Argentina is home a very diverse and unique wildlife network, with many of the animals being found no where else on the planet; many species of birds, amphibians, insects, lizards and snakes are found throughout Argentina, including deadly species, such as the Patagonian lancehead snake. However, there are just as many beautiful and unique wildlife species that are not as threatening and some are even favored pets for many around the globe.
Birds, Fish and Mammals
Argentina is a seasonal home to many species of migratory and year-round birds, as well as hosting some amazing freshwater diversity throughout its network of streams, rivers and lakes. In addition, there are several species in each of these groups that are unique to Argentina, such as the white-headed steamer duck and Moreno's ground dove.
The Patagonian
catfish, a recently-named species of tetra and a species of cichlid are just a few of the freshwater fish native to Argentina, and there are also quite a few unique marine animals along the coast, including a species of seahorse.
Some amazing mammals are also unique to Argentina, including the
pink fairy armadillo; this a peculiar-looking, yet adorable and furry, species of armadillo that is quite different from the gray and slated appearance of North American adaptations. Argentina is also the home of the
Patagonian opossum, several rat and mice species, and dozens of species of burrowing rodents, known as tuco-tucos, all of which are found only in this spectacular country.
Snakes and Lizards
One of the most notorious species of snakes in the world, the Patagonian lancehead, is probably the most ominous of Argentina's reptiles, but nowhere near the only one. Along with this deadly, yet strikingly beautiful snake, are over 60 species of lizards within the genus Liolaemus, a species of gecko and a particular type of anole, all found only in Argentina.
Frogs and Insects
Amphibians are abundant throughout Argentina, with one of the most intriguing types of frogs, the Christian's marsupial frog, which carries its eggs in a pouch on its underside. Another species of frog, the Argentine green-horned frog, is quite a popular pet in the U.S., more commonly recognized as the Pac-Man frog.
There are also several species of insects, including several beetles and a species of grasshopper, that are unique to Argentina's landscape. The understanding of the diversity of animals inhabiting Argentina is growing continuously, and as technologies and exploration continue, we are sure to see many more amazing new and species that are only found there, for many years to come.