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The Argentine flora and fauna are made up of species from 18 different ecoregions where some 115 different ecosystems develop, so that in the Argentine territory a great biodiversity can be found. The great variability of climates that this area presents influences the great biodiversity that characterizes it: in the north of the country there are tropical and subtropical climates, in the center and south a temperate climate develops and the extreme south is represented by a cold climate , so the animals and plants that exist are very varied.
If you want to know more about the biodiversity of Argentina, continue reading this interesting article by Ecologist Verde in which we will talk about the flora and fauna of Argentina in detail, including some of the endangered animals in Argentina.
Characteristics of the flora and fauna of Argentina
Among the main characteristics of the Argentine flora and fauna, highlights that, thanks to the great variety of ecosystems found in Argentina and the different climates that characterize this territory, it is possible to find more than 10,000 species of plants.
Regarding the fauna, this is also very varied, being able to find approximately; 386 species of mammals, 297 of reptiles, 710 of fish and 156 of amphibians. In addition, add that you can also find about 300 species of exotic plants and about 50 species of exotic animals.
Flora of Argentina
Between the Argentina plants the following species can be found:
Aromo or Acacia dig
It has its origin in the south of South America in the countries of Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, Paraguay and Brazil. This species belongs to the legume family, it can reach six meters in height and is characterized by the yellow color of its flowers, from which essence is obtained for use in the production of perfumes. In addition, it is a species that has adapted to arid territories.
Capulí, pitanga or Eugenia uniflora
It is a small tree, it does not exceed 8 m in height. It presents flowers with four white petals, simple leaves and numerous very striking stamens with yellow anthers. This tree is mainly cultivated for ornamental purposes and for its fruits.
Cortaderas or Cortaderia Selloana
These plants are very tolerant and adapt to any type of climate and soil, and they also grow in a short period of time. Its stems can reach up to two meters in height and end in silky feather dusters, which can be silver or slightly pink in color. They are plants that have been given a decorative use.
Patagonian cypress or Fitzroya cupressoides
They are very long-lived trees, can live up to more than 3000 years, and are part of the rain forests of the Andean mountains. Don of great size, they can measure up to 70 meters and their leaves are small.
Ceibo or Erythrina crista-galli
In Argentina this species was declared a national tree and flower. They are found near bodies of water such as rivers, swamps or lakes, since it is a tolerant species to soils that are saturated with water. Its white, yellowish and soft wood is used for the manufacture of objects that are not very heavy, and its flowers are used for the dyeing of fabrics.
Plumerillo Rosado or Calliandra parvifolia
The name that this plant receives is due to the fact that it has a certain resemblance to a feather duster. It is characterized by a white color, except at its tips which are pink, it can reach up to two meters in height and blooms in autumn, summer and spring. In winter this species is very vulnerable to withstand frost.
Grasses or Poaceae
The species of the grass family are predominant in the Argentine flora, due to the extensive territories occupied by grasslands. We can find them in ecoregions such as the pampas, the puna, the thorn forest and the Patagonian steppe.
Southern walnut or Juglans australis
Deciduous tree of the juglandáceas family, it can reach up to 30 m in height and inhabits mountain or yungas cloud forests. Its fruits can be eaten when they are ripe or immature if they are preserved in vinegar. It is a species that is threatened by reducing its habitat.
Jasmine from Paraguay or Brunfelsia australis
The colorful flowers that this shrub presents can bloom both in autumn and spring, offering an exquisite smell. They grow in humid soils and can reach up to 4 meters in height, and do not tolerate frost. This plant has ornamental use since the characteristics that define it make it ideal for decoration.
Ingá colorado or Inga uruguensis
Leguminous tree with a trunk that reaches 80 cm in diameter and 15 m in height. Characterized by white flowers with small petals, with showy stamens and bronze-colored legumes covered by small hairs. We can find this species in Argentine Mesopotamia.
Southern beech o Nothofagus spp
These trees can be found in temperate mountain forests, which range in height from 10 to 45 m, and can reach a diameter of up to 2 m. Its flowers are small, its leaves simple, and its fruits are in closed domes.
Palma butiá, palma de yatau or Butia yatay
It is a palm that is found in the north of Argentina, it has up to a height of 18 m, a stem of 30 to 55 cm and up to 30 compound leaves of about 3 m long. The edible fruits of this plant are characterized by their fibrous, sweet and yellow pulp.
