Among the area's fauna are a number of species found on international protection lists, including field deer, the anteater, river wolves, mountain lion, straw cat, native duck, and dragon duck. More than 147 species of birds include many aquatic birds, both resident and migratory, that breed here. Mammals of economic importance also dwell in these wetlands, including river otters and carpincho and invertebrates such as yellow clams, mussels, and shrimps. People have long benefited from the productivity of the Eastern Wetlands as well as affected their condition. Hilly zones are used to raise livestock.
Unflooded plains accommodate extensive ranching and rice growing.
Temporarily or permanently flooded plains are used for cattle ranching. The coastal strip is marked by major rocky massifs of exceptional natural beauty, which attract sizable numbers of tourists. All these activities pose threats to the wetlands' biodiversity and viability. Wetlands are converted to rice fields, modifying water flows with dikes, ditches, and dams and introducing pesticides and fertilizers. Public and private projects to manage water and construct highways also alter water flows.