34 Endangered Animals in Argentina - PHOTOS

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Argentina is a country with enormous biodiversity, one of the countries with the greatest variety of fauna, landscapes and climates in the world. However, unfortunately Argentina is also one of the countries that is seriously threatened by the extinction of species.

From Ecologist Verde we want to introduce you 34 animals in danger of extinction in Argentina. Learn about their names, characteristics and appearance here, but remember that this is just a glimpse of the sad reality that the country is experiencing, with more than 500 species currently in a state of vulnerability or threat.

Southern right whale (Eubalaena australis)

Being a whale it is not difficult to guess that this species is the largest mammal in Argentina, where they can be seen, with luck, on the coast of Puerto Madryn or during boats respectful of their habitat and customs.

They are easily distinguished, in addition to their enormous size, of around 15 meters, for the V-shaped puff up to 3 meters high. Likewise, this bearded whale has calluses that act as fingerprints, identifying and differentiating each specimen of the species. Another special feature is that it usually jumps up to 3 meters high.

The situation of the southern right whale, declared a "Natural Monument" in Argentina, is not going through its best moments. The indiscriminate hunting, mainly for obtaining oil, it is clearly its worst enemy, for which the species has been threatened since the 19th century, when a reduction of up to 90% was recorded. At present, only around 3,000 southern right whales remain all over the planet.

Find out more about these large mammals with this other article on Where the whale lives and what it eats.

Maned maned wolf or maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus)

This is the South America's largest fox and, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful and elegant in the world. In Argentina, the maned wolf lives specifically in areas of the northeast and in the provinces of Chaco, Formosa, Corrientes and Santa Fe. Furthermore, the maned wolf was declared a "Provincial Natural Monument" in one of these provinces, in Corrientes.

Its long, bushy reddish mane, together with the long legs and ears and the sharp snout make the maned wolf a canid with a very particular physique. It can weigh up to 35 kg in weight and 125 cm in length, not counting the long tail, of an extra 45 cm. His behavior stands out for his lonely and distrustful character. In addition, this portly canid is a very good hunter. It usually stalks its prey, as rabbits and free, at twilight hours, and usually does so unexpectedly.

The damage caused by man to its ecosystem and, consequently, its food chain, has placed the maned wolf on this fearsome list, positioning it as one of the animals of Argentina with greater vulnerability. Thus, although there are various projects that have been ensuring its recovery for years, the species continues to require much care and protection for its full recovery.

Yaguareté or jaguar (Panthera onca)

After the tiger and the lion, the jaguar or jaguar It is the third largest feline on the planet and the first in America. Its appearance is very reminiscent of that of the leopard, although the jaguar is larger and more robust and its behavior and habitat, usually humid and dense forests, but also a great variety of wooded areas, are more typical of tigers.

Belonging to the panther family, the jaguar lives in the provinces of Formosa, Misiones, Jujuy and Chaco. Solitary and a great hunter, this huge mammal has a powerful jaw, with one of the most powerful bites of all felids. So it is not surprising that it can break even the shells of turtles.

Its existence is vital for the survival of the ecosystems of the place, since its position in the chain as a super predator allows to regulate the populations of other species, its prey. However, the species is listed as "near threatened" according to the IUCN, and the number of specimens is in decline. The main cause of this problem is habitat loss and fragmentation and poaching, and although there are several programs for its recovery, conservation efforts are becoming increasingly necessary.

Find out more about why the jaguar is in danger of extinction here.

Huemul (Hippocamelus bisulcus)

In this case, the huemul, also called güemul or southern Andean deerIt is a robust deer with brownish colors, large ears and short legs. Distinctive from the mountain range of Patagonia, the huemul has a herbivorous diet, and its weight is calculated between 40 and 100 kg. It also stands out for having large antlers in the case of males and for presenting a solitary character.

Unfortunately, this precious deer is also found threatened primarily by poaching, other attacks of different species, certain diseases and forest fires. Thus, despite the measures that are being taken, it is estimated that there are no more than 700 individuals scattered throughout the areas of Patagonia.

