Argentina is a dream destination for animal lovers. The country spans nearly 3 million square kilometres and boasts 18 eco-regions that range from a sub-tropical zone to the Antarctic. This variety of temperature and terrain allows for wildlife of all forms to flourish. Whether you’re hiking through Patagonia or soaking up culture in Buenos Aires, keep your eyes peeled for animal sightings. From Andean condors to Patagonian seahorses, here’s seven of the most unique Argentinian animals.
Rufous Hornero
No list of endemic Argentinian animals would be complete without the rufous hornero. As the national animal of Argentina, the rufous hornero is a common bird seen throughout the country. It was selected as the country’s national bird because the committee felt this species reflected the nation’s diversity and culture, as well as strength and determination.
Fortunately, the rufous hornero is not an endangered species; in fact, the population is on the rise thanks to how adaptable they are. These songbirds can live in urban environments, and it’s not uncommon to see that they’ve built their nests out of manmade materials.
Andean Condor
Weighing up to 15kg (33 pounds) and with a wingspan of up to 3.2 metres (10.5 feet), the Andean condor clocks in as the largest bird of prey in the world. Because of their size, condors prefer windy areas where they can glide up and down with the breeze. It’s a smart move because these birds take scavenging seriously. In a single day, they’ve been known to travel more than 193km (120 miles) in search of prey. Though the Andean condor is Chile’s national bird, it is endemic to Argentina as well, particularly in the south. Travellers can sometimes see Andean condors in the skies above Bariloche and the Lake District.
Patagonian Mara
At first glance, a Patagonian mara looks like a hybrid of a deer and a rabbit, but it’s neither. Strangely enough, Patagonian maras are a type of large, long-legged rodent. As herbivores, maras prefer habitats with ample grass and open space to roam and feed freely.
Despite not needing to chase their prey, maras are one of the fastest rodents around. They love being on the move, whether walking, hopping like a rabbit, galloping, or ‘stotting’ – bouncing on all fours that animals like gazelles do. As an endemic species to Argentina, they live in warm habitats such as the Monte Desert and the Valdés Peninsula.
Andean Mountain Cat
Not to be confused with your furry friends back home, the Andean mountain cat is far fiercer than it looks, and these mountain cats gravitate toward the arid and rocky Andes. The indigenous Aymara and Quechua people consider the notoriously elusive Andean mountain cat a sacred animal. While the cat’s ashy-grey colour helps it blend in with its environment, its long, bushy tail is a tell-tale sign you’ve spotted one.
Culpeo Fox
The culpeo fox, also known as the Andean fox, looks like a cross between a coyote and a red fox. It might resemble a red fox, but the culpeo is actually more closely related to wolves and jackals.
Come mealtime, they’re not too picky and will eat just about anything, but sheep and rodents are some of their favourite flavours. These animals often hunt alone and at night, and some call them ‘Zorro’ because of how swiftly they attack their prey. You can find the culpeo fox in Patagonia’s forested and mountainous areas, such as Los Glaciares National Park in the Santa Cruz province.
Pink Fairy Armadillo
Small but mighty, pink fairy armadillos are native to central Argentina and very rare. They adapt well to desert environments and are most commonly found in grassy or sandy areas. Like all armadillos, the pink fairy armadillo has a shell (called a carapace) covering its body that serves as both a form of protection and a means for temperature control. As its name suggests, the shell has a pinkish hue to it because of the blood vessels just below the shell’s surface. These critters love to burrow into the ground and are sometimes called ‘sand swimmers’ because of just how well they navigate underground. They typically live in central Argentina, although some live south of Mendoza and Buenos Aires.
Southern Right Whale
Of the four major whale species that swim in the waters of Patagonia, which include orcas and humpbacks, the southern right whale is perhaps the least recognizable. As one of the largest species of whales — a male can grow up to 15 metres (49 feet) — southern right whales can break the surface with quite a splash. Despite their large size, these whales are a calm, curious, and slow-swimming species. The best time to see them in the wild is from May to December when about a third of their population travels to the Valdés Peninsula to mate and give birth. Whale-watching expeditions depart from Puerto Madryn.
