Peninsula Valdes in Patagonia is a site of global significance for the conservation of marine mammals. Peninsula Valdes is located in the Argentinean Province of Chubut. It is an important nature reserve which was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999.

It is home to an important breeding population of the endangered southern right whale as well as important breeding populations of southern elephant seals and southern sea lions. The orcas in this area have developed a unique hunting strategy to adapt to local coastal conditions.

The peninsula also contains the most important breeding ground for Southern right whales in the world. The inner part of the peninsula is inhabited by rheas, guanacos and maras. A high diversity and range of birds live in the peninsula as well; at least 181 bird species, 66 of which migratory, live in the area, including the Antarctic pigeon.

The peninsula has a semi-arid climate with an annual rainfall of 246mm with significant fluctuations between years. There are important breeding colonies of shorebirds and tens of thousands of nesting Magellanic Penguin. Most of the peninsula is barren land with some salt lakes.

Argentina

Los Alerces National Park |  Valdes Peninsula |  Iguaza National Park