Skip to main content

12 animals of Patagonia that you should know


Animals of Chilean and Argentine Patagonia

Generally, Patagonia is usually "divided" into two large areas or regions: the coastal or coastal zone , which is cleared by the Atlantic Ocean on the Argentine side and the Ocean Pacific, in Chile, and the continental or Andean-Patagonian region that includes the most central regions, with predominantly desert climates, up to the Andes Mountains, with a great predominance of humid and glacial forests.

In addition to the differences in the landscape, it is also possible to note that biodiversity is usually different in these regions.In the coastal region, we observe a clear predominance of fish, birds and aquatic mammals, while in the area continental land mammals and species adapted to freshwater bodies, mainly lakes and lagoons stand out.

As in both regions, we find several locations with similar microclimates and environmental conditions in both Chilean Patagonia and the argenti na, it is possible to find many species that inhabit both countries, so we want to start by presenting you the animals of the Chilean Patagonia and Argentina that could be considered of "shared origin" .


1.Guanaco

The guanaco ( Lama guanicoe ) is one of the most representative animals of Patagonia, being popularly known as "llama patagonica".It is a herbivorous mammal native to America South that belongs to the family of camelids , as well as llamas, vicunas and alpacas.Although its population is extended throughout the entire Andes Mountains, the largest concentration is in the Patagonian region.

In fact, it is estimated that almost 95% of the world population of guanacos is in Argentina , where they inhabit from the Puna in the North end of the country, to Tierra del Fuego, its southernmost province.In Chilean Patagonia, the population of Guanacos has experienced an alarming reduction of up to 75% in recent decades, mostly due to the Currently, it is among the protected species in the country and in Chilean Patagonia, the guanacos can be sighted mainly in the Torres del Paine National Park, located in the Magallanes division.

12 animals of Patagonia that you should know


2 Magellan penguin

The penguins are one of the most famous birds that do not fly and in the Patagonian region, it is possible to observe several species of penguins, mainly during migratory times, however, one of the most emblematic animals of Patagonia Argentina and Chile is, without a doubt, the magallan penguin ( Spheniscus magellanicus ), also called Patagonian penguin .

Every year, Magellanic penguins travel to the coast of the Patagonian region to nest with their partners, being generally monogamous.In Chile, we find one of the largest colonies in the world in the Natural Monument " Los Pinguinos ", located in Isla Magdalena National Park.It is estimated that more than 70,000 couples of this species nest in this reserve located in the Strait of Magellan.

Already in the Argentine Patagonia, the magallanic penguins usually build their nests on the shores of the provinces of Chubut and Santa Cruz , and it is possible to observe very large colonies in the Valdes Peninsula, Punta Tombo and Puerto Deseado.Puntas Tombo stands out for being the largest and most studied site of continental penguins in the world.

12 animals of Patagonia that you should know


3.Toninas

In Chile and Argentina, the various dolphin species that inhabit mainly the cold Patagonian waters are often called "toninas." But the most common dolphins in Argentine Patagonia and Chilean dolphins are southern and dark dolphins.

Dark dolphins, also known as Fitzroy dolphins ( Lagenorhynchus obscurus ), are smaller than the other species of cetaceans odontocetos.However, there is a great variety of sizes among the individuals of this species.In Chile, the larger individuals of Patagonia, which can reach 2 meters in total length, are usually seen.Already in the Argentine Patagonia, there are the smallest Fitzroy dolphins, whose body It is about 1.7 meters long.

Although there are no precise data on its population worldwide, in the decade of 90 there has been intense sighting work in the Patagonian region, from which It has been estimated that about 7,000 specimens lived in the southernmost waters of the Americas.

The southern dolphins ( Lagenorhynchus australis ), also called of antarctic dolphins, they live are an endemic species of southern Patagonia, inhabiting mainly in the icy waters between Tierra del Fuego and Antarctica .Generally, they measure about 2 meters in length and are similar to dark dolphins, but his face is dark gray, my You enter that of the dark dolphins is mostly white.

12 animals of Patagonia that you should know


4.Korrino of Patagonia

The Patagonian skunk ( Conepatus humboldtii ), popularly known as Patagonia chingue , is a small mammal from the family of mefitids that live mainly in the southern part of the Patagonian region.

