South America is a continent whose fauna is incredibly rich and diverse. What animals live in South America and what plants grow there ... want to know?

South America - ranked 4th largest among other continents the globe... Every continent has something unique and unrepeatable, and South America is no exception.

Even a seasoned traveler has something to be surprised at, there are tropical rainforests, savannahs and the Andes. This is a place of contradictions: Tierra del Fuego between Chile and Argentina is located in the Atlantic cold ocean, the dusty steppes of Pampa stretch across Uruguay and Argentina, the majestic Andes with green valleys and coffee plantations rise from the west, in the north of Chile there is the Atacama Desert, which is the driest place on Earth, and in Brazil, in the Amazon region, there are thickets of impenetrable jungle.

Fauna of the Andes

Animals South America striking in their diversity, like its landscapes.

The longest mountains on the planet are the Andes, they are about 9 thousand kilometers long. These mountains are located in different zones: in temperate, two subequatorial, equatorial, subtropical and tropical, so the Andes grows more plants and a variety of animals.

Deciduous and evergreen trees grow in the lower tier of the equatorial forests, and at an altitude of 2500 meters there are cinchona trees and coca bushes. Cacti and lianas grow in subtropical zones. There are many valuable plants such as potatoes, tomatoes, tobacco, coca, cinchona trees.

The Andes is home to over 900 species of amphibians, 1,700 species of birds and 600 species of mammals, which are not found in large flocks, as they are separated by densely growing trees. The forests are inhabited by bright large butterflies and large ants. A large number of birds nest in dense forests, parrots are the most common, and there are many more.

The fauna of the Andes was negatively influenced by human activities. Previously, many condors lived here, but today they have survived only in two places: the Sierre Nevade de Santa Marta and Nudo de Pasto.

Is the largest flying bird on the West Coast. She has a shiny black plumage, and a collar of white feathers folds around her neck. A white border runs along the wings.

Condor females are significantly larger than males. Sexual maturity in these birds occurs at 5-6 months. They build nests on rocky cliffs at an altitude of 3-5 thousand meters. In a clutch there are usually 1-2 eggs. Among birds, condors are centenarians, as they can live for about 50 years.

It has simultaneously become a symbol of several Latin American states: Bolivia, Argentina, Colombia, Peru, Chile and Ecuador. In the culture of the peoples of the Andes, these birds are assigned an important role.

But, despite this, in the twentieth century, the number of these large birds decreased significantly, so they were included in the International Red Book. Today, condors are in the group of endangered species.

It is believed that the main reason for the degradation of condors was anthropological factors, that is, the landscapes in which these birds lived have changed. They are also poisoned by the carcasses of animals that people shoot. Among other things, until recently, condors were specially shot, as there was a misconception that they pose a threat to pets.

To date, several countries have organized captive breeding programs for condors and release them into the wild.

The unusual islands of Lake Titicaca

Unique animals live not only in the Andes, but also in the areas of Lake Titicaca. Only here you can find the Titicacus Whistler and the wingless Greater Great Leopard.

The Titicaca Whistler is an endemic frog of Lake Titicaca.

Lake Titicaca is unusual for its floating islands of Uros. According to legend, small tribes of the Uros Indians settled on floating islands several millennia ago in order to separate from other peoples. These Indians themselves learned to build islands from straw.

Each island of Uros is formed from several layers of dry reed, while the lower layers are washed out over time by the current, but the upper layers are constantly renewed. The islands are springy and soft, and water seeps through the reeds in some places. The Indians build their huts and make the boats "balsa de totora" also from reeds.

The wingless great crested grebe is a bird that occasionally visits Lake Titicaca.

Today there are approximately 40 floating islands of Uros on Lake Titicaca. Moreover, on some islands there are observation towers and even solar panels for generating energy. Excursions to these islands are very popular among tourists.

Animals endemic to South America

Pudu deer are found exclusively in South America. The growth of these deer is small - only 30-40 centimeters, the body length reaches 95 centimeters, and the weight does not exceed 10 kg. These deer have little in common with their relatives: they have short, straight horns, small oval ears with hair, and the body color is gray-brown with indistinct white spots.

As you might guess, in South America there are many creatures that are deadly to humans. This is largely due to the fact that north-east region the continent is dominated by the large and impenetrable jungle of the Amazon. Honestly, if it weren't for the Amazon, it would be difficult to compile a list of deadly animals. The only threat would probably come from the fact that you could be trampled to death by a lama or carried away by condors. The Amazon is really the only real territory, stuffed with dangerous animals, indented by a mighty river and tropical forests.

Many of the animals on this list are unique to this part of the world, although a few have their equivalents elsewhere. Some have already entered the various In the Jaws of Animals lists, but most are specific to this corner of the globe.

10. Giant anaconda

Photo. Giant anaconda (lat.Eunectes murinus)

If there was a competition among the most dangerous animals in South America, from which the least people died, then the anacondas, or perhaps even the notorious one, would have shared the championship! In fact, there is little doubt that these animals are incredibly dangerous, but statistically speaking, they may not have actually killed anyone.

There is little doubt that anaconda can kill a person. Weighing in excess of 250 kg (500 lb), the muscular giant (green) anaconda is the heaviest snake in the world. It is also one of the longest snakes, with some exceeding 7 meters (20 feet) in length.

Anaconda ambushes its prey in the water. Like crocodiles, they will wait mostly underwater for their prey to come close enough to launch their lightning-fast attack. Unlike the powerful crocodile jaws of the anacondas, their main weapon is their body, which they use to wrap themselves around prey and literally squeeze life out of it. They are not poisonous, but have sharp, backward-curved teeth intended for the initial capture of prey. With each exhalation of the victim, the anaconda tightens its deadly embrace.