Magellanic Penguin (Spheniscus magellanicus)

Penguins, one of the most sympathetic animals and that reminds us so much of Antarctica, right? Well, in Argentina, specifically in the southern region of America, there are also penguins, although unfortunately not as many as it should.

The Magellanic penguin It is usually around 45 cm tall and weighs around 3 kg, making it medium in size. A white stripe on his head characterizes him, in addition to presenting black colors on the head and back and white on the belly.

It feeds on a wide variety of pelagic fish, as well as squid, krill, and other types of crustaceans. In addition, as a curiosity, the Magellanic penguin, or also called Patagonian penguin, is a monogamous species, that is, it maintains its partner throughout its life.

Its population is in decline as a consequence of hunting, oil spills that threaten their food sources, habitat loss and human disturbances, like tourism, which alter the colonies in the area and disturb the laying of nests.

Guanaco (Lama guanicoe)

The guanaco It is a camelid that looks quite similar to the llama, with the difference that the guanaco is a wild animal. With fine bones, a weight of approximately 90 kg and a height of around 1.60 meters, this mammal from South America is one of the largest animals in Patagonia.

Dark in appearance on the head and whitish on the underside and legs, this animal can live for about 23 years. The guanaco is diurnal and feeds on moss, herbs, and tubers. It is also known for spitting up saliva or herbs.

Regarding its behavior, this species lives in small groups where there is a male and several females and young. In cases of danger, the male of the group warns the rest with a bleat and they all start to run, reaching 64 km / h to flee from their most common predators, such as the puma and the red fox, which are also in threat status.

Fortunately, the number of specimens of this species is growing gradually. It's not all bad news!

Tapir (Tapirus)

Tapir It is a mammal that lives mainly in jungles and humid forests, as well as hills in the provinces of Salta, Formosa, Chaco, Misiones and Corrientes. It stands out for having an elongated proboscis-shaped snout with which it takes water and plucks leaves, roots and herbs, the basis of its diet.

These animals, related to rhinos, vary in size from 1.3 to 2.5 meters, and have short, dark fur, except for the young, which are reminiscent of wild boars with brown hair and cryptic spots.

The main threats that endanger the species focus on deforestation and habitat loss, fragmented population and illegal hunting. Thus, although it already has various conservation programs at the international level that ensure its recovery, its threats do not cease.

Learn more about this animal in this other post about Why the tapir is in danger of extinction.

Giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla)

This huge ant eater that can measure up to 2 meters and reach almost 40 kg can still be seen in Formosa, the missionary jungle, the east of Salta, north of Corrientes, northeast of Santiago del Estero, El impenetrable and other areas of Chaco. .

The giant anteater, also know as "yurumi"It lacks good eyesight, so it is carried away by its excellent sense of smell to find the ant hills and termite mounds. That's when he digs them up to find their food, based on insects like ants.

Despite lacking teeth, its long snout along with its 60 cm long tongue allow the giant anteater to reach the bottom of its excavations to obtain food. As if that weren't enough, your tongue also has a sticky substance that helps capture insects.

One of the reasons why this species is in danger focuses on the little chance of reproduction. In addition, to this are added other threats that alter and reduce the possibility of increasing the number of specimens, such as the Destruction of their habitat and hunting of the species as a pet, trophy, or even human food. Thus, the situation does not seem to improve, since the number of specimens is decreasing nowadays.

Tatú carreta or giant armadillo (Priodontes maximus)

The giant armadillo or tatú cart It can still be seen in Argentina mainly in tropical forests of the provinces of Formosa and Chaco. Its about larger armadillo, with a length of about 1.5 meters and a weight of about 60 kg, and the mammal with the most teeth on the planet, with about 100 teeth.

It is easily recognized by its dark shell with neat layers in rows and short limbs and ears compared to the rest of the body. As for its habits, it is an animal night whose diet focuses on ants, termites, spiders, worms, worms, larvae, etc. Many times it reaches its prey with its huge and powerful nails that can reach 20 cm in length.