These little skunks are opportunistic carnivorous animals that maintain nocturnal habits .Their food is based on consumption of bird eggs and small mammals that you can easily hunt thanks to its powerful nose.You can also catch insects and worms to complement your nutrition, especially during winter when food is scarcer.

12 animals of Patagonia that you should know


5.Nandu of Darwin

The nandues ( Rhea ) are birds that do not fly, looking similar to ostriches, but smaller in size and endemic to South America.Currently, two species of denandues are recognized:

  • Common nandues or American ( Rhea americana ), which inhabit from the center of Brazil to northern Argentina and eastern Paraguay.
  • Darwin Nandues or petisos ( Rhea pennata ), whose population is mainly concentrated in the steppes of Chilean and Argentine Patagonia.

Losnandus petisos are relatively small, with a height of approximately 90 cm.They stand out for their running speed, being able to reach speeds of up to 60km/h .In the Patagonian region they have many names, such as petitos, choice, Patagonian nandues, Suri and Andean nuns.Unfortunately, their population has been dramatically reduced in the last decades and, today, p etisos are one of the animals of Patagonia at risk of extinction, mainly due to hunting.

12 animals of Patagonia that you should know


6.Puma

The puma ( Puma concolor ), well known as the "lions of America" ​​, are one of the great Predators of the American continent.Currently, six subspecies of this great cat are recognized and five of them live in South America.The only subspecies that lives in North America is Puma concolor couguar , whose population extends from Canada to Northern Nicaragua.

Among the animals of Patagonia, we find the southern South American puma ( Puma concolor puma or Puma concolor patagonica) , that stands out for being the South American subspecies that best adapts to cold climates.In Chile, its population lives from the central region to the Strait of Magellan, with special concentration in the Torres National Park del Paine .Already in Argentina, they extend from the Central-West to the South Patagonia.In both countries, their population has been reduced in alarm Thanks to hunting, and they are considered as threatened or endangered species, depending on the region.

12 animals of Patagonia that you should know


Animals of Patagonia Argentina

Now, let's talk a little more about the animals of Patagonia that are mainly in Argentine territory .Of course, this does not mean that they cannot also be sighted in Chilean Patagonia , but are often associated more frequently with the ecosystems and culture of Argentina.Let's see below some curiosities about these species of the Argentine Patagonia.


7 patagonian sea

The mara ( Dolichotis patagonum ), also known as Patagonian hare , is a kind of large-sized rodent that It is considered endemic to Argentina, although it can also be found in the extreme south of Chile.Despite its popular name, the mara does not belong to the order of hares and rabbits ( Lagomorpha ), but is classified within the order Rodentia, in which there are also rats, squirrels, capybaras, etc.

Maras stand out for being the largest rodents in the world , whose body weight can vary from 8 to 15 kg.Also, they also attract attention because of their monogamous and faithful behavior to their partner, since most rodents usually mate with different individuals during the reproductive seasons.

12 animals of Patagonia that you should know


8.Southern Franc

The southern right whale ( Eubalaena australis ) arrives annually at the Valdes Peninsula in mid-winter to mate with the arrival of spring, and together with them, they arrive at this very important natural reserve located on the coast of the Argentine province of Chubut, thousands of tourists and researchers eager to see them personally from the continent or in boats.

12 animals of Patagonia that you should know


9 sea lions

The geography of the Atlantic coast of Argentine Patagonia seems to be perfect for the lifestyle of the South American sea lions ( Otaria flavescens ).large aquatic mammals take advantage of the rock formations and the beaches under the cliffs that are so emblematic of the Patagonian coast to rest while sunbathing, with the great advantage of being able to quickly dive into the water to swim, hunt or escape from their main natural predator, killer whales .

Although they can be found along most of the Argentinean Atlantic coast and in some locations cleared by the Pacific Ocean in Chile and Peru, the most numerous colonies and studied are found in the coastal regions of the Argentine provinces of Chubut, mainly in the Valdes Peninsula .

