THE O/S SPIRIT
The future lies in the hands of those who explore and in all the beauty they discover by crossing perpetually shifting frontiers, fostering an infinite love for nature and humanity.
Jacques Yves Cousteau - French Naturalist and Explorer
Argentina, an unique wildlife destination.
Argentina's fauna is rich and diverse, from the majestic Andean condor to the iconic jaguar. However, it faces threats such as habitat loss and poaching. Preserving this biodiversity is crucial to maintaining ecological balance and protecting the country's natural heritage.
The conservation of emblematic species not only ensures ecosystem health but also promotes sustainable tourism and environmental awareness. Caring for Argentina's fauna means safeguarding an invaluable treasure that enriches our lives and defines our national identity.
Patagonia National Park
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The mountain viscacha, also known as the viscacha de la sierra or viscaya (Lagidium viscacia), is a species of hystricomorph rodent in the family Chinchillidae that inhabits South America. It is closely related to the plains viscacha (Lagostomus maximus) and the chinchillas. Like other viscachas, it has thick, soft fur, except on its tail, where it is coarse. Its upper part is yellow or gray, and the tip of its tail is black. Overall, the viscacha resembles rabbits. It has long ears covered in fur, bordered with a fringe of white fur. All legs have four toes. The viscacha's diet is based on ichu grass. It measures between 60 cm and 80 cm in length.
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It is a bird that can reach a height of between 95 to 140 cm tall, and weigh up to 30 kg. They can be great runners, even compared to other ratites, with recorded speeds exceeding 60 km/h. They run faster than the Rhea americana but with less endurance, doing so with their necks in a horizontal position and their wings close to their bodies, reaching speeds of up to 60 km/h. They inhabit high-altitude areas, up to 4000 meters above sea level, in the region of the Andes mountain range and the Andean highlands.
Their coloration ranges from gray-brown to chestnut with white speckling. Chicks are born with a yellowish-white color and acquire the speckling of adults within a year, reaching maturity at two years of age. Their feathers extend to their toes.
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The Puma measures between 85 to 150 cm in length (head and body) plus 45 to 85 cm for its tail. Its weight ranges from 34 to 105 kg (exceptionally up to 120 kg), with males being more robust than females. The Puma is generally solitary and exhibits predominantly crepuscular and nocturnal habits, with peak activity at dusk and dawn. It spends most of the day resting in rocky crevices, perched on tree branches, or concealed among tall grasses. With swift and silent movements, it is a fast runner, highly adept at jumping, and a skilled swimmer. It climbs trees with agility, capable of ascending or descending them with a single leap of over 10 meters.
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The guanaco is a camelid native to South America, closely related to the llama. Guanacos are one of two wild South American camelids; the other species is the vicuña, which lives at higher elevations.
They are also wild, much larger than vicuñas, weighing approximately 100 kg. They are the largest native wild ungulates in the South American continent and the ancestral form of the domestic llama. They have a wide distribution from sea level (Patagonia) up to 4000 meters in altitude, and in Argentina, we have 96% of all the guanacos in the world (Fauna Argentina, 1985).
In many puna zones, populations of vicuñas and guanacos coexist. Biologically, this interspecific distribution is described as sympatric. Guanacos have longer, high-quality reddish fur, with a dark head. They are highly adapted to consuming poor grasses (with high fiber content and low protein) from the steppes they inhabit. They can go several days without water, obtaining it from succulent plants; they have also been seen drinking saltwater (Puig 1992).
Palmares, Chaco Impenetrable National Park
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The jaguar (Panthera onca) is virtually extinct in the Argentine Chaco. Researchers speculate that between 15 and 20 individuals survive across a vast territory. The latest records of the species correspond to solitary males, several of which have already been hunted.
The jaguar is an essential species for maintaining the health and integrity of wild ecosystems by regulating, through predation, populations of medium-sized predators and large herbivores, with potential effects even on vegetation. Additionally, it has the potential to become a top attraction for tourists visiting Argentina in search of its wildlife and natural landscapes.
In El Impenetrable National Park, we have been working since 2019 on a project to recover jaguar populations and thus contribute to reversing their extinction in the Argentine Chaco region.
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The tapir (Tapirus terrestris) is the largest herbivore in El Impenetrable National Park and a key species in the functioning and structure of the forests in the northern region of our country. It has become extinct in much of its distribution area, while surviving only with difficulty elsewhere, leading to its classification as Vulnerable to Extinction.
However, in El Impenetrable National Park, there is a population apparently in good conservation status, and individuals are relatively easy to spot. To better understand the biology and ecology of this species, we have conducted a monitoring project using camera traps, complemented by the tagging of several individuals with VHF and GPS transmitters, technology used for the first time with this species in Argentina.
