Argentina wildlife

Though man has transformed the landscape irrevocably, there are many wild areas still preserved, and the national park system will hopefully keep them so. Horses had long been extinct in South America before the Spanish brought them back. The vegetation has been altered by the herds of cattle, sheep, hares and rabbits and the introduction of gorse, broom, wild roses and brambles.

Andes
In the far north close to Bolivia, two interesting plants can be found: quenoa can be found in the valleys, and llareta in the high altitude puna above the tree line. The Andean Condor is the largest carrion eating bird in the World. It is found throughout the country. Birds of prey are common in the mountains: buzzards, eagles, hawks and kestrels. They prey on rodents, vizcachas (like a cross between a rabbit and a squirrel) and chinchillas. Vicuñas are South American camelids, superbly adapted to the high altitude with their fine but warm fur, their domesticated cousins alpacas are herded by the indians.

In the southern Andes another camelid, the guanaco makes an appearance, alongside deer, Andean foxes and skunks.

The Northeast
The Northeast has pockets of sub-tropical rainforest, such as around Iguazú. Colourful birds like tanagers and hummingbirds hover around the broad-leafed trees dangling with mosses, bromeliads and orchids. Snakes and lizards are found but seen mainly at night.

Lake District
In the forests are ancient trees of alerce and Araucaria (monkey puzzle), the understorey is dense with bushes, often with bright red flowers to attract the birds. Wood-peckers can be heard tapping at the trees. In the far south the evergreen southern beech dominates over other evergreens like ñire and lenga. The bird-life in these Magellanic forests is almost oblivious to humans.

Lowland Plains
In the pampas and steppeland of Patagonia buff-necked ibis, southern lapwing and caracaras take advantage of the cleared land. Waterfowl are common, of note are the black-necked swans, coscoroba swans and the amusing steamer ducks. The South American version of an ostrich the rhea, is a peculiar creature, notable because the male single-handedly incubates the eggs and cares for the young. Armadillos are not uncommon. The Patagonian hare (really an agouti) is another creature that looks like an odd crossbreed.

The Coast and Tierra del Fuego
The Atlantic coast and archipelago of Tierra del Fuego are rich in marine life. Occasionally albatross may be seen, skuas, gulls, terns, magellanic (or Jackass) penguins. The Valdés Peninsula has colonies of seals, sea lions, penguins and whales can be seen from the shore. The elephant seals arrive late August and start their aggressive breeding display. The sight of two three-ton males slugging it out is one to remember.

Perhaps one of the strangest avian sights is the presence of a parakeet and hummingbird species in Tierra del Fuego.