IN wildlife Anacondas feed on almost any animal they can catch, including pigs, deer, and even caimans. They have been documented to eat deer as large as a small adult, further confirming their potential to kill humans.

One of the frequently cited reasons why they don't kill people is that they can't get their shoulders through their mouths. This is actually a myth, they have incredibly flexible mouth ligaments along with the strength thanks to which they are able to clench their shoulders if required.

To the best of our knowledge, according to one study (book The Life Story of the Green Anaconda (eunectes murinus) with a Focus on Reproductive Biology), there are only two reported carnivores, and both have been done on humans studying them in the field. It is highly likely that these numbers are so small, as there is very little overlap between human and snake habitats, but it is also likely that this could change with increasing environmental impacts on the anacondas' habitat.

9. Common piranha

Photo. Common piranha

Piranhas are among the most famous cannibals. Equipped with razor-sharp teeth and prone to food frenzy when the first drop of blood hits the water, these fish have an intimidating reputation for being able to gnaw a person to the bone in seconds.

However, the truth is not entirely consistent with rumors and legends. Yes, it is true that there have been several deadly piranha attacks over the years, but they are unlikely to be so scary in the Amazon. And they are certainly capable of inflicting some unpleasant injuries, but how did they become so fearless?

The piranha's legendary status as an assassin goes back a lot to the 1900s, when Theodore Roosevelt ( ex-president America) visited the Amazon. Local fishermen staged a show for Roosevelt of the piranha's ferocious behavior. They cut off the water in the river and starved the piranhas for several days. Then they dragged one cow into the water and the piranhas, in accordance with their reputation, quickly butchered it to the bone. Unaware that this episode was created specifically for Roosevelt, he later wrote about the killer fish, and the rest was already history.

8. Black caiman

Photo. Black caiman (lat.Melanosuchus niger)

South America is home to several crocodile species, at least three of which can be considered dangerous to humans. These are the American crocodile, the Orinox crocodile and the black caiman. They can all grow up to 6 meters (20 feet) in length, making them dangerous predators South America, at least, they are comparable with.

Of the three species, the black caiman is the most common and common on the continent. The American crocodile is more common in Central America, while the Orinox crocodile is threatened with extinction. Thus, if you are lucky enough to see a huge crocodile in South America, it will probably be a black caiman.

There is no doubt that these caimans are capable of killing people. People saw how larger individuals hunted almost everything that lived in their environment. These included other caimans, deer, tapirs, anacondas, giant otters, and various farm animals. There are several reports of caimans attacking jaguars, although the opposite is often the case.

With this in mind, it is not surprising that there are several fatal attacks on humans every year in the Amazon region.

7. Terrible leaf climber

Photo. Terrible leaf climber (Latin Phyllobates terribilis)

The bright yellow color of the dire leaf climber does little to camouflage the Colombian jungle. Quite the opposite, in reality, this little frog informs everyone of the fact that it is the most poisonous vertebrate on Earth.

The frog is toxic, but not, it does not have any mechanism, like fangs or a sting, to inject its poison into the victim. Instead, the hideous leaf crawler's skin contains a powerful alkaloid toxin known as batrachotoxin. This poison in the victim blocks nerve impulses, leading to paralysis and possible heart failure. It is estimated that the venom of one frog is enough to kill 10 to 100 people or 20,000 mice. As you know, only one animal is immune to this toxin - this is the frog itself!

Interestingly enough, dart frogs, which are bred in captivity, are not toxic. This indicates that they get their deadly venom from the ants and beetles they eat.

Video. Terrible leaf climber, dart frog

6. Giant otter

Photo. Giant otter (lat.Pteronura brasiliensis)

The giant (Brazilian) otter is the most big dick family of weasels. This family predatory mammals with a formidable reputation. They are capable of killing animals much more than their own weight. In this family there are species such as, and ermine, these animals are well known for often attacking prey much more than they themselves.

The giant otter grows up to 1.7 meters (5.6 feet) in length and weighs up to 32 kg (70 lbs), is overgrown with hard muscles, powerful jaws and sharp teeth. Moreover, they hunt in family groups up to ten individuals, because of this their locals are often called "river wolves". Fast, aggressive and intelligent, the giant otter has several natural predators.

Most of the otter's diet consists of fish, although they can sometimes hunt small caiman and even anaconda. In groups, otters are able to kill almost everything that is found in rivers and jungles, they can challenge everyone, including large caimans.

Thus, it can be said almost without a doubt that giant otters can deal with even a person who encroaches on their habitat. But were there such cases?

There are two known serious cases. The first incident occurred at the Brazilian zoo on August 27, 1977, when a 13-year-old boy fell into an otter enclosure. A passing army sergeant, Silvio Delmar Hollenbach, jumped to save the child, but could not get out himself. Despite the fact that the boy ran away, the sergeant was attacked by 6 otters, as a result he received over a hundred bites. Two days later, he died in the hospital from sepsis, he got an infection from the bites.

This is not the only time that captive giant otters have caused serious harm to humans. In 2012, a giant otter escaped from a hull at the Hamburg Zoo and attacked a cleaning lady. The bites on her arms and legs were so severe that she was hospitalized and put into an induced coma. If not for the intervention of two zoo staff, the outcome would have been much worse.

5. Brazilian wandering spider

Photo. Brazilian wandering spider (Latin Phoneutria sp.)

The scientific name of the Brazilian wandering spider is Phoneutria, which refers to the killer. This is a hint that this notorious arachnid is often rated as. In the Guinness Book of Records, he is recorded as the most poisonous spider on Earth, the bite of a wandering spider is more like a snake bite. The powerful neurotoxin is about 20 times more potent than that of the black widow spider and can lead to loss of muscle control, which in turn leads to breathing difficulties, and in some cases, respiratory paralysis is fatal.