The research results have allowed us to understand the species' movement dynamics based on water availability throughout the year in an environment with strong seasonal variations, such as El Impenetrable. The species shows a marked dependence on permanent water sources, traveling long distances when water is scarce, or short distances during the rainy season when they do not leave their small territories of a few square kilometers.
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The marsh deer (Blastocerus dichotomus) is the largest deer in South America and plays a key role in the herbivory of flooded grasslands and marshes. It once inhabited the entire basin of the Teuco River, from the provinces of Salta and Jujuy to its mouth at the Paraguay River. Due to its location in the Teuco-Teuquito interfluve and its extensive wetlands—generally associated with the periodic flooding of these rivers—El Impenetrable National Park has very suitable environments for the species, which is extinct there as well as in all the wetlands of the Dry Chaco.
At the end of 2022, we are starting a project to reintroduce the largest South American deer to these lands. With the arrival of the first two individuals, a captive-bred pair, the return of a lost ecological role in El Impenetrable begins. Soon, more wild specimens brought from Iberá will join the project in what will be the first animal translocation between national parks in Argentina.
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Within the rich and abundant biodiversity of the Paraguayan Chaco forest, we encounter the anteater.
A solitary and vulnerable animal native to South America. The anteater is large, averaging 1.27 meters in length. Its fur is tough, long, gray with white speckles. It has a black stripe bordered by white lines, running from the chest to the torso, and a mane on its neck. It has a tiny, circular mouth without teeth, an elongated, tubular snout, and a thin, elongated, sticky tongue. It has small eyes and ears.
Its front legs have five toes, including three fiercely-hooked claws, so well-developed that the animal has to walk on its knuckles. It has a long, bushy tail covered in hairs up to 40cm long, which is why it's also known as the flag bear in Latin America.
Iberá Wetlands, Iberá National Park
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The Capybara, known as the world's largest rodent, is an emblematic species of the Iberá Wetlands in Argentina. With its sturdy build and semi-aquatic lifestyle, it serves as a keystone species within the wetland ecosystem. Capybaras graze on aquatic plants, helping to control vegetation growth and maintain wetland habitats. Their communal behavior fosters social cohesion and enhances predator detection, benefiting the entire ecosystem. However, habitat loss and fragmentation threaten capybara populations, underscoring the importance of conservation efforts.
Initiatives such as habitat restoration and protected areas aim to mitigate these challenges and ensure the long-term survival of this iconic species. By preserving the habitat of the capybara in the Iberá Wetlands, we not only protect a charismatic species but also safeguard the rich biodiversity and ecological integrity of this unique wetland ecosystem for future generations.
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The Howler Monkey, locally known as the Carayá Monkey, is a charismatic primate species inhabiting the lush forests of the Iberá Wetlands in Argentina. Recognizable by its distinctive howling calls that resonate through the canopy, the Carayá Monkey plays a crucial role in seed dispersal and forest regeneration. These arboreal creatures predominantly feed on leaves, fruits, and flowers, contributing to the ecosystem's nutrient cycling.
However, habitat loss and fragmentation pose significant threats to their survival, jeopardizing the delicate balance of the wetland forests. Conservation efforts aim to protect their habitat and mitigate human-wildlife conflicts to ensure the long-term viability of Carayá Monkey populations. Through community engagement and environmental education, initiatives strive to raise awareness about the importance of conserving these primates and their habitats, promoting coexistence between humans and wildlife in the Iberá Wetlands. Preserving the biodiversity of these forests not only sustains the Carayá Monkey but also maintains the ecological health and resilience of this unique wetland ecosystem.
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The Black Caiman, native to the Iberá Wetlands in Argentina, is a formidable predator crucial to the ecosystem's balance. With its dark, armored body, it epitomizes strength and stealth. This apex predator preys on various aquatic species, maintaining population control and ecological harmony within the wetlands. Its presence signifies a healthy aquatic environment, as it thrives in unpolluted waters rich in biodiversity. Unfortunately, habitat loss and illegal poaching have threatened its population in recent years. Conservation efforts, including habitat restoration and anti-poaching measures, aim to safeguard this iconic species.
Through ecotourism and educational initiatives, awareness grows about the vital role the Black Caiman plays in the Iberá Wetlands' delicate ecosystem. Preserving its habitat not only ensures the survival of the Black Caiman but also fosters the well-being of countless other species reliant on this unique wetland habitat for their survival.
