30 Native Animals of Argentina (With Photos and Facts)

Argentina, the eighth-largest country in the world by land area, is home to a spectacular variety of landscapes and climates—from the Andes mountains to the Atlantic coast, tropical jungles to Patagonian plains. This geographic diversity results in 18 distinct ecoregions, each hosting unique biodiversity.

But this natural richness faces threats. Poaching, habitat loss, pollution, and climate change are endangering many native species. In this article, we’ll introduce 30 iconic native animals of Argentina, detailing their traits, conservation status, and the threats they face.

1. Jaguar (Yaguareté, Panthera onca)

The jaguar is the largest feline in the Americas and serves as the apex predator in many South American ecosystems. Historically, it roamed from the southern U.S. to northern Patagonia. In Argentina, due to deforestation and illegal hunting, only about 200 individuals remain in the northern forests. It’s classified as critically endangered.

2. Vicuña (Vicugna vicugna)

This elegant herbivore inhabits the high-altitude steppes of northern Argentina. Vicuñas are known for their soft wool, which led to their overexploitation. Thankfully, conservation programs and a hunting ban have helped their populations recover.

3. Broad-snouted Caiman (Caiman latirostris)

This crocodilian species is found in Argentina’s Mesopotamia region and parts of Brazil, Uruguay, and Paraguay. It feeds on birds, fish, mammals, and snails. Though populations are currently stable, poaching remains a major threat.

4. Rufous Hornero (Furnarius rufus)

Designated Argentina’s national bird, the hornero is admired for its unique oven-shaped mud nests. Found throughout South America, it has adapted well to urban environments and feeds on insects and worms. Its population is growing and not at risk.

5. Giant Anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla)

This distinctive mammal is native to Latin America and feeds exclusively on ants and termites. In Argentina, it once roamed the north and east but has become endangered due to habitat destruction and poaching.

6. Southern Right Whale (Eubalaena australis)

Inhabiting the southern hemisphere’s oceans, these whales migrate along Argentina’s coast from Buenos Aires to Tierra del Fuego. Once nearly hunted to extinction, they are now protected and recovering slowly—but illegal whaling still occurs.

7. Yarará Pit Viper (Bothrops alternatus)

Feared for its powerful venom, this snake lives in northeastern and central Argentina. While not aggressive, it bites when threatened. Its populations are decreasing due to human persecution.

8. Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus)

The largest flying bird in the world, the Andean condor plays a vital ecological role by scavenging carrion. Found in mountainous regions, it is threatened by ingesting poisoned carcasses left by ranchers and hunters.

9. Hairy Armadillo (Chaetophractus villosus)

Unlike most mammals, this armadillo is covered in a protective shell. Found across Argentina, it faces threats like road kills, habitat loss, and illegal hunting—but it is not currently endangered.

10. Ornate Horned Frog (Ceratophrys ornata)

Often mistaken for a toad due to its size and round body, this frog is found in the Pampas and Mesopotamia regions. Because of their sensitive skin, polluted water bodies threaten their survival, and they are listed as vulnerable.

Other Native Animals of Argentina (11–30)

Here’s a broader list of native animals, some of which are endemic, while others are shared with neighboring countries:

1. Capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris)

2. Puma (Puma concolor)

3. Greater Rhea (Rhea americana)

4. Magellanic Penguin (Spheniscus magellanicus)

5. Maned Wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus)

6. Guanaco (Lama guanicoe)

7. South Andean Deer (Huemul) (Hippocamelus bisulcus)

8. Marsh Deer (Blastocerus dichotomus)

9. Black Howler Monkey (Alouatta caraya)

10. South American Raccoon (Procyon cancrivorus)

11. Lowland Tapir (Tapirus terrestris)

12. Lesser Anteater (Tamandua) (Tamandua tetradactyla)

13. Snake-necked Turtle (Phrynops hilarii)

14. Chilean Flamingo (Phoenicopterus chilensis)

15. Pudu Deer (Pudu puda)

16. Patagonian Mara (Dolichotis patagonum)

17. South American Sea Lion (Otaria flavescens)

18. Toco Toucan (Ramphastos toco)

19. Pampas Deer (Ozotoceros bezoarticus)

20. Southern River Otter (Huillín) (Lontra provocax)

Endangered Native Animals in Argentina

Several native species are currently at risk of extinction. These include:

• Jaguar (Panthera onca)

• Giant Anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla)

• Maned Wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus)

• South Andean Deer (Huemul) (Hippocamelus bisulcus)

• Pudu Deer (Pudu puda)

• Pampas Deer (Ozotoceros bezoarticus)

• Southern River Otter (Huillín) (Lontra provocax)

Other species not listed above may not be endangered but are still classified as vulnerable and require conservation action to ensure long-term survival.

Further Reading:

• [Flora and Fauna of Argentina]

• [Invasive Species in Argentina]

• [Endangered Animals in Argentina]

This list reflects Argentina’s incredible biodiversity and the importance of protecting native wildlife. Whether you’re a traveler, student, or conservationist, learning about these species helps support their survival.

Bibliography

International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red Lists. Website: https://www.iucnredlist.org

Biodiversity Information System of the National Parks Administration, Argentina. Website: https://sib.gob.ar/portada

animal tags： argentina animals