12 animals of Patagonia that you should know


Animals of Chilean Patagonia

Now, the time has come to talk about the Patagonian species that predominate in Chilean territory .Again, we point out that this does not mean that they cannot also live on the Argentine side of the region, but they are more associated with the culture and ecosystems of Chile.Then we discover some curiosities about the animals of the Chilean Patagonia:


10 Darwin's Fox

The Darwin fox ( Lycalopex fulvipes ) is a species of canid considered endemic to southern Chile, where it is also well known as chilote fox .It is a type of small size fox, with a height at the cross of approximately 25 cm and average body weight between 2.5 and 4 kg.Its fur is usually dark gray or black, with some spots reddish in the legs and ears, possibly being confused with the gray fox or squeak.

Unfortunately, it is considered one of the animals in greater danger of extinction , in the IUCN Red List and for Greenpeace.Currently, its population is practically limited to the Chiloe Island and the Nahuelbuta Range , but it can also be to find more scattered in some National Parks in Chilean Patagonia.

12 animals of Patagonia that you should know


11.Huemul

The huemul ( Hippocamelus bisulcus ) is an animal so emblematic in Chile that it is considered as one of its national symbols and is part of the national shield of this country.This species of deer is native to the Andean regions of the Southern Cone of South America , inhabiting mainly in the forests of the Chilean and Argentine Patagonia.It is also a very animal important in Argentina, having been declared a national monument in the 90s.

Currently, the huemul is one of the animals of Patagonia at risk of extinction, thanks to the fact that it has been hunted indiscriminately during more than a century.It is estimated that there are less than 2,000 huemules in the Patagonian region and that its population has been reduced by half in the last 500 years.In Chile, its hunting, possession, capture and commercialization are prohibited by Law 19,473, being one of the most protected species in the country.

12 animals of Patagonia that you should know


12.Pudu

The pudues ( Pudu ) make up a genus of small-sized cervids that are native to the Andean regions of South America.Currently, two species are recognized of pudues:

  • North Pudu ( Pudu mephistophiles ) , that lives mainly in North America South, between Peru, Venezuela, Ecuador and Colombia.
  • Pudu del Sur ( Pudu puda ) , that lives only in the Andean forests of central-southern Chile and western Argentina.

Although not one of the most famous animals in Patagonia, the pudu stands out for being the cervix of smaller size known today.It seems that its population is only abundant in the archipelago of Chiloe , which is part of the lake region in Chilean Patagonia.But puddings can also be found in Chile at along the Regions of Araucania and Aysen .In Argentina, the ma The largest number of individuals is in Lanin National Park , in the province of Neuquen.

12 animals of Patagonia that you should know


Patagonia animals in extinction

You should know that some of the animals we have mentioned on this list are in danger of extinction according to the IUCN Red List , are the following:

  • Guanaco
  • Magellanic Penguin
  • Fitzroy Dolphins
  • Southern Dolphins
  • Patagonian Skunk
  • Common Nandues
  • Darwin Nandues
  • Puma
  • Patagonian Mara
  • Southern Right Whale
  • Sea lions
  • Darwin's fox
  • Huemul
  • North Pudu
  • South Pudu

How can you see, all the animals mentioned are in danger of extinction , hence the importance of preserving the habitat of these species and their lifestyle.

If you want to read more articles similar to 12 animals of Patagonia , we recommend that you enter our Curiosities section of the animal world.