Once again, this animal so characteristic of Argentina has seen its survival in danger due to the indiscriminate hunting and the loss of habitat. Unfortunately, estimates suggest that 30% of the population was lost in the last two decades of giant armadillos, and this seems to keep increasing, so that measures become more and more necessary.

Giant otter or river wolf (Pteronura brasiliensis)

The giant otter or river wolf it is a semi-aquatic mammal and the largest member of the mustelidae family. In addition, they are also the loudest, being able to emit up to 9 different vocalizations. Although its natural habitat is centered on the Amazon River and in the Great Pantanal, its distribution range has been seriously reduced in recent years, becoming discontinuous.

They measure around 1.5 and 1.8 meters and weigh about 25 kilos. In addition, his hair is dark brown with a characteristic and personal white patch that runs from the chest to the jaw. Of character they are sociable animals that normally associate in groups of up to 10 individuals and have a carnivorous diet, mainly based on fish.

The species is endangered according to the IUCN red list, and the number of specimens continues to decrease. The threats that prevent its population from recovering focus on the habitat degradation, the hunt for their skins, the contamination of the rivers where they live and the overfishing, which limits and hinders their eating.

More animals in danger of extinction in Argentina

So far, we have mentioned some of the most recognized species in the country. However, the list of animals in situations of concern, vulnerability, threat or critical danger is almost endless. Here we present you more names of animals in danger of extinction in Argentina or in a state of vulnerability:

  • Swamp deer (Blastocerus dichotomus)
  • Green macaw (Ara militaris)
  • Margay, tiger cat, caucel, tigrillo, or maracayá (Leopardus wiedii)
  • Mara (Dolichotis patagonum)
  • Andean flamenco (Phoenicoparrus andinus)
  • Puma or mountain lion (Puma concolor)
  • Laguna Blanca frog (Atelognathus patagonicus)
  • Long-tailed chinchillaChinchilla lanigera)
  • Caí or capuchin monkey (Cebus apella)
  • Grey Fox (Lycalopex griseus)
  • Andean condor (Vultur gryphus)
  • Huillín or water otter (Lontra provocax)
  • Chaco peccary (Catagonus wagneri)
  • Suri cordillerano (Rhea pennata)
  • Frog telmatobius atacamensis
  • Carayá-Pita (Alouatta caraya)
  • Pichiciego (Chlamyphorus truncatus)
  • Cayman latirostris or alligator overo (Caiman latirostris)
  • Pampas deer (Ozotoceros bezoarticus)
  • Cauquén colorado (Chloephaga rubidiceps)
  • Thrush dog or vinegar fox (Speothos venaticus)
  • Charao (Amazon pretrei)
  • Vitreorana uranoscopa (Hyalinobatrachium uranoscopum)
  • Somuncurá frog (Somoncuria somuncurensis)

How to help endangered animals in Argentina

Between the causes why animals go extinct all over the world, we find that one of the most important is human activity. However, it is precisely because the most serious causes come from the hand of man, that we can do many things to reduce their impact and the damage we cause to the environment, including animals at risk of disappearance.

Fortunately, there are many measures and actions that can be carried out to help endangered animals in Argentina:

  • Opt for eco-friendly alternatives, like using cloth shopping bags, public transportation, and recycling trash. In short, join the Waste Zero or Zero Waste movement.
  • Respect the natural reserves and protected areas of Argentina.
  • Do not participate in the introduction of invasive alien species.
  • Do not consume products originating from the illegal trafficking of endangered animals, whether they are themselves as pets or derived products, such as trophies or decorative objects. Here you can find out more about How to avoid illegal animal trafficking.
  • Report any situation that you know of illegal hunting or species trafficking.
  • Avoid taking part and report if you know of cases of mascotism of exotic species, especially if they do not have regulatory CITES documents.
  • Collaborate as a volunteer with associations that defend species at risk and threatened in Argentina.
  • Share this information with your acquaintances, especially with the youngest, to make them aware of the importance of conserving Argentine species and of the simple ways to contribute something to solutions.

These measures will also help conserve endangered animals around the world.

If you want to read more articles similar to 34 animals in danger of extinction in ArgentinaWe recommend that you enter our category of Endangered Animals.

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