In addition to the potentially lethal neurotoxic effects of the bite, it is also considered very painful. But that's not all. One unfortunate side effect of a Brazilian wandering spider bite is painful erections that can last for hours.

Don't ignore the risk of being bitten by one of these spiders and over the years many people have died from the bite of this spider. But what makes them especially dangerous is the fact that they often come into contact with people and are quite aggressive. As the name of this spider suggests, they love to wander, climb into all inaccessible places, like bottom shoes, lying dirty laundry, stacked logs of trees, cars and bunches of bananas, which is why they are sometimes called "banana spiders". There have been cases when these spiders were found in packages with bananas.

4. Jaguar

Photo. Jaguar (lat.Panthera onca)

The jaguar is the dominant predator of the South American jungle and forests, and it stands firmly at the top of the food chain. This is the third largest of all big cats, ahead of the jaguar only tigers and lions. The jaguar weighs up to 150 kg (300 lb) and reaches over 1.85 meters (6 ft) in length from nose to base of tail. The jaguar is quite stocky and compact compared to other large cats, which in practical terms means that it is strong for its size.

This strength can be estimated by the strength of the animal's bite, it has the strongest bite of any large cat, which he often uses in his hunting strategy. While other members of the feline family go for throat grabbing and subsequent strangulation, the method of killing a jaguar is to use powerful jaws to bite through the skull of their prey and penetrate the brain. Its powerful bite also allows it to penetrate armored prey such as armadillos and turtles, and it quickly tackles the thick skin of caimans.

Apparently, nothing escapes the jaguar's menu, not even the black bears that hunted one person in the United States. This suggests that the jaguar seems to have some reluctance to attack humans. Per last years there have been several fatal jaguar attacks, but fewer than one death occurs in a year.

Apparently, we have no problems with jaguars, they don't really want to hunt us. They currently prefer to stay away from human contact.

3. Spearhead snakes

Photo. Spearhead snake

These snakes in South America are responsible for the most deaths from snakebites. In addition to their speed and “excitable nature,” they are also common in densely populated areas, making this group of pit vipers especially dangerous.

Perhaps the most famous of the spear-headed snakes are: the kaisaka (Latin Bothrops atrox), the pit-headed snake (Latin Bothrops Asper) and the common heatworm (Latin Bothrops jararaca). These are large snakes that reach about 2 meters (6.5 feet) in length and are equipped with the same haemotoxic venom.

Many have neurotoxic venom that blocks nerve signals and causes paralysis. On the other hand, the hemotoxic poison destroys organ tissues and blood cells. As you can imagine, this is much more painful and can lead to serious damage to the body. In fact, many victims require limb amputation even after effective treatment.

The chances of dying from a spearhead snake bite are about 1%, if treatment is not provided in a timely manner, then the chances can increase up to 10%. Considering that about a thousand bites are committed by these snakes every year, one can imagine the approximate number of deaths. The bite itself causes local swelling, vomiting and pain, often accompanied by swelling at the site of the bite and bruising. Systemic symptoms usually include internal bleeding, bleeding from the gums, eyes, etc. This in turn can lead to shock and subsequent death, and death can also occur due to kidney failure.

2. Sharks

Photo. Blunt shark (lat.Carcharhinus leucas)

When asked where the most notorious shark-infested waters on the planet are, people often think of Australia. South Africa or even Florida. You can also think of the great white shark as the main culprit in attacks on humans. But this is wrong. Brazil has one of the highest shark attack rates worldwide and the highest number of fatal attacks.

Overall, the frequency of shark attacks on Brazilian beaches is not unusual. However, if you are traveling in the northeastern part of the city of Recife, then things can turn for the worse. Here, over the past 20 years, the coast has been cut by deadly shark attacks. There have been more than 60 attacks and 22 of them were fatal. If we calculate it, it turns out that the probability of a fatal outcome as a result of an attack is about 37%, on average throughout the world this indicator tends to 16% (twice as low). On such days, surfing on the beaches of Recife is prohibited and no one swims outside the city beaches.

There is no compelling evidence to blame a particular shark species for every attack, but more often than not, two species are blamed. Firstly, they live close to the coast and in river estuaries, as well as tiger sharks, which can be seen in deeper waters.

Until 1992, there were no shark attacks in this region of Brazil, as well as throughout the country. So what has changed?

Many people blame the development of a port in the south of Recife, which has led to large-scale changes in the local marine life. Local estuaries have disappeared and in recent years the level of cargo shipment has increased. Local damage environmentis seen as one of the main causes of bull shark attacks, while the debris thrown overboard attracted tiger sharks to follow the ships.

The bad news is that there are plans to build a port in the north of Recife, so this could be much worse than it was before.

1. Kissing bug

Photo. Kissing bug (lat.Rhodnius prolixus)

So we got to the most dangerous animal in South America that does not terrorize the Amazon basin. This is an insect with a rather attractive name, the kissing bug, which was given due to the fact that it loves to stick around the lips and eyelids. In fact, this insect has several other names that make it a little less attractive: the predator bug and the vampire bug, two of which should give some idea of \u200b\u200bwhat they do.

Chagas disease is caused by the simplest animal responsible for African sleeping sickness (African trypanosomiasis), Trypanosoma cruzi. Infection has two stages: the acute stage, which begins immediately, and the chronic stage, which can persist throughout life and cause serious health problems for decades.

Most infected people show no symptoms and may be completely intact. However, about 30% will have medical problems later in life, with a high percentage of them progressing to potentially fatal heart and neurological diseases.