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The Pampas deer (Ozotoceros bezoarticus) inhabits the grasslands of South America at low elevations, known as veado-campeiro in Portuguese and venado or gama in Spanish. Found predominantly in the Pantanal wetlands, their habitat comprises water, hills, and tall grasses, crucial for cover. Human activities have significantly altered their original landscape, prompting ongoing conservation efforts. With a lifespan of up to 12 years in the wild and longer in captivity, they face threats from over-hunting and habitat destruction. The decline of Pampas deer populations raises concerns as they play a vital role in maintaining the health of grasslands, which are home to various species, including migratory North American birds. Currently, there are approximately 80,000 Pampas deer, with the majority residing in Brazil.
Península Valdés, Punta Tombo & El Pedral
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The Southern Elephant Seal, the largest of the pinnipeds, has a robust body with marked sexual dimorphism. Adult males can be up to five times heavier than females and develop a notable proboscis around 8 years of age. Their coloration is variable, ranging from bright gray to brown, with a lighter belly.
They inhabit circumpolar waters and form breeding colonies on subantarctic islands, with a single continental settlement at Peninsula Valdés, Argentina. They alternate short periods on land for breeding and molting with longer periods at sea for feeding, being excellent divers. Reproduction involves fights between males for control of harems of females, with births between September and October. Pups are nursed for approximately 23 days and undergo a fasting period on land before venturing into the sea. Females reach sexual maturity at 4 years, males at 6. Their maximum lifespan is about 15 years for males and 20 for females.
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The orca (Orcinus orca), or killer whale, is a toothed whale that is the largest member of the oceanic dolphin family. It is the only extant species in the genus Orcinus. Orcas are recognizable by their black-and-white patterned body. A cosmopolitan species, orcas are found in diverse marine environments, from Arctic to Antarctic regions to tropical seas.
Orcas are apex predators with a diverse diet. Individual populations often specialize in particular types of prey. This includes a variety of fish, sharks, rays, and marine mammals such as seals and other dolphins and whales. They are highly social; some populations are composed of highly stable matrilineal family groups (pods). Their sophisticated hunting techniques and vocal behaviors, often specific to a particular group and passed along from generation to generation are considered to be manifestations of animal culture.
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The Southern Right Whale, scientifically known as Eubalaena australis, is a majestic marine creature that impresses with its imposing size. Adults can reach lengths ranging from 14 to 17 meters, with females slightly larger than males. Weighing up to 60 tons, equivalent to the weight of nearly 10 elephants, these whales are truly ocean giants.
One of the most notable features of the Southern Right Whale is its reproductive cycle. Calves are born in winter, after a gestation period of 12 months. Once born, calves enjoy a year-long period of lactation. However, even after this period, the calf typically remains with its mother for another 2 or 3 years, learning essential skills and behaviors for survival in the vast ocean. Every year, between 1,000 and 2,000 Southern Right Whales arrive in the gulfs surrounding the Valdés Peninsula (Gulf Nuevo, San José, and San Matías) from an estimated population of 5,000 to 6,000 individuals. Who arrives?
They undertake annual journeys of thousands of kilometers. In summer and autumn, they feed in the cold and productive waters near the slope of the Argentine Sea and Subantarctic Islands. Then they migrate to the temperate waters of the northern Patagonian gulfs, the northern sector of the Argentine Sea, Uruguay, and southern Brazil where they reproduce in winter and spring.
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The Magellanic penguin (Spheniscus magellanicus), also known as the Patagonian penguin, is a species of bird in the penguin family (Spheniscidae). It nests on the Falkland Islands and along the coasts and islands of Patagonia in Argentina and Chile, migrating northward in the winter to the warmer waters of Uruguay and southeastern Brazil. It is also occasionally found in Australia, Peru, Colombia, and other islands in the South Atlantic. It is the most numerous species within the Spheniscus genus.
Magellanic penguin colonies in Patagonia are crucial for species conservation and are popular tourist destinations. Punta Tombo in Argentina hosts nearly half a million penguins during the breeding season, while Magdalena Island in Chile has around 60,000 breeding pairs. Other significant colonies are found in Peninsula Valdes and Cabo Vírgenes, Argentina.
Puerto Deseado, Patagonia
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It measures 65 cm. Both sexes are identical. It has a yellow beak with a red base; gray iris and eyelids, with red bare skin on the face and gular sac; bluish-gray head and neck with a broad white patch on both sides of the neck; anterior dorsal center, posterior dorsal, and rump are gray; supracaudal feathers are gray with white pearl margins; the tail is very dark gray; the sides of the upper back, scapulars, and wing coverts are dark gray, with a broad margin of white pearl at the base of the feathers, which are lanceolate; the primaries and secondaries are very dark gray. The chest, ventral parts, flanks, thighs, and infracaudal regions are bluish-gray. The legs are red. Juveniles or immatures resemble adults but are duller.
