Chaco Austral

The Chaco Austral is a region in South America, primarily located in Argentina, with smaller portions extending into Paraguay and Bolivia. This arid, subtropical area is characterized by low forests and savannas, and it is largely uninhabited. The name "Chaco" originates from the Quechua word for "Hunting Land".1

The region is defined by two permanent rivers, the Pilcomayo and the Bermejo, which flow southeastward from the Andes. The Chaco Austral is situated south of the Bermejo River. Its vegetation is adapted to arid conditions and includes thorny shrubs, low trees, and vast hardwood forests, particularly the economically important quebracho tree, a source of tannin and lumber. Wildlife in the Chaco includes deer, peccaries, monkeys, jaguars, and a wide variety of birds. Indigenous peoples have historically inhabited the Chaco, relying on hunting, gathering, and fishing, with diverse linguistic groups.123456