In Argentina there are more than 500 endangered animals , According to the latest study published by National Parks.
A country with an extensive territory, with climates and varied landscapes, has a variety without equal in its fauna although severely affected by the lack of conservation.
Andean flamingo in danger of extinction.
From north to south and east to west, from the puna to the ice of Antarctica and from the Atlantic Ocean to the Andes mountains , Argentina has all kinds of ecosystems.
In each ecosystem live species of different kingdoms, being mammals and birds the main protagonists of the scene, but also the most threatened.
From north to south the following natural regions exist in Argentina: Piss And northwest Andean, Chaqueña , Mesopotamian, Pampas , Cuyana , Andinopatagónica, extraandina patagonian, oceanic, subantarctic and Antarctic.
Extinction risk assessments are made according to the criteria established by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, which are objective and quantitative criteria.
Animals in danger of extinction in Argentina
1- Tatú carreta
It is one of the typical animals of Argentina, however its survival is severely threatened by the loss of its natural habitat and indiscriminate hunting.
Also known as giant armadillo, it is estimated that 30% of the population of this species was lost in the last two decades. He is currently in a"critical danger"situation.
For its conservation, the Formosa National Reserve has as one of its main objectives the protection of some of the last specimens of this species.
2- Yaguareté
This species of jaguar is one of the most threatened by clearing, poaching and the destruction of its natural habitat, which reduced it to subsist in the missionary jungle, mainly.
Although there are no exact records, it is estimated that there are only 100 specimens of yaguareté and their situation is also of"critical danger".
There are different programs for conservation, especially focusing on their natural habitat.
3- Chinchilla colilarga
This nice animal, whose evolution made them become a domestic company, also undergoes the advances of the lack of protection.
In the last 15 years 90% of its population has disappeared due to the illegal hunting and the reduction of its natural habitat. Currently there are few specimens and foxes are their main threat.
For its conservation, the Formosa National Reserve as in other cases has as one of its main objectives the protection of some of the last specimens of this species.
4- Andean Flamenco
The rapid extinction of its population is due to the same causes as the previous species, with the aggravating factor that its reproduction rate is very low.
In addition, the sale of flamenco eggs for human consumption during the 20th century, especially in the last two decades, intensified its crisis of survival.
Other factors that put this species at risk are the increasing mining activity, low water levels, natural disasters And erosion of nesting spaces.
Measures for the conservation of eggs and habitat management were issued for conservation.
5- Green Macaw
Also known as military macaw, it is one of the favorite victims of poachers dedicated to trade. This places it among the species in danger of extinction.
With a population in decline, with a steep decline in the last 50 years, it is estimated that there are about 10,000 copies today.
For its conservation, Argentina has several National Parks that can care for the species, however in some conditions are not optimal.
6- Pecarí del chaco
With a small population, this species suffers the same threats as the rest, aggravated by its dispersed spirit, which makes it vulnerable by constant changes in the original habitats.
It is believed that in the last three generations, the number of specimens was reduced by 50%, which suggests that there are few live peccaries.
In addition to trying to improve their habitat, in Argentina the Copo National Park, in the province of Santiago del Estero, and other small provincial reserves, try to maintain the species.
7- Tapir
This mammal is a victim of deforestation in Chaco Salta, Formosa, north of Corrientes and Misiones. In addition, illegal hunting and a fragmented population put it in serious danger of extinction.
The tapir has different official programs for its conservation carried out by national scientists and international organizations.
8- Huemul
This robust deer, with large ears and antlers, in the males, is one of the typical species of the cordilleran zone of the Patagonia.
Of brown color and with a solitary conduct, the huemul was victim of the poaching, attacks of other species and diseases, that put it in danger of extinction.
In addition, the forest fires of the last decades in their habitat reduced their population considerably. It is estimated that there are no more than 700 specimens.
In Patagonia, measures were taken to respect its habitat and the life of this species.
9- Pichiciego
This tiny animal inhabits the mountains of northern Argentina and the data on its conservation are imprecise. This puts it in danger of extinction, considering the changes produced in its natural habitat.
The National Council for Scientific and Technical Research (CONICET) is in charge of the conservation of this species.