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Sea lions are pinnipeds characterized by external ear flaps, long foreflippers, the ability to walk on all fours, short and thick hair, and a big chest and belly. Together with the fur seals, they make up the family Otariidae, eared seals. The sea lions have six extant and one extinct species in five genera. The South American fur seal, also known as the South American sea lion, is called the "León Marino" in Spanish because adult males develop a large mane around their head and neck. This mane does not develop in male or female elephant seals.
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They are called rockhopper penguins because they inhabit among the volcanic rocks of their environment and also nest in them. Despite the short length of their legs, they are often seen moving through small and skillful jumps between the rocks. They inhabit sub-Antarctic islands for most of the year. However, in the town of Puerto Deseado, Province of Santa Cruz, Argentina, there is the northernmost colony of the species, located in the Marine Interjurisdictional Park Isla Pingüino. It is a unique colony because it is the most accessible from the American continent and has facilities for tourist activities.
This colony is relatively young, as it was discovered around 1980, with few specimens at that time. However, it has experienced exponential growth. In censuses conducted before 2017, approximately 1,080 individuals were counted, while in a census conducted in 2022, 1,650 individuals were counted, indicating that the colony is growing significantly.
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It is famous for its black and white colors, and for its high speed when swimming. It is one of the protagonists of the shores of Rawson, where it even has its own monument. However, it roams through almost all the Patagonian seas. Its scientific name is Cephalorhynchus commersonii. It reaches an estimated size of 60 kilograms, although its average weight is 45 kilograms. They are small compared to other cetaceans, measuring no more than 1.5 meters in length. They are excellent swimmers and perform great leaps: one of their greatest attractions is that they move in groups of up to twenty individuals, indicating that they lead a communal life. They inhabit the entire Patagonian coastal area.
Bahía Bustamante & Camarones, Chubut
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The Southern Elephant Seal, the largest of the pinnipeds, has a robust body with marked sexual dimorphism. Adult males can be up to five times heavier than females and develop a notable proboscis around 8 years of age. Their coloration is variable, ranging from bright gray to brown, with a lighter belly.
They inhabit circumpolar waters and form breeding colonies on subantarctic islands, with a single continental settlement at Peninsula Valdés, Argentina. They alternate short periods on land for breeding and molting with longer periods at sea for feeding, being excellent divers. Reproduction involves fights between males for control of harems of females, with births between September and October. Pups are nursed for approximately 23 days and undergo a fasting period on land before venturing into the sea. Females reach sexual maturity at 4 years, males at 6. Their maximum lifespan is about 15 years for males and 20 for females.
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The Chubut Steamer Duck (Tachyeres leucocephalus) is found in large concentrations here, as well as the Olrog´s Gull (Larus Atlanticus). Both species are rated internationally as threatened birds. The steamer ducks are a genus of ducks in the family Anatidae. All of the four species occur at the southern cone of South America in Chile and Argentina, and all except the flying steamer duck are flightless; even this one species capable of flight rarely takes to the air.
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The Patagonian mara is a relatively large rodent in the mara genus Dolichotis. It is also known as the Patagonian cavy or Patagonian hare. This herbivorous, somewhat rabbit-like animal is found in open and semiopen habitats in Argentina, including large parts of Patagonia.
The general form of Patagonian maras is that of a long-legged rodent with a body similar to a hoofed animal. Their coat is primarily grayish-brown, with a white patch along the chest and stomach and orange coloration around the flanks and head. It is darker toward the rump, with the exception of a bright white patch of hair that borders their hindquarters. Their coat is stiff, dense and very fine in texture. Patagonian maras have four toes on their front feet and three on their hind feet; each toe is equipped with strong claws. Their long ears, short tails and larger size set them apart from other species within the family Caviidae.
Patagonian maras average 27.5 inches (70 centimeters) in length, with a tail of 1.5 to 2 inches (4 to 5 centimeters). They weigh between 17.6 and 35.3 pounds (8 to 16 kilograms).
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The Magellanic penguin (Spheniscus magellanicus), also known as the Patagonian penguin, is a species of bird in the penguin family (Spheniscidae). It nests on the Falkland Islands and along the coasts and islands of Patagonia in Argentina and Chile, migrating northward in the winter to the warmer waters of Uruguay and southeastern Brazil. It is also occasionally found in Australia, Peru, Colombia, and other islands in the South Atlantic. It is the most numerous species within the Spheniscus genus.
Magellanic penguin colonies in Patagonia are crucial for species conservation and are popular tourist destinations. Punta Tombo in Argentina hosts nearly half a million penguins during the breeding season, while Magdalena Island in Chile has around 60,000 breeding pairs. Other significant colonies are found in Peninsula Valdes and Cabo Vírgenes, Argentina.
