The Republic of Argentina is the second largest country in South America, which undoubtedly offers a variety of regions and ecosystems that range from desert areas and glaciers to mighty rivers and forests. This diversity of habitats undoubtedly offers different places for an important fauna to develop. That is why, from our site, we want to present you an article about native animals of ArgentinaContinue reading and meet these wonderful animals of South America.
Alligator overo (Caiman latirostris)
This animal from Argentina also extends to Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. It is classified as least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), with a stable population. However, pollution, habitat alteration and hunting are latent threats to the species.
This reptile of the Crocodilia order is medium in size, with a maximum dimension of about 3.16 meters. In the case of Argentina it is distributed throughout the northeast and opts for natural aquatic ecosystems with abundant vegetation, although it can also invade artificial ponds.
Magellanic Penguin (Spheniscus magellanicus)
The Magellanic penguin belongs to the order Sphenisciformes, it is a bird native to Argentina and Chile and is also present in Brazil, Peru and Uruguay. It is a medium-sized penguin, with a size of up to about 45 cm and a weight of about 3 kg. The coloration of the plumage is a combination mainly of black and white, and in some cases grayish tones. These penguins feed exclusively in the ocean on fish and crustaceans, while on land they reproduce.
Between the coasts of Argentina and the Malvinas Islands, there are at least 167 sites where these birds congregate. Generally, they forage on the continental shelf in Argentina, although they can also do so outside of it. For reproduction, they use habitats such as scrublands and coastal grasslands of the aforementioned country. The IUCN considers it to be of least concern.
Get to know all the types of penguins in this other article and continue learning about these fantastic animals.
Boa curiyú (Eunectes notaeus)
This reptile, belonging to the boa family, is an animal native to Argentina and other countries in the South American region. The IUCN has classified it as least concern. It is characterized by being a large snake, which can reach a little over 4 meters. Like the rest of the boas, it is not poisonous.
In the case of Argentina, the curiyú boa reaches the southernmost point of its distribution, developing in aquatic ecosystems such as wetlands, marshes and riverside habitats, which in some cases are seasonal. Due to the fact that it tolerates certain anthropic disturbances, it manages to have a presence in water canals built for the irrigation of plantations.
Guanaco (Lama guanicoe)
This is one of the main herbivores of the region, being an animal native both to Argentina and other nearby countries. It has a height of a little more than a meter and about two meters long. The coat is a combination of brown or tan with white tones towards the extremities, while the face is grey.
The peculiarity of this native animal of Argentina is its adaptability to develop in habitats with extreme conditions, so that it can be present at altitudes ranging from sea level to 5000 meters. In addition, for example, in Patagonia it is located in desert areas, grasslands, thickets or temperate forests. In this sense, it is present in desert places, but also in snow-covered areas.
Red Lizard (Tupinambis rufescens)
This is a reptile native to Argentina, Bolivia and Paraguay. When it is an adult they have a reddish coloration accompanied by patterns of dark spots on the body, while on the tail it forms uniform stripes. The males are larger than the females, reaching dimensions of almost 1.5 meters, while the latter do not reach one meter. Its head is robust and males develop a dewlap.
This species grows in the west and central Argentina, particularly in areas with desert and semi-desert conditions, with low rainfall. During the winter it stays in burrows and only when temperatures rise to warm conditions is it active. It is considered Least Concern by the IUCN, but is subject to pressure from habitat modification and pet trade.
Discover more Animals that live in burrows in this other article, some species will surprise you!
Zorrino (Conepatus chinga)
This species belongs to a mammal of the Mephitidae family, which includes animals that have anal glands that expel a very unpleasant odorThe skunk has abundant fur and its color varies depending on the region, being black, dark brown or reddish brown, with the presence of two white stripes that run along the upper part of the body.
It develops in grasslands, desert areas or even forests, using cracks in rocks or holes in trees as shelters, although it can also dig their own burrows. It is considered Least Concern by the IUCN.
Ñandu (Rhea pennata)
This is a large, flightless bird and native to Argentina and Chile It is characterized by being about one meter tall and weigh between 15 and almost 30 kg. The head is small, but with a long neck. It has sharp claws and has the peculiarity of reaching great speeds. The plumage is generally brown with white spots, but tends to lighten towards the extremities.
This Argentine bird species inhabits steppes, thickets, certain wetlands, prairies and even near ponds. It forms groups of 5 to 30 individuals, made up of several females and one male. According to the IUCN, this species is classified as least concern.
Pampas Fox (Pseudalopex gymnocercus)
The pampas or small gray fox is native to Argentina and a few other nearby countries. This canid looks similar to other foxes, with a fairly wide forehead, elongated and narrow snout, and long triangular ears. The color of the coat varies from yellowish to dark and, in many cases, with a gray hue. The build of this mammal is slim.
Grows in different types of open habitats, plains with tall grasses, sub-humid or dry areas, coastal dunes, open forests and also intervened areas.
Do you want to know more about these animals? Discover the Types of foxes in this other article.
Howler Monkey (Alouatta caraya)
It belongs to the group of New World monkeys and is native to both Argentina and nearby countries. It is a species with sexual dimorphism, so that the males have a black coloration while the females are yellow or with tawny tones. It measures between 40 and 65 cm and has a long tail that can even be the same size as the body. The weight in females is between 3 and 5 kg, and in males between 5 and 8 kg.
It is widely distributed in Argentina, occupying deciduous, semi-dry, evergreen, gallery forests and patches of forest in savannahs. It is listed as Near Threatened due primarily to habitat alteration, although hunting also affects it.
Without a doubt, the howler monkey is one of the most exotic animals in Argentina, don't you think? If you want to know other types of monkeys, don't miss this other article!
Sea lion (Otaria byronia)
This species had also been called Otaria flavescens, but various scientists and the marine mammal society concluded that O. byronia was the one to be used. However, O. flavescens is still used by some members of the scientific community.
This typical animal of Argentina belongs to the group of heavy-bodied earworms. Males measure between 2.1 and 2.6 m in length and weigh up to 350 kg, while females are half these dimensions. It is native to Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Peru and Uruguay. They develop in the coastal zone, in tidal pools and even in more inland areas that remain open to the sea. They can move up to about 300 km from the coast when they enter the water. It is classified as Least Concern.
Other animals of Argentina
In addition to those mentioned above, here are other animals that also live in various regions of this country. So, discover more typical animals of Argentina in this list:
- Pudu (Pudu puda)
- Puma (Puma concolor)
- Vicuña (Vicugna vicugna)
- Furnarius rufus
- Rodent otter or coypu (Myocastor coypus)
- Taruca (Hippocamelus antisensis)
- Tatú carreta (Priodontes maximus)
- Wooden Cauquen (Chloephaga picta)
- Loica pampeana (Sturnella defilippii)
- Yellow Cardinal (Gubernatrix cristata)
- Maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus)
- Capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris)
- Southern Right Whale (Eubalaena australis)
- Marsh Deer (Blastocerus Dichotomus)