There is no cure for Chagas disease, although early treatment can stop its progress.

class \u003d "eliadunit"\u003e

The nature of this continent was formed in isolation from the rest of the land. This is due to its singularity and wealth. The flora and fauna of the continent began their development in the Cretaceous period. The nature of the region, having ancient history and formation in isolation, has retained many unique species, but there is also evidence that on other continents there are ancient representatives of the fauna close to specimens living in South America. This is a confirmation that, after all, the isolation of the mainland was incomplete and there was a connection with other continents.

Interestingly, among the monkey species in South America, there are no monkeys similar to humans.

Monkeyliving on the mainland are broad-nosed, and their habitat is limited to tropical forests.

It is noteworthy that South America has three, only inherent in it, families of incomplete teeth. Unique species of animals are found among ungulates, rodents and predators. Animal world in different parts of the mainland is different. This is due primarily to the unequal natural and climatic conditions.

class \u003d "eliadunit"\u003e

Animals rainforest adapted to life in trees. First of all, these are monkeys of two families: marmoset and capuchin. Playful monkeys smaller and have developed limbs with long claws. Capuchin is large and they have a long strong tail, almost like an arm.

Sloths, belonging to the family of edentulous, lead a sedentary life, preferring to hang in trees and rarely go down.

In savannas and forests lives big anteater.

Among the predators, the feline family stands out. Its bright representatives are large jaguars, ocelots and jaguarundis.

Ungulates are very few in number.

Numerous rodents can be found almost throughout the continent, among them marsupial rats and possums.

Amphibians and reptiles are also widespread. In the rivers you can find crocodiles.

Parrots with bright colors, numerous birds also live in the forests of this part of the Earth.

Typical representatives of the mainland birds are hummingbird.

The rainforests are teeming with various insects, among them you can find many unique ones.

The fauna of open and dry areas, called savannah, is different from the fauna of forests.

There is another representative of edentulous battleship... This is the place where jaguars, cougars, pampa cats, ocelots, some types foxes... Ungulates can be distinguished pampas deer... Live here ostriches nandu... A large number of snakes and lizards.

The mountain fauna is represented by such animals as lama... Also some marsupials and spectacled bear.

Of the mountain representatives of birds, of course, stands out condor.

The fauna of South America is also characterized by no less wealth than the vegetation cover. The modern fauna, like the flora of the mainland, has been formed since the end of the Cretaceous period under conditions of isolation and little changed climate. This is related to the antiquity of the fauna and the presence in its composition a large number endemic forms. Along with this, there are some common features of the fauna of South America with other continents of the southern hemisphere, which indicates a long-standing relationship between them. An example is marsupials, preserved only in South America and Australia.

All monkeys in South America belong to the broad-nosed group that are absent from the fauna of the Old World.

A feature of the fauna of South America is also the presence in its composition of three endemic families of incomplete teeth, united into one order.

A large number of endemic species, genera, and even families are found among predators, ungulates and rodents.

South America (together with Central America) is allocated to the Neotropical region of animals and is included in its two subregions - Brazilian and Chilean-Patagonian.

The humid tropical forests are characterized by the greatest originality and wealth, although animals there do not play a big role in the landscape, hiding in dense thickets or spending most of their time in tall trees. Adaptation to the arboreal lifestyle is one of the characteristics of the animals of the Amazonian forests, as well as the animals of the forests of the Congo Basin in Africa or the Malay Archipelago in Asia.

All American (broad-nosed) monkeys live in the tropical forests of South America, divided into two families - marmosets and cebids. Play monkeys are small in size. The smallest of them reach a length of no more than 15-16 cm, their limbs are equipped with claws that help them to hold on to tree trunks. For many cebids, a strong tail is characteristic, with which they cling to tree branches and which serves as the fifth limb. Among them, the genus of howler monks stands out, which got their name for their ability to emit far-off cries. Spider monkeys with long flexible limbs are widespread.

Sloths live in tropical forests from representatives of the order of edentulous (Bradypodidae). They are inactive and spend most of their time hanging in trees, feeding on leaves and shoots. Sloths climb trees confidently, and rarely fall to the ground.

Some anteaters are also adapted to life in trees. For example, tamandua freely climbs trees; the small anteater with a prehensile tail also spends most of the time in the trees. The large anteater is common in forests and savannas and leads a terrestrial life.

Rainforest predators of the feline family include ocelots, small jaguarundis, and large and strong jaguars. Of the predators belonging to the canine family, the little-studied forest, or bush, dog that lives in the tropical forests of Brazil, Guiana, Suriname and Guyana is interesting. Forest animals that hunt trees include noses (Nasua) and kinkajou (Potos f lavus).

Ungulates, not numerous in South America, are represented in forests by only a few genera. Among them - tapir (Tapirus terrestris), small black peccary pig and undersized South American spoke-horned deer.

Typical representatives of rodents in the forests of the Amazon Lowland and other regions of South America are the arboreal chain-tailed porcupines koendu (Coendu), good tree climbing. Agouti bring great harm to tropical plantations (Dasyprocta aguti), found in the forests of Brazil. The capybara is widespread almost throughout the continent, especially in the Amazonian forests. (Hydrochoerus capibara) - the largest of the rodents, the body length of which reaches 120 cm.

In the forests of South and Central America, several species of marsupial rats, or possums, are found. Some of them have a prehensile tail and are good at climbing trees.

Amazonian forests are teeming bats, among which there are species that feed on the blood of warm-blooded animals.

Reptiles and amphibians are very richly represented in the forests. From reptiles, the water boa anaconda stands out (Eunectes murinos) and land boa constrictor (Constrictor constrictor). Many poisonous snakes, lizards. Crocodiles are found in the waters of the rivers. There are many frogs among amphibians, some of them are arboreal.

