An amazing sight to the Argentinean Wild Life

Human intervention has altered the landscape and vegetation has suffered from the effects of cattle and sheep grazing. The introduction of species like grooms, gorses, wild roses and brambles has changed the native composition of Argentinean flora. Fortunately, Argentina has many areas dedicated to the preservation of wild life, mainly sustained by a system based on reserves for species protection, like national parks.

The most widely recognized regions dedicated to the preservation of wild life are located in the Andes, the Northeast, the Lakes District, the Pampas and the Atlantic coast of the country.

The Andes and the Puna

In the Andes, at the frontier of Bolivia and Argentina, plants like quenoa and llareta are respectively part of the natural landscape of the valleys and the Puna.

The amazing Andean Condor is the magnificent resident of this area. It is also possible to have a view of other birds of prey, like buzzards, eagles and hawks flying the Andean sky. Their preferred preys are vizcachas (a native species that looks like a mix between rabbit and squirrel), chinchillas and rodents. Another attraction of this region are the South American camelids, the vicuñas and alpacas, raised by Indians for their fur. In the Southeast Andes, we can see the Guanaco, as well as Andean foxes, deer and skunks.

The Northeast

At the Northeast, in the province of Misiones, small areas of tropical rain forests, like those surrounding Iguazú, are populated with tanagers and hummingbirds hovering around the trees, which are densely covered with mosses, bromeliads and orchids. At night, you also may be surprised by the presence of lizards and snakes. In the province of Corrientes, the Esteros del Iberá offers a extensive inland area of marshes and lakes.

This place is inhabited with about 125 fish species and provides a refuge for the Golden (dorado), Boga and Sabalo, the marketable fishes of the Paraná River. Amphibians and reptiles, like different kinds of Caiman, are also part of the rich fauna of the marshes. Multiple other mammals (Capybara, Otter and Marsh Deer) and bird populations can also be seen in the wetlands of Iberá.

Lakes District

In Bariloche, at the South of the country, lakes such as Nahuel Huapi are surrounded by forests offering a rich wild life, where alerces and Araucarias are standing above areas of bushes of colored flowers. Beech, ñire and lenga constitute the evergreen life of the Lakes District. Wood-peckers and a large variety of birds are commonly attracted by the fabulous vegetation of the region.

Pampas and Patagonia

Buff-necked ibis, lapwing and caracaras inhabit the open lands of the plain of Pampas and Patagonia. In these regions, we also observe diverse kinds of swans and steamer ducks. The rhea, a South American ostrich, is an interesting component of the wild life. A special feature of this species is the activity of the male, which is always busy incubating eggs and taking care of his offspring. Armadillos and Patagonia hares are also part of the plains' landscape.

Atlantic Coast of Argentina

The coast of Argentina, flanked by the Atlantic Ocean, and the island of Tierra del Fuego, at the southernmost part of the country, is characterized by a spectacular marine wild life. The Valdéz Peninsula is widely known for his whales, sea lions and penguins. At the shore, you will also see albatross, gulls and terns.

Something you can not miss is the arrival of elephant seals to the shore at the end of August, when the breeding season begins. Furthermore, the beautiful sight of parakeets and hummingbirds makes Tierra del Fuego one of the places to visit if you want to enjoy your outdoor adventures and keep an unforgettable picture of the Argentinean wild life forever.