Flat-Topped Hills (Cerros Chatos)Sandstone ledges

El Retorno II

Flat-topped hills and ravines characteristic of north-eastern Uruguay.

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Since

2021

Location

Tacuarembó

175 ha

Protected ecosystems

2

Category

High Conservation Value Area

About the reserve

It comprises flat-topped sandstone and basalt hills typical of north-eastern Uruguay, together with their associated vegetation and scenic beauty.

Paraje Bañado de RochaView on map
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Key features

Flat-topped sandstone and basalt hills

Geological formations typical of northeastern Uruguay, with singular associated vegetation and great scenic beauty.

Endemic species

Presence of endemic plant and animal species with restricted distributions, such as the Gekko de las Piedras and native cacti.

Sandstone ledges

A singular ecosystem with specialised vegetation adapted to the conditions of the rocky ledges.

Active conservation management

Control of invasive woody species and management of livestock stocking rates to preserve native ecosystems.

Biodiversity recorded in El Retorno II

704

Flora species

40

Flora prioritised for conservation

79

Birds

8

Mammals

7

Reptiles

8

Amphibians

1

Priority tetrapods

Featured species

Featured species of El Retorno II

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Photo pending

Croton cuchilla-nigrae

Croton cuchilla-nigrae

Endemic plant species with a restricted distribution, associated with the flat-topped hills of north-eastern Uruguay.

Photo pending

Parodia tenuicylindrica

Parodia tenuicylindrica

Endangered

An endemic cactus with a restricted distribution, typical of sandstone ledges.

Photo pending

Paspalum stellatum

Paspalum stellatum

Threatened

A grass with a restricted distribution, associated with the vegetation of flat-topped hills.

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Landscapes and biodiversity of this reserve

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