There are many different birds in the forests, especially the brightly colored parrots. The largest parrots, the macaw, are most typical. In addition, small passerine parrots and beautiful, brightly feathered green parrots are widespread. The most characteristic representatives of the avifauna of South America, in particular tropical forests, are hummingbirds. These small variegated birds feeding on the nectar of flowers are called insect birds.

Goatsins are also found in forests. (Opisthocomus goatzin), whose chicks have claws on their wings that help them when climbing trees, sun herons and shuttle-beaked herons, harpies are huge birds of prey hunting young deer, monkeys and sloths.

One of the features of the tropical forests of the mainland is the abundance of insects, most of which is endemic. There are abundant day and night butterflies, various beetles, ants. Many butterflies and beetles are beautifully colored. Some beetles glow so brightly at night that you can read around them. Butterflies are enormous; the largest of them - agrippa - reaches a wingspan of almost 30 cm.

The fauna of drier and more open spaces of South America - savannas, tropical woodlands, subtropical steppes - is different from dense forests. Among the predators, except for the jaguar, the common puma (found almost throughout South America and entering North America), the ocelot, and the pampa cat. Among predators of the canine family, the maned wrlk is characteristic of the southern part of the continent. On the plains and in mountainous areas, the pampa fox is found almost throughout the mainland, in the extreme south - the Magellanic fox. Of the ungulates, the small Pampas deer is widespread.

In savannas, forests and arable lands, representatives of the third American family of edentulous are found - armadillos (Dasypodidae) - animals equipped with a strong bony shell. When danger approaches, they burrow into the ground.

Of the rodents in savannas and steppes, there are viscacha and tukotuko living in the land. The marsh beaver, or nutria, is widespread along the shores of water bodies, whose fur is highly valued in the world market.

Of the birds, in addition to numerous parrots and hummingbirds, there are South American ostriches rhea (Rhea), some large birds of prey.

There are many snakes and especially lizards in savannas and steppes.

A characteristic feature of the South American landscape is a large number of termite mounds. Parts of South America are periodically affected by locust infestations.

The mountain fauna of the Andes is distinguished by its peculiar features. It includes many endemic animals not found in the eastern part of the mainland. Throughout the mountainous region of the Andes, South American representatives of the camelid family, the llama, are common. There are two types of wild llamas - vigon (vicuña - Lama vicugna) and guanaco (L. guanicoe). In the past, the Indians hunted them for meat and wool. Guanaco was found not only in the mountains, but also on the Patagonian plateau and in Pampa. Nowadays, wild llamas are rare. Indians in the Andes breed two domestic species of llamas - the llama itself and the alpaca. Llamas (L. glama) - large and strong animals. They carry heavy loads on difficult mountain roads, their milk and meat are used for food, and coarse fabrics are made of wool. Alpaca { Lama pacos) bred only for its soft coat.

The spectacled bear and some marsupials are also found in the Andes. Small endemic chinchilla rodents used to be widespread (Chinchilla). Their soft, silky gray fur was considered one of the best and most expensive furs. Because of this, the chinchilla is now heavily exterminated.

Birds are usually represented in the Andes by endemic mountain species of the same genera and families that are common in the east of the mainland. Of the predators, the condor is interesting (Vultur griphus) - the largest representative of this detachment.

The fauna of the volcanic Galapagos Islands is distinguished by an extraordinary originality, in which the main place belongs to large reptiles - gigantic land turtles and sea lizards (iguanas). There are also many different birds, among which there are representatives of both tropical and Antarctic avifauna (parrots and penguins brought in by the cold current, cormorants, etc.). Among the few mammals are eared seals, some rodents and bats. Many animals (goats, dogs, pigs) were brought to the islands and became feral. The Galapagos Islands have been declared a nature reserve.

Ministry of Education of Ukraine

on the theme "Animals of South America"

Performed:

7-B grade student

Shostak A.I.

Checked:

Donetsk 2004

PLANTS AND ANIMALS The natural world of South America is one of the richest on the planet. The Amazon Basin contains at least 44,000 different plant species, 2,500 river fish and 1,500 bird species. The jungle is home to great science that feeds on birds, and mammals such as armadillos and sloths. The rivers of South America are home to sea cows, freshwater dolphins, giant catfish and electric eels. Thousands of species of forest insects have not yet been studied.
In the Andes, there are alnaks and vicuñas from the camel family. In the steppes of Pamna, a large running bird, the rhea, or the American ostrich, lives. In colder areas on the southern edge of the continent, penguins and seals are common. On the Galapagos Islands, lying in the Pacific Ocean west of the coast of Ecuador, there are such rare representatives the animal kingdom, like the famous giant turtles.
Fertile soils nourish rich vegetable world continent. South America is home to prickly araucaria, rubber plants, potatoes and many houseplants (such as monstera).
The nature of South America is under threat of destruction. As people cut down forests, many species of forest animals and priceless plants that have not adapted to the new conditions of life disappear without a trace.

