Endangered Animals in Uruguay: Species at Risk and How to Help

Uruguay, the second smallest country in South America after Suriname, boasts remarkable biodiversity despite its limited geographic size. However, like many regions worldwide, Uruguay faces increasing threats to its wildlife, with many species now endangered. The primary cause of this alarming trend is habitat loss driven by deforestation, mainly due to agricultural and livestock expansion as well as urban growth.

Many of Uruguay’s endangered species remain little known. In this article, we highlight 19 endangered animals found in Uruguay and explore what actions can be taken to help protect them.

Table of Contents

• Darwin’s Frog (Melanophryniscus montevidensis)

• Leatherback Sea Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea)

• Pampas Meadowlark (Sturnella defilippii)

• Yellow Cardinal (Gubernatrix cristata)

• Ashy Rail (Porzana spiloptera)

• Pampas Cat (Leopardus munoai)

• Río Negro Tuco-tuco (Ctenomys rionegrensis)

• Giant Otter (Pteronura brasiliensis)

• Additional Endangered Species

Darwin’s Frog (Melanophryniscus montevidensis)

Darwin’s Frog is a small, black-colored amphibian endemic to Uruguay, restricted to southern coastal regions. Its survival is threatened by urban development and habitat fragmentation, which disrupt its limited environment.

Leatherback Sea Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea)

The leatherback is the largest sea turtle species worldwide. Populations have drastically declined primarily due to entanglement in fishing nets causing drowning or injuries. Ingestion of plastic debris further threatens their survival by blocking digestive tracts.

Pampas Meadowlark (Sturnella defilippii)

Native to grasslands, the Pampas Meadowlark’s original range has been significantly reduced by agricultural and livestock frontier expansion. Currently, it survives in two isolated remnants located in southwest Buenos Aires, Argentina, and northern Uruguay.

Yellow Cardinal (Gubernatrix cristata)

This South American endemic bird predominantly inhabits the Uruguay River’s forested hills. Classified as endangered due to illegal capture for its vivid plumage and song, alongside severe habitat modification caused by human activity.

Ashy Rail (Porzana spiloptera)

A secretive bird inhabiting saline grasslands and floodable marshes in southern Uruguay, threatened by tourism development and urban expansion.

Pampas Cat (Leopardus munoai)

This small wild cat with long fur and pointed ears is endangered due to habitat loss and fragmentation. Remaining habitat patches lack connectivity, exposing populations to extinction risk.

Río Negro Tuco-tuco (Ctenomys rionegrensis)

A rodent species confined to dunes near the Uruguay River. It is endangered because its habitat is targeted for industrial forestry and overlaps with few protected areas.

Giant Otter (Pteronura brasiliensis)

A carnivorous aquatic mammal living in rivers, streams, and lagoons. Its range in Uruguay has shrunk due to fur trade, habitat destruction, pollution, and poorly managed tourism, making it a conservation priority.

Additional Endangered Animals in Uruguay

• Native Salmon (Brycon orbignyanus)

• Langone’s Toadlet (Melanophryniscus langonei)

• Minute Tree Frog (Dendropsophus minutus)

• Chaco Dwarf Tree Frog (Dendropsophus nanus)

• South American Rattlesnake (Crotalus durissus terrificus)

• Royal Tern (Thalasseus maximus)

• Red Knot (Calidris canutus)

• Rufous-chested Dotterel (Oreopholus ruficollis)

• Franciscana Dolphin (Pontoporia blainvillei)

• Pampas Deer (Ozotoceros bezoarticus)

• Gray Brocket Deer (Mazama gouazoubira)

How to Help Protect Uruguay’s Endangered Species

• Volunteer or donate to conservation organizations.

• Report illegal poaching or suspicious activities to authorities.

• Practice responsible behavior in protected areas—avoid littering and feeding wildlife.

• Do not buy or capture wild animals to discourage illegal trafficking.

• Stay informed through reliable sources and spread awareness.

• Reduce consumption of environmentally harmful products and support sustainable choices.

For more information on Uruguay’s flora and fauna and native endangered species, explore our related articles.

Bibliography

Azpiroz, A. B., Alfaro, M., & Jiménez, S. (2012). “Red List of the Birds of Uruguay: An Assessment of the Conservation Status of the National Avifauna Based on the Criteria of the International Union for Conservation of Nature.”

Carreira, S., & Maneyro, R. (2015). “Red List of Amphibians and Reptiles of Uruguay: An Assessment of the Conservation Status of Uruguay's Herpetofauna Based on the Criteria of the International Union for Conservation of Nature.”

Clavijo, C., Scarabino, F., & Uruguay, I. (2013). “Priority Species for Conservation in Uruguay: Vertebrates, Continental Mollusks, and Vascular Plants.”

“Seminar on Threatened Vertebrates of Uruguay: Distribution and Conservation Status.” Available at: https://www.probides.org.uy/imagenes/ckfinder/files/files/Documentos%20de%20Trabajo/DT38.pdf

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