Bañados del Río Dulce y Laguna de Mar Chiquita. 28/05/02; Córdoba; ca. 996,000 ha; 30°23'S 062°46'W. Reserva Provincial de Uso Múltiple.The largest and most important endorheic catchment in Argentina, the site comprises the large saline lake Mar Chiquita (one of the largest saline lakes in the world, with waters varying between saline and hypersaline), the expansive swamps of the Río Dulce (or Río Petri) on the northern shore, and the mouths of several secondary rivers to the south. The site fulfils all eight of the Ramsar Criteria and is considered one of the most important wetlands in Argentina and in the Chaco ecoregion in terms of the richness of its biodiversity in a range from freshwater to very saline. A number of species meet the waterbird Criteria, including Egretta thula (400,000 individuals), Phalaropus tricolor (200,000), Phalacrocorax olivaceus (42,000), Bubulcus ibis (60,000), and Plegadis chihi (400,000), and at least 4 species above the 1% threshold. Some 27 species of fish are known to breed in the site. Livestock raising and fishing are principal land uses, with some forestry and agriculture. The area holds enormous anthropological interest for the ancient peoples and lifestyles in evidence and abundance of archaeological sites. Ramsar site no. 1176.Most recent RIS information: 2002.