Argentina is one of the largest countries in Latin America, with an area of 2,780,400 square kilometers. A great biodiversity develops in this territory. Many animal species abound in the jungles, rivers, lakes, mountains and desert areas of the country.
However, fauna does not escape the consequences of human actions, since for different reasons many face the risk of disappearing. For this reason, we show you in the following article the 10 most endangered animals in Argentina
1. Andean Flamingo
The Andean flamingo (Phoenicoparrus andinus) is a bird with long legs with 3 fingers pointing forward, a stretched neck and pale pinkish plumage. It is located in northwestern Argentina in habitats between 2,300 and 4,500 meters above sea level, where there is an abundance of lakes. It feeds on small fish, aquatic invertebrates, algae and other microscopic organisms.
It is considered a vulnerable species, since its population decreases due to the use of eggs for human consumption and habitat degradation due to mining.
You may be interested in finding out why flamingos are pink.
two. Huemul
The huemul (Hippocamelus bisulcus) is a deer of large, robust, with large ears and antlers in males; its fur has brown tones. They are excellent swimmers in the glacial waters of the lakes and rivers typical of their habitat, since their thick fur protects them from low temperatures.
It has been discovered that this species suffers from stress, so they are prone to dying of heart attacks if they feel threatened. They are endangered due to poaching and the destruction of their habitat by forest fires.
3. Tatú cart
The carreta armadillo or giant armadillo (Priodontes maximus) is an animal that is considered vulnerable to extinction, because its population is declining due to habitat loss and indiscriminate hunting.
It is characterized by a shell made up of transverse plates that cover it up to the tail. It has a large body, but its limbs are quite short. It feeds on insects, especially ants, earthworms and larvae.
Discover more about the habitat of the giant armadillo.
4. Jaguar
El yaguareté or jaguar (Panthera onca) is considered one of the largest cats in the Americas. It has a robust body with a huge head and a large jaw capable of catching any animal in its path. The fur is orange accompanied by black spots; its eyes are yellow and its small ears are capable of perceiving many sounds.
It is considered nearly threatened with extinction due to the destruction of its habitat and poaching for its fur, therefore that its population is gradually decreasing.
5. Chaco Peccary
The Chaco peccary (Catagonus wagneri) is considered the largest pig in the world. Its head is prominent, its ears are long and hairy, as are its legs with two toes on the back, which lack lateral nails. In addition, its sight and smell are highly developed thanks to the adaptation it has had in arid areas. It feeds on plants, mainly cacti and roots.
It is in danger of extinction due to the destruction of its habitat, hunting and the introduction of species displaced by agriculture.
6. White Lagoon Frog
Anita de Laguna Blanca (Atelognathus patagonicus) is an amphibian about 5 centimeters long that has fully webbed fingers and smooth skin. Its belly, chest and throat are slightly orange, while the rest of its body has greenish tones.
Inhabits lagoons where it feeds on other smaller aquatic animals. It is in danger of extinction due to the introduction of exotic animals in its natural habitat and the effect of agriculture.
7. Cordilleran suri
The suri cordillerano (Rhea pennata garleppi) is a running bird that is characterized by its long legs with only three toes and a small head. As for its plumage, it is normally grayish in color, but it can vary to brown or even white tones. It inhabits areas above 4000 meters above sea level, in steppes and plateaus.
It is in danger of extinction due to poaching for its feathers and fur, as well as the use of its eggs for human consumption.
8. Aguará guazú
The maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) is considered the largest fox in South AmericaIt belongs to the canine family and is also known as the maned wolf. It measures up to one and a half meters long, but weighs a mere 25 kilograms, which makes it an extremely light animal. Its fur is reddish, except for its legs and snout, which are black. It lives in grasslands and plains where it feeds on mammals and birds, but the basis of its diet is herbs.
It is considered near threatened and there are no exact records on the number of individuals in the wild. Its main enemies are the advance of urbanism in its habitat and poaching to use its skin.
Find out more about foxes and the different types of foxes that exist.
9. Argentine Speckled Frog
The Argentine Speckled Frog (Argenteohyla siemersi) lives only in northwestern Argentina, but can also be found in parts of Uruguay and Paraguay. It prefers to live in the waters of the swamps and feeds on insects. The species is in danger of extinction due to the effect that agriculture has on its habitat, pollution and climate change.
10. Colicohorto of a stretch mark
The (Monodelphis unistriata) is a medium-sized marsupial characterized by gray on the back, cream on the belly and brown on the sides of the body. Few data are available on the species, as a specimen has not been sighted since the mid-20th century.
Despite this, the species is still not considered extinct, but critically endangered because the number of living specimens is unknown. It is believed that it inhabits part of the Argentine province of Misiones and a small area of Brazil. Their biggest threat is habitat destruction from activities such as logging.
Have you been wanting more? Then don't miss our article on the 12 invasive species in Argentina and their consequences.
