Chile is a country in South America characterized by a great variety of ecosystems, each with its own peculiarities of flora and fauna, which make it a tourist destination for visitors from all over the world. Coast, mountain range, volcanic islands and an arctic area are just some of the environments that can be found.
Unfortunately, various species, some of them endemic to each strip, are in danger of extinction. The persecution of man, pollution, the growth of cities, among others, are some of the reasons why they are threatened. Next, find out which are the animals in danger of extinction in Chile
1. Cordilleran chinchilla
Scientific name Chinchilla chinchilla, and also called highland or royal, this small mammal is critically endangered Native to the mountains rocky areas of Peru, Argentina and Chile, in less than a decade it has seen its population almost completely reduced. The reason? Man has hunted it mercilessly to use its fine fur to make coats
two. Andean fox
The Lycalopex culpaeus is typical of the South American plains, and can even be found in the Chilean Tierra del Fuego. It is considered the second largest canine in the continent, which does not prevent the action of human beings from increasingly reducing its population.
Some consider this species to be of minor concern, although it is now extinct from many areas that were once part of its range. Its main enemy is man, who hunts it for its meat, and common dogs, loose in their habitat, with whom they compete for food.
3. Chilean Frog
Calyptocephalella gayi is endemic to central Chile. It is an amphibian that reaches twenty centimeters in height, considered the largest in the country Its conservation status is classified as vulnerable, with a high possibility of passing to species in danger of extinction if the matter is not taken action.
Although Chilean law has declared it a protected species, its population continues to decline, because the The meat of this frog is highly valued as food In addition, the introduction of other species into its habitat, with whom it must compete for survival, also contributes to the decline in numbers.
4. Sea Cat
The chungungo, or sea cat (Lontra felina) is a genus of otter that inhabits the Chilean coast, from Valparaíso to Earth of fire. With rather reserved habits, it is difficult to spot this species, as it prefers to hide in rocky areas. Considered in danger of extinction, many specimens often perish in fishermen's nets, while others are hunted for their skin The Chilean government is carrying out initiatives to ensure their preservation in the wild.
5. Huemul
Also known as Andean deer, the Hippocamelus bisulcus is found both in Chile and Argentina, inhabiting the mountain range area. It has been considered endangered since the end of the 20th century, but this has not prevented its population from continuing to decline. In Chile it is a protected species and lives in several reserves, as it is so important that it even appears on the country's coat of arms. Their number has dropped because is hunted for "sport" purposes
6. Chilote fox
Endemic species of southern Chile, the Lycalopex fulvipes is a canine considered critically endangered. Currently, it is estimated that there are less than 1000 specimens throughout the country, despite government intentions to create spaces for their conservation. Their greatest enemy are the owners of the farms, who annihilate them to prevent them from devouring the chickens, in addition to destroying the habitats from which they originate.
7. Lynx cat
Feline with various names, such as Andean cat or titi, the Leopardus jacobitus is a species that can reach almost a meter in length (if the tail is included), cataloged as the most threatened feline in South America It is distributed between Argentina and Chile, and can be found above all in Atacama, Coquimbo and Antofagasta. The lynx is hunted because its skin is considered an amulet to attract good fortune.
8. Andean deer
Also called taruca, the Hippocamelus antisensis inhabits northern Chile, in steep and rocky areas, and is a species that is in a state of vulnerability. There are less than 20,000 in the Andean zone of the Americas, of which it is estimated that only 1,000 live in Chile. Its disappearance is due to indiscriminate hunting, in addition to the destruction of its habitat and the competition for survival with other introduced species in the area.
9. Tricahue Parrot
The Cyanoliseus patagonus bloxami is the largest parrot that exists in Chilean territory, but unfortunately it is critically endangered The exact number of existing specimens is not known, but most of them are found in the Maule and O'Higgins regions. The indiscriminate capture to turn them into pets and illegal trafficking are the two evils that have slowly been destroying this species.
10. Chilean star
Also called Hummingbird or Hummingbird of Arica, the Eulidia yarrellii is a bird that only lives in some valleys of the Arica and Parinacotta. Their exact number is unknown, but it is believed that there are fewer than 1,500 individuals. The greatest danger is represented by the agricultural industry, which destroys their natural habitat or spreads pesticides in the areas to be planted that are toxic to these birds.
How to protect Chile's fauna?
The animals of Chile must be protected to ensure their survival in the environment, therefore, we invite you to discover more about the protection of animals in our article on How to protect animals in danger of extinction? Don't forget to follow these tips:
- If you observe any illegal practice, report it to the relevant authorities.
- Do not participate in animal exploitation activities, such as circuses and illegal exhibitions.
- Take care of the environment so that all the animals can continue to enjoy it.
- Do not encourage illegal animal trafficking by acquiring wild animals.
- Become a volunteer at a wildlife protection center.