TAPIRRAVNA
(Tapirus terrestris)

Mammals / Equid-hoofed animals / Tapirs / TAPIRRANE
Mammalia / Perissodactyla / Tapiridae / Tapirus terrestris

· TAPIR PLAIN is listed in the International Red Book

PLAIN TAPIR (Tapirus terrestris) is the best known and more widespread than other types of tapirs. He is relatively small in stature, his body length is about 2 m, height at the withers is about 1 m, weight is 200 kg. Dark brown short hair covers the entire body. Starting between the ears, a standing, stiff mane stretches along the entire neck. The plain tapir lives in the forests of South America, from the Amazon River basin to Paraguay and Northern Argentina. Tapir is a solitary, cautious inhabitant of the rainforest. He avoids open spaces but is very attached to water. Where it is not disturbed, the tapir feeds at any time of the day, except for the hot midday hours, which it spends in the water. Bathing spots for tapirs are easy to find along the trails and plenty of droppings on the shore and shallow waters. In the water, tapirs not only escape the heat, but also get rid of blood-sucking arthropods. They walk along the same paths, which are laid in dense thickets in the form of tunnels, often along rivers and streams. Along these paths, a mass of ticks and ground leeches accumulate on foliage and grass, trapping the victim, so a person should not use these paths. Fleeing from an attack, the tapir (and its main enemy is the jaguar) throws the path, breaks through the dense thorny bushes with extraordinary speed. Plain tapir feeds on young leaves of shrubs and trees, marsh, water and meadow grasses, as well as fruits and vegetables, seizing the leaves with a mobile trunk. If the tapir cannot get a tasty branch, it stands on its hind legs, leaning its forelegs against the trunk. The tapir's trunk is unusually mobile; he constantly stretches and draws in, feeling all the objects. The tip of the trunk with a snout-like snout is equipped with sensitive coarse hair - vibrissae - and serves as an organ of touch. Like all forest animals, the tapir has good sense of smell and hearing, but poor eyesight. Near human settlements, tapir raids fields and plantations of corn, sugarcane, mango, cocoa. Females become sexually mature at 3-4 years of age; males are probably a year later. The sexual cycle occurs every 50-60 days throughout the year, and the cub (always one) can be born in any month. Gestation lasts 390-400 days, and the female produces offspring, on average, every 15 months. Animals are usually agitated before mating; the male, looking for the female, makes a short coughing sound or a sharp lingering whistle. Like all tapirs, the striped-spotted cub walks for a long time with its mother. He sucks his mother when she lies on her side like a piglet and sleeps lying next to her mother. She does not let the baby go far from her, calling him as soon as he runs back two or three steps to the side. With age, the young tapir becomes very mobile, runs around the mother, jumps, shakes his head. Locals hunt lowland tapir for meat and leather. In case of danger, tapirs try to hide in the water, where the aborigines catch up with them on boats and, as soon as the animals surface, kill them with spears or knives. In the villages you can often see baby tapirs taken from murdered mothers. They quickly become tame, take a nipple with milk, and at the age of a few weeks eat boiled vegetables and porridge well. Later, tapirs feed on leaves and grass and are especially fond of leaves and young ears of corn. Village kids ride tame tapirs on horseback. It is said that the colonists in the last century plowed with success by harnessing tame tapirs to the plow. In captivity, tapirs lived up to 30 years.

JAGUAR
(Panthera onca)

Mammals / Carnivores / Felines / JAGUAR
Mammalia / Carnivora / Felidae / Panthera onca

· Jaguar species is included in the international Red Book

JAGUAR (Panthera onca) is a representative of the group of large cats in the fauna of North and South America. It is somewhat larger than a leopard: the body is 150-180 cm, the tail is 70-91 cm, and the weight is 68-136 kg. The body of the jaguar is more stocky, massive, the tail and legs are relatively shorter than that of the leopard, and rather it resembles a tiger. The jaguar is distributed almost throughout South and Central America and in the south of North America. It is most characterized by dense tropical forests, to a lesser extent - arid thickets of bushes. Sometimes jaguars even appear in the pampas. They lead a wandering life and often overcome wide rivers, because they are excellent, and most importantly, willingly swim. Deer, bakers, agouti, capybaras serve as prey for the jaguar. He attacks large tapirs when they come to the watering hole, kidnaps dogs and livestock, catches alligators, turtles, fish, small animals. Jaguars breed all year round. Pregnancy lasts 100 to 110 days. There are up to 4 cubs in a brood. They grow rapidly, but reach sexual maturity at three years.

ARMORED CARRIER
(Euphractus sexcinctus)

Mammals / Non-full-toothed / Armadillos / BELOSHEAL ARMORED
Mammalia / Edentata / Dasypodidae / Euphractus sexcinctus

BELSHEAL ARMOR (Euphractus sexcinctus) is distributed farthest north from Central Argentina to the lower reaches of the Amazon; the second inhabits Northern and Central Argertina. White-bristled, in addition to the color of the bristles, it is somewhat larger in size (the length of its body is 40-50 cm, the tail is 20-25 cm, weight is 3.5-4.5 kg) and a relatively weakly developed bristly cover. These armadillos, called peludos (hairy) in Argentina, are better known than others because they dig numerous temporary burrows in the savannah and often emerge from burrows during the day, even in bright sun. If the ground is soft and there is no burrow nearby, then in case of danger the pelyudos is quickly buried in front of the pursuer. The course of an ordinary burrow does not exceed 2 m and ends with a chamber. In addition, there are many shallow holes or, more precisely, deep horses dug by the animal in search of food. Because of their burrows, the pelyudos are a thorn in the eye for local gaucho (riders), as horses often fall into its burrows and break their legs. In addition, by digging holes, armadillos spoil crops. In some areas, even bonuses are established for the destruction of peludos, and hunters hunt hundreds of these animals in a few days. They hunt them under the moonlight with dogs and kill them with a stick or fill their holes with water. Bristly armadillos feed on insects, worms and other invertebrates, as well as carrion. At the corpse of an animal, several animals can be found at the same time, usually living alone. They breed twice a year. Pregnancy lasts 62-74 days. Usually two cubs are brought, which the female feeds in the burrow for a month.

