow and increasing control of the annual flooding pulse due to water diversion for irrigation and urban consumption in the upper Dulce River. In addition, a rapid change in land use from transhumant pastoralism to a sedentary, highly technified beef and crop production is taking place. As a result, replacement of original vegetation with introduced pastures and crops is generating negative environmental impacts and social conflicts, being of particular concern in the protected area.