Las Chinchillas National Reserve

Infobox_Protected_area | name = Las Chinchillas National Reserve
iucn_category = IV


caption = Chinchilla Habitat
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location = Coquimbo Region, Chile
nearest_city = Illapel
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area = 42.29 km²
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governing_body = Corporación Nacional Forestal

Las Chinchillas National Reserve is a nature reserve located in the Choapa Province, Coquimbo Region, Chile. The reserve gives shelter to the last colonies of Long-tailed Chinchillas in the wild.

Biology

In addition to the chinchillas, other small mammals (mainly rodents), 2 fox species and felines like the Puma live within the reserve and surrounding hills. Actually only about 1/2 of the wild chinchillas are located within the reserve boundaies. The other half live on private and communally owned lands.

The reserve is home to a number of species of birds, including Chilean Mockingbird, Chilean Tinamou, Long-tailed Meadowlark, Moustached Turca and Harris's Hawk. Owl species inhabiting the park include Burrowing Owl, Austral Pygmy-owl and Great Horned Owl. The Andean condor can also be seen in the area.

References

*Es icon [http://www.sernatur.cl/Areas_Silvestres/Coquimbo/Coquimbo.html Reserva Nacional Las Chinchillas]