Cayman crocodile
(Caiman crocodilus)

Reptiles or reptiles / Crocodiles / Alligators / CAYMAN CROCODILE
Reptilia / Crocodylia / Alligatoridae / Caiman crocodilus

CAYMAN CROCODILUS (Caiman crocodilus) has a relatively long, narrowed in front of the muzzle. In adults, to accommodate large - the first and fourth - teeth of the lower jaw (in the premaxillary bone in front of the nostrils and in the area of \u200b\u200bthe seam between the premaxillary and maxillary bones) through holes are formed. Often, on one or both sides of the skull, the outer wall of the opening on the seam of the premaxillary and maxillary bones collapses, forming not pits, but notches in the edges of the upper jaw to accommodate the fourth teeth of the lower. This gives the skull the appearance common to the skulls of true crocodiles, which gave rise to the specific name of this species. In length, animals reach 2.4-2.6 m.The crocodile caiman is widespread in Central and South America: from Chiapas in the north to the mouth of the Parana in the south, in Mexico, Central America, Venezuela, Guiana, Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay , Argentina. On this vast territory, the caiman forms 3-5 subspecies. Brackish water is tolerant, which allowed him to settle from the continent of America to some islands close to the mainland: Trinidad, the small islands of Gorgon and Gorgonilla off the western coast of Colombia. Crocodile caimans were sometimes seen in the sea near the coast. In the distribution of these animals, floating islands, formed from water hyacinths (Eichhornia) and other plants, play an important role, sometimes reaching significant sizes (over 900 m²) and often floating downstream of rivers. These floating islands (“mats”) provide shelter to young caimans and can transport them long distances and into the open sea. Animals prefer calm waters and are more common in swamps and small rivers. Juveniles feed mainly on aquatic insects. Adults attack any prey they can handle. The main food consists of large water snails, freshwater crabs and fish. They breed throughout the year, but especially intensively from January to March (Colombia). For laying eggs, females build nests from rotting plants among thickets near water. Clutch consists of 15-30 eggs. Adult males occupy a certain territory and fight with males who have violated the boundaries of individual areas. The number of crocodile caimans has now dropped significantly due to intense hunting for their skin.

Dwarf toy
(Cebuella pygmaea)

Mammals / Primates / Playfuls / Dwarf Toy
Mammalia / Primates / Callitrichidae / Cebuella pygmaea

The Dwarf Toy (Cebuella pygmaea) lives in the upper reaches of the Amazon River - from the western bank of the Purus River to the foot of the Andes, and also occurs on the banks of the Putumayo River in Colombia. Their fur is thick, brownish, with yellowish and greenish markings on the hair, the lower parts of the body are whitish, on the tail there are indistinct stripes. The face is covered. The ears are small, naked and hidden in a thick robe. They sleep in the hollows of trees. They feed on insects, fruits, small birds and their eggs. They are difficult to observe in the wild. At the slightest approach of danger, they instantly hide in the thick of foliage. According to observations, in captivity, dwarf marmosets give birth to two cubs, which stay on the father's body for up to 6 weeks. From 8 weeks, they gradually become independent and independently find food for themselves. By 24 weeks, they reach the size of adults.

ANACONDA
(Eunectes murinus)

Reptiles / Reptiles / Scaly / Serpentopods / ANACONDA
Reptilia / Squamata / Boidae / Eunectes murinus

ANACONDA (Eunectes murinus) the world's largest snake - inhabits all of tropical South America east of the Cordillera and the island of Trinidad. The average size of an adult anaconda is 5-6 m, but occasionally there are individuals up to 10 m long. The unique in size reliably measured specimen from Eastern Colombia reached 11 m 43 cm (we mention, however, that it was not possible to save this specimen). The main color of the anaconda's body is grayish-green with large dark brown spots of a round or oblong shape, alternating in a checkerboard pattern. On the sides of the body there is a row of small light spots surrounded by a black stripe. This color perfectly hides the anaconda when it hides, lying in a quiet backwater, where brown leaves and bundles of algae float on gray-green water. The favorite places of the anaconda are weak-flowing branches and creeks, oxbows and lakes, swampy lowlands in the basins of the Amazon and Orinoco rivers. In such secluded corners, the anaconda, lying in the water, guards its prey for various mammals that come to drink (agouti, paka, bakers), waterfowl, sometimes turtles and young caimans. Domestic pigs, dogs, chickens, ducks are also victims of the anaconda when they approach the water. Anaconda often crawls ashore and takes sun baths, but does not go far from the water. She perfectly swims, dives and can be under water for a long time, while her nostrils are closed with special valves. When the reservoir dries up, the anaconda moves to neighboring ones or descends downstream of the river. During the dry period, which may occur in some areas, the anaconda burrows into the bottom silt and falls into a daze, in which it remains until the rains resume. The molting process of the anaconda also often takes place under water: in captivity, one had to observe how the snake, having plunged into the pool, rubs its belly against its bottom and gradually pulls off the crawling. The anaconda is ovoviviparous, and the female gives birth to 28 to 42 cubs 50-80 cm long, but occasionally she can lay eggs. They live in captivity for a short time - 5-6 years, the maximum life expectancy in captivity is 28 years. The main food of the anaconda are rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, but it also eats various reptiles, fish, and sometimes swallows snakes. Once a 5-meter anaconda strangled and ate a 2.5-meter dark python, which took only 45 minutes. Contrary to the numerous "terrible" stories of "eyewitnesses", the anaconda cannot be considered dangerous for an adult. Single attacks on people are committed by the anaconda, apparently by mistake, when the snake sees only part of the human body under water or if it seems to it that they want to attack it or take away its prey. Only the case of the death of a thirteen-year-old boy, swallowed by an anaconda, is completely reliable. Local hunters, as a rule, are not afraid of the anaconda and kill it whenever possible. A number of myths and superstitions are associated with this snake among the Indian tribes.