Urunday or Astronium balansae
It belongs to the Anacardiaceae family and is endemic to Argentina and Paraguay, it can grow up to 30 m in height and its trunk thickness ranges from 50 to 60 cm. This species can be found in tropical and subtropical scrub and in jungles.
Tucuman laurel or Ocotea porphyria
It is an endemic species of Argentina, and also of Bolivia, it is a tree that inhabits the mountain jungles, it can reach up to 25 m in height and contains a trunk with a diameter of up to 1.30 m. They are species with small flowers and greenish color, their fruits are small and their leaves are simple.
Pine Paraná or Araucaria angustifolia
It is not really a pine, it is a arauciaceae that can reach up to 45 m in height and a diameter of 1 m. It has scaly, hard and triangle-shaped leaves, and its reproductive structures are found separated in separate trees, that is, the female cones in some trees and the male ones in others. This species is in danger of extinction throughout its territory.
Fauna of Argentina
Now that you have seen the vegetation of Argentina, some of the animals of Argentina:
Cougar o Puma concolor
It is a carnivorous mammal and the second largest in the American continent. They can measure up to 2.75 meters long and weigh up to 100 kilos, however, the females can be smaller. It is a species that is in danger of extinction, because even the governments of Patagonia encourage the population to hunt them to prevent these animals from destroying livestock.
Jaguar, jaguar or Panthera onca
It is the largest land predator in America with a length of 1.85 m plus another 75cm of tail and can weigh up to 158 kg. It is also endangered and is found in the tropical jungles of northern Argentina and has a fur of yellowish brown with black spots. Here we tell you all about why the jaguar is in danger of extinction.
Monito de monte or Dromiciops gliroides
It is an endemic possum of Argentina, it is characterized by its small size since it could fit in the palm of a hand with its 13 cm in length and its average weight is 42 gr. The color of its coat is reddish brown with some white spots on the back and its belly is also white. This animal lives among the trees and its diet is based on small vertebrates, caves and insects.
Pampean deer or Ozotoceros bezoarticus
There are 3 subspecies of this type of deer, and two of them are found inhabiting the high grasslands of the pampas of Argentina. They are large animals with an average weight of between 35 to 40 kg and can reach up to 65 cm in height.
Cayman of the Para o Caiman yacaré
Among the fauna of Argentina, this caiman stands out. It originates from the tropical and subtropical regions of South America. In past times its presence could be seen in Córdoba and Buenos Aires, although it began to be threatened by hunters for the leather industry. For this reason and others such as trafficking or capture for food, today this animal is within the protected species.
Southern Right Whale or Eubalaena australis
It was declared by the Argentine authorities as a National Natural Monument. Large animal, can reach up to 16 meters long and is found inhabiting the waters of the Southern Hemisphere, from the Pacific Ocean to the Indian. The southern right whale is very threatened by hunting and as a consequence almost disappears.
Patagonian rhea or Rhea pennata
It is a large species that can weigh up to 25 kilos and reach up to 1.10 meters in height, although the females are slightly smaller. They have three toes on their legs, and these are adapted so that they can move at high speed, reaching up to 60 km / h. The body of the rhea is covered by long feathers, except on the head and neck, which are smaller. In addition, add that these animals are threatened by hunters and the advance of the agricultural frontier.
Water guazú or Chrysocyon brachyurus
Also called Maned Wolf, it is one of the native animals of Argentina and that it is also in danger. It inhabits the scrublands and grasslands of the plains of South America. It has a certain resemblance to wolves and foxes although they are not related to them. It is a canid of about 100 cm in length, 90 cm in height and its average weight is 23 kg. Its fur is reddish brown, although some parts of its body such as the inner part of the ears, the tip of the tail or the chin are white, its legs are black and from the neck to the first part of the back it has a thick black mane.
Frontin bear or Tremarctos ornatus
It is also known as a spectacled bear, it is in danger and can only be found in South America, specifically it is found inhabiting Andean forests and jungles, being very skilled at climbing trees. They base their diet on fruits and herbs, although they occasionally hunt. The fur of this species of bear is black, although it also has white and brown tufts on its throat. In addition, around his eyes are large white rings that can occupy the entire face. In this other article you can learn more about why the spectacled bear is in danger of extinction.
If you want to meet more Argentine animals, we recommend this other post about 34 endangered animals in Argentina.
If you want to read more articles similar to Flora and fauna of Argentina, we recommend that you enter our Biodiversity category.