10- Aguará Guazú
It is considered the largest fox in South America and inhabits the northern part of the country, especially in the Chaco. The advance of man over his ecosystem considerably reduced the number of individuals.
Suspicious and lonely, aguará guazú is nocturnal and was declared a Provincial Natural Monument in the Province of Corrientes.
The Temaikèn Foundation is in charge of different projects for the conservation of this species.
11- Huillín
This otter, also known as a river wolf, originally from the areas surrounding the Nahuel Huapi National Park, is at risk of extinction since 1977 when a sharp decline in its population was detected by indiscriminate killings.
In addition, the destruction of its habitat, pollution in lakes and the attacks of other species represent a serious threat to the Huillín.
The National Wildlife Foundation of Argentina is carrying out different projects to ensure its conservation.
12- Margay
This long-tailed wildcat lives in the humid areas of Mesopotamia and is a victim of humanity's advance into ecosystems.
The transformation of its natural spaces and poaching by its required skin, places it among the species in danger of extinction in Argentina.
13- Deer of the marshes
This deer, the largest deer in South America, lives in the Esteros del Iberá, but indiscriminate hunting and environmental changes due to cattle expansion and forest production have reduced its population notably in the last four decades.
It is estimated that at the beginning of the XXI century there were no more than 500 copies, so that its status was classified as"international danger".
For its conservation, the Wildlife Department issued special measures for this species.
14- Suri cordillerano
This bird inhabitant of the cordillerana of Argentina, was intensely persecuted by the high price of its feathers and the problems for its reproduction by the ingestion of its eggs by other species.
The situation of this small ñandú is slightly better than the one of the species that precedes it in this list. Only his situation is classified as"vulnerable".
National Parks and other agencies are also ensuring their conservation with active measures.
15- Andean Condor
While in other countries of the region this animal is extinct, in Argentina its situation is a little better. Inhabitant of the cordillera, the Andean condor is the greater bird of the continent.
The main threat to their survival is due to the high level of poisoning suffered by livestock producers to defend their animals.
Through the Conservation Program of the Andean Condor, different organisms and foundation work for the maintenance of the species.
16- Cauquén colorado
This particular bird, which migrates from south to center of the country in the winter to not suffer the low temperatures, was declared a national pest in 1960 and 50 years later is in danger of extinction.
The indiscriminate massacres reduced its population to only 700 copies and since 2000 is the Provincial National Monument of Buenos Aires.
The red capecien is a bird of the family of the ducks, whose hunting is prohibited in Argentina by its risk. In addition, there are active policies to maintain and improve their habitat.
17- Frog telmatobius atacamensis
This small amphibian that lives in the San Antonio de los Cobres River, Salta, is in a state of"critical danger of extinction"since 2003.
The main cause of their situation is the introduction of exotic fish into their habitat, which predated the species, and water pollution due to mining activity.
Modifications were made to the regulations for the conservation of their habitat but their effects may take several generations to reverse the current danger.
18- Ranita of White Lagoon (Atelognathus patagonicus)
Its situation is similar to the frog telmatobius atacamensis and its conservation policies also but its ease of adaptation help its survival.
That is why the frog of the white lagoon was migrated to other nearby water sources in which it managed to develop its life cycle without problems.
19- Hyalinobatrachium uranoscopum
Amphibian inhabitant of the crystal frog family is the most endangered species in the missionary jungle. Their situation worsened in the last decades by the introduction of exotic animals, the pollution and the destruction of their habitat.
Although there are active policies for its conservation, no progress has yet been made in its state of extinction.
20- Endemic frog
Known as somoncurous somuncurensis, this amphibian has its natural habitat in the Valcheta stream of the Somuncurá plateau, in the province of Río Negro.
Although they are considered a resistant animal, the proliferation of fungi has caused a huge decrease of its population. The policies for their conservation are not clearly defined which puts their existence at risk.
References
- Those who leave. Argentine species in danger , Juan Carlos Chebez, Claudio Bertonatti, Editorial Albatros, Buenos Aires, Argentina, 1994.
2. National Wildlife of Argentina, vidasilvestre.org.
3. National Directorate of Wildlife, Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development, http://ambiente.gob.ar.