Argentina -
Flora and fauna
Flora:
The ceibo is Argentina's national flower. Subtropical plants dominate the
north, part of the Gran Chaco region of South America. The genus Dalbergia
of trees is well disseminated with representatives like the Brazilian
Rosewood and the quebracho tree; also predominant are white and black
algarrobo trees (prosopis alba and prosopis nigra). Savannah-like areas
exist in the drier regions nearer the Andes. Acquatic plants thrive in the
wetlands dotting the region.
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In central Argentina the humid pampas are a true tallgrass prairie
ecosystem. The original pampa had virtually no trees; today along roads
or in towns and country estates (estancias), some imported species like
the American sycamore or eucalyptus are present. The only tree-like
plant native to the pampa is the ombú, an evergreen. The surface soils
of the pampa are a deep black color, primarily humus, known commonly as
compost. It is this which makes the region one of the most agriculturaly
productive on Earth. |
However, this is also responsible for decimating
much of the original ecosystem, to make way for commercial agriculture.
The western pampas receive less rainfall, this dry pampa is a plain of
short grasses or steppe.
Most of Patagonia in the south lies within the rain shadow of the Andes. The
flora, shrubby bushes and plants, is well suited to withstand dry conditions.
The soil is hard and rocky, making large-scale farming impossible except
along river valleys. Coniferous forests grow in far western Patagonia and on
the island of Tierra del Fuego. Conifers native to the region include alerce
(Fitzroya cupressoides), ciprés de la cordillera (Austrocedrus chilensis),
ciprés de las guaitecas (Pilgerodendron uviferum), huililahuán (Podocarpus
nubigenus), lleuque (Prumnopitys andina), mañío hembra (Saxegothaea
conspicua), and pehuén (Araucaria araucana), while native broadleaf trees
include several species of Nothofagus including coigüe or coihue, lenga (Nothofagus
pumilio), ñire (Nothofagus Antarctica). Other introduced trees present in
forestry plantations include spruce, cypress, and pine. Common plants are
the copihue and colihue (Chusquea culeou).
In Cuyo, semiarid thorny bushes and other xerophile plants abound. Along the
many river oasis, grasses and trees grow in significant numbers. The area
presents optimal conditions for the large scale growth of grape vines. In
the northwest of Argentina there are many species of cacti. In the highest
elevations (often above 4,000mts), no vegetation grows due to the extreme
altitude, and the soils are virtually devoid of any plant life.
The ceibo flower, of the tree Erythrina crista-galli, is the national flower
of Argentina.
Fauna
The puma inhabits the northeast of the country.Many species live in the
subtropical north. Big cats like the jaguar, cougar, and ocelot; primates (howler
monkey); large reptiles (crocodiles), and a species of caiman. Other animals
include the tapir, capybara, anteater, ferret, raccoon, and various species
of turtle and tortoise. There are many birds, notably hummingbirds,
flamingos, toucans, and parrots.
The hornero is one of the national emblems of Argentina.The central
grasslands are populated by the armadillo, pampas cat, and the rhea (ñandú),
a flightless bird. Hawks, falcons, herons, partridges inhabit the region.
There are also deer and foxes. Some of these species extend into Patagonia.
The western mountains are home to different animals. These include the
llama, guanaco, vicuña, among the most recognizable species of South America.
Also in this region are the fox, Andean Cat, and the largest flying bird in
the New World, the condor.
Southern Argentina is home to the cougar, huemul, pudú (the world's smallest
deer), and wild boar. The coast of Patagonia is rich in animal life:
elephant seals, fur seals, sea lions, and species of penguin. The far south
is populated by cormorant birds.
The territorial waters of Argentina have abundant ocean life; mammals such
as dolphins, orcas, and whales like the southern right whale, a major
tourist draw for naturalists. Sea fish include sardines, argentine hakes,
dolphinfish, salmon, and sharks; also present are squid and spider crab
(centolla) in Tierra del Fuego. Rivers and streams in Argentina have many
species of trout and the South American dorado fish. Outstanding snake
species inhabiting Argentina include boa constrictors, and the very venomous
yacará pit viper and South American rattle snake.
The Hornero was elected the National Bird after a survey in 1928.
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