Bibliography

  • Baldi, RB, Acebes, P., Cuellar, E., Funes, M., Sickles, D., Puig, S.&Franklin, WL2016.Lama guanicoe. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T11186A18540211.http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-1.RLTS.T11186A18540211.en.Downloaded on 21 June 2019.
  • BirdLife International 2018.Spheniscus magellanicus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T22697822A132605485.http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-2.RLTS.T22697822A132605485.en.Downloaded on 21 June 2019.
  • Alafaro-Shiguieto, J., Crespo, E., Elwen, S., Lundquist, D.&Mangel, J.2019.Lagenorhynchus obscurus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019: e.T11146A50362028.http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2019-1.RLTS.T11146A50362028.en.Downloaded on 21 June 2019.
  • Heinrich, S.&Dellabianca, N.2019.Lagenorhynchus australis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019: e.T11143A50361589.http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2019-1.RLTS.T11143A50361589.en.Downloaded on 21 June 2019.
  • Emmons, L.&Helgen, K.2016.Conepatus humboldtii. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T41631A45210677.http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-1.RLTS.T41631A45210677.en.Downloaded on 21 June 2019.
  • BirdLife International 2016.Rhea americana. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22678073A92754472.http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22678073A92754472.en.Downloaded on 21 June 2019.
  • BirdLife International 2018.Rhea pennata. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T22728199A132179491.http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-2.RLTS.T22728199A132179491.en.Downloaded on 21 June 2019.
  • Nielsen, C., Thompson, D., Kelly, M.&Lopez-Gonzalez, CA2015.Puma concolor (errata version published in 2016). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2015: e.T18868A97216466.http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2015-4.RLT
Etiquetas:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

How to deworm canaries? - Internally and externally

The canary is a bird that has been bred in captivity for more of 500 years and is especially appreciated for its pleasant and sweet melodies.It is also a sweet and harmonious bird that enjoys the company of its relatives in a large cage. However, on the sidelines of their diet, one of the main cares that we must offer our canaries is grooming, since otherwise they contract parasites that can be very dangerous for their health. Do you want to know how to deworm canaries? In this article we tell you different methods! What parasites affect the canaries? The parasites are one of the most common diseases in the Canaries, which contract them mainly due to the lack of hygiene in the space where they live.If you have canaries it is of vital importance that you maintain a correct cleaning of their cages and utensils, since certain parasites can even cause them death. The most common parasites that affect these birds are: Mites in the canaries : they can stay in the body of the a...
Post a Comment
Read more

Gineta: characteristics and photos

The gine or genetta genetta in European is a feral animal that inhabits the entire Iberian Peninsula and in the southern half of France.There is a theory that the ginads that populate our lands come from Africa, and were introduced by the Saracens in the eighth century, as domestic animals.Another (more modern) theory states that the Romans had ginnets in their homes to keep them free of mice. Roman ginets came from Egypt although they also had domesticated gints in Constantinople.They are tremendously predatory animals, great hunters of rats, mice and snakes. Origin Wild ginetas originally have two origins: Africa and Asia.From there they have colonized other places, basically due to the intervention of man. It was common the presence of ginetas on the Phoenician ships and ships of later cultures .Obviously, by the success in antiquity and some documents that prove it, the gin can be tamed ; however, it can hardly be considered a pet to use if one is adopted. Physical a...
Post a Comment
Read more

Gray parrot or red-tailed yaco: characteristics

Origin of the yaco parrot The gray parrot is found naturally in almost all of Africa, being able to spot specimens in different countries, such as Kenya or Nigeria, but not all gray parrots are the same, because depending on the region it will be more frequent to see one or the other of the three subspecies of gray parrot that exist: the nominal one, which is the most frequent at the same time as the most appreciated as a company animal, that of vinegar tail and that of the islands of S.Tome and Principe. The habitat of the yaco is made up of mangroves to lush equatorial forests, including also areas adjacent to the courses of the rivers and cenagas.Currently, due to the destruction of many of these habitats, the red-tailed yaco parrot is within the threatened species list . There are no documents that date the existence of the red-tailed yaco parrot from a concrete moment in history, although it is estimated that already existed more than 4000 years ago ong>, being a kin...
Post a Comment
Read more

Animals that clean the aquarium

Aquariums tend to get dirty very easily.An excess of food, a direct sun, having excessive plants or algae in the water can make the water cloudy.Getting a pump or a filter is a good idea but we can also turn to fish and other animals that clean the aquarium naturally by feeding on the carron that resides in the bottom sand. In ExpertAnimal we propose a list of animals that clean the aquarium and some basic notes to know if they could fit in your fish tank.Are you ready? Keep reading and discover our proposals to choose the right one: Snails Here are some species of snails that are in general, excellent bottom cleaners of the aquarium, however you should know that they are suitable for saltwater aquariums so they will be a good option if you have saltwater fish: Tectus niloticus This type of snail is certainly large reaching about 15 centimeters so it is recommended for aquariums of superior size.It has high nutritional requirements so it will serve as a potential clea...
Post a Comment
Read more

How to heal a wound in my dog's eye?

In this article of Animals and Pets Online we will explain how to heal a wound in a dog's eye , differentiating when it occurs around the eye or inside.A wound in one eye, due to its location, presents differences with respect to wounds produced in others parts of the body, so they can not be cured in the same way.Also, most of these wounds will require examination by a veterinarian, since we could be in the eye damage that cause serious injury. If your dog has wounds around the eye or inside and you don't know what to do, keep reading and apply the first aid we share. How to heal wounds around the eyes in dogs? In principle, and as long as these wounds do not affect the inside of the eye, we can treat them as if they were wounds in any other part of the body.So, to heal them we will follow the following steps, provided that it is superficial lesions caused, for example, by a slight blow to the eye, since the deep ones require veterinary assistance: We must delimit...
Post a Comment
Read more

Common diseases of mandarin diamond

If you are thinking of hosting a Mandarin diamond or you already have one, in addition to its Basic care you should also know some of the most common conditions that this exotic bird can suffer.The Taeniopygia guttata is a very small bird and very appreciated for its appearance and its simple care but, to give it the best quality of life in our home, we must recognize some symptoms and health problems that will indicate when you should go to the veterinarian. Therefore, in this article of Animals and Pets Online we will explain the most common diseases of Mandarin diamond or Timor's zebra diamond, so that you can detect when it is possible that your little pet is having a problem. Constipation One of the most common health problems in these small birds is constipation .Among the signs that will alert us that our partner is suffering from this disorder we will see the following: Difficulty to evacuate Irritated sewer Swollen belly Wrapping Repetitive gestures down ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Types of canaries and their names

How many races of canaries are there? At present, more than 30 types of canaries are known , this being the most abundant species of domestic bird in the world with parakeets, although there are many classifications possible, the canary breeds are usually divided into three large groups: Singing canaries : here, we find the most coveted breeds in canariculture, thanks to their incredible ability to learn and play melodies complex and a great variety of sounds.In the next sections we will see the main races of singing canaries. Canaries by color : this, perhaps, is the most basic classification of canaries, based on the color of their feathers.It is divided into subgroups according to the predominant pigments in its plumage, the lipochromic canaries (shades of dominant and recessive white, yellow and red) and the melancholic canaries (colors black, agate, green, bromine, isabela, brown and tona corrugated qualities). The position or position canaries : also called a design or...
Post a Comment
Read more

AIR ANIMALS - Examples and characteristics

Flying is one of the ways animals have to move , but not everyone can do it.To fly it is necessary to have physical characteristics that allow the flight.The human being, through the observation of aerial animals, has taken centuries to create a machine that flies, for example, as a bird. Only a few groups of animals have the real ability to fly, although if we see it from the perspective of the species, most of the animal species that exist on the planet fly, insects.In this article of Animal Expert we will know which are the aerial animals , their characteristics and some examples. What are air animals? Air animals are those that use flight as a mechanism of locomotion.For some animals this is their only way of moving but many others use it as an escape route in the presence of a predator. Certain animals spend the majority of their lives flying, performing all their vital functions in the air: eating, interacting with their environment and living or reproducing.For them, f...
Post a Comment
Read more

Small dogs ideal for children

When we want to adopt a dog we must take into account several factors.One very important, if we have Children in our home, will be to welcome a dog that is patient and gets along with the little ones and supports without aggression the mischief that the children's minds are able to machine. If we do not have a very spacious and This factor also counts, the solution will be to adopt a dog of small size.Always informing our son of how to play with him so that he does not get to hurt him.Remember that the adoption of dogs teaches your children values, responsibility and rapport. In ExpertAnimal we will show you some suitable breeds that combine both factors, discover the small dogs ideal for children .However, remember that many of the dogs in the shelters (whether mestizo or breed) they are equally appropriate for a child, im It is important that both be happy together.Continue reading: Small dogs, great character It is well known that the idiosyncrasy of most small dogs is...
Post a Comment
Read more