COLIBRI-SAPFO
(Sappho sparganura)

Birds / Long-winged / Hummingbirds / KOLIBRI-SAPFO
Aves / Macrochires / Trochilidae / Sappho sparganura

COLIBRI-SAPFO (Sappho sparganura) is characteristic of the southern part of Bolivia and Northwestern Argentina. It adheres to the dry, open landscape of the foothills and high plateau of the Bolivian Andes. The head and front of the body are brilliant green, the back is purple-violet, the long forked tail is red with black ends of each feather. When a bird soars upward with great ease, its "burning" tail gives the impression of a comet's trail. Due to immoderate pursuit, this bird has now become very rare.

CONDOR
(Vultur gryphus)

Birds / Birds of prey daytime / American vultures / CONDOR
Aves / Falconiformes / Cathartidae / Vultur gryphus

· The CONDOR species is listed in the International Red Book

The CONDOR (Vultur gryphus) is a huge bird: the male is about 1.15 m long, the wingspan is up to 2.75 m. The female condor is somewhat smaller. The color of adult condor birds is black with a white collar of leaf-shaped feathers. Secondary flight feathers have wide white borders, humeral ones are white with black bases. The bare scalp and throat are blackish-gray, the neck and goiter are red. The legs of the condor are dark gray. The eyes are red. The beak is black with a yellow top. Males have a crest on the wax (females do not have it). Young condors are brown in color, their head is covered with down. The condor is distributed in South America from Venezuela and Colombia to the southern tip of the mainland (Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego) and in the Falkland Islands. In the northern part of the nesting area, the condor inhabits a high belt of mountains at an altitude of 3000-5000 m, sometimes it flies even higher (at Chimborazo it was recorded at an altitude of more than 7000 m). In the southern part of the breeding area, the condor is found both in the foothills and on the plains. During the nesting time, the condor keeps in separate pairs, at other times of the year it leads a gregarious lifestyle. Condor nests on rocks, sometimes arranging a small bed of twigs. There are 2 eggs in a clutch. The female incubates for 54-55 days. The development of young condors is slow, they apparently reach puberty (full outfit) only at the age of six. The condor feeds mainly on carrion, decomposed to varying degrees. Occasionally, condors also attack live animals (newborn or weakened vigones, calves and lambs).

VICUNA
(Lama vicugna)

Mammals / Crayfish / Camelids / VICUNIA
Mammalia / Tylopoda / Camelidae / Lama vicugna

· VIKUNYA species is listed in the International Red Book

VICUNYA (Lama vicugna) is a species of wild llamas. It is smaller than a guanaco: body length 125-190 food, height 70-110 cm and weight 40-50 kg. Its head is shorter, but its ears are longer. The coat is brighter, reddish; it is longer than that of guanacos; it forms a 20-35 cm dewlap on the neck and chest. The chestnuts on the legs are hidden by hair. The border between dark and light coat color is not sharply expressed. Vicuna is widespread only in the highlands of the Andes. Like guanacos, it keeps in family herds of 5-15 females with young ones under the leadership of an adult male. Single males form temporary, easily disintegrating groups of 20-30 animals. Vicuna rut occurs from April to June. Pregnancy lasts 10-11 months. Previously, the Incas annually drove a large number of vicunas into corral, cut their wool and then released them into the wild. Nowadays, the Indians also sometimes drive herd of vicunas into corrals near rocky cliffs, shear them and release them, but the number of vicunas has dropped dramatically, and such cases are now rare. At a research farm in Cuzco, Peru, at an altitude of 4000 m above sea level, work is underway to domesticate and breed vicuñas. Currently, no more than 5,000 vicunas have survived in Peru, about 1,000 heads in Bolivia, and this species is protected. All types of wild and domestic humpless camels live well in zoos up to 20-25 years old, breed and give fertile crossbreeds. Vicuña is more difficult to keep than others, and it rarely mixes with other forms.

Family of sloths
(Bradypodidae)

Mammals / Half-toothed / Sloths /
Mammalia / Edentata / Bradypodidae /

Family Sloths (Bradypodidae) Sloths are purely arboreal animals that feed on leaves and spend their whole life in trees hanging with their backs down. In this regard, 3 toes on the hind legs and 2 or 3 toes on the front paws, together with powerful curved claws, form, as it were, hooks with which the animals hang or move slowly. In contrast to all other animals, their fur has a pile directed not towards the belly, but towards the ridge, so that rainwater easily rolls off the body. The only way these harmless animals protect themselves is to remain unnoticed, which is why their extreme slowness is connected. Among the foliage of trees in the rainforest rainforest, these animals are truly completely invisible, aided by the greenish tint of their long coarse coat. This green-gray-brown coat is dependent on blue-green microscopic algae (Trichophilus and Cyanoderma) that inhabit the longitudinal and transverse grooves of sloth hair. On the body of these animals, another cohabitant spends almost all his life - a special type of moth butterfly, which lays its eggs in the sloth's fur.

The internal organs of the sloth, due to the constant position of the animal with its back down, are also located unusually for mammals. The liver is turned towards the back, covered by the stomach and not in contact with the abdominal wall; the spleen and pancreas lie not on the left, but on the right. The urinary bladder is very large and almost touches the diaphragm, the trachea makes two bends, etc. Sloths feed on leaves, young shoots, flowers and fruits of trees, which are cut off with hard lips covered with keratinized skin. In exceptional cases, when there is no food, sloths move to neighboring trees along the ground. But on earth they are completely helpless. Lying with limbs outstretched to the sides, they are looking for something to cling to with their claws, and with difficulty move several meters.

Sloths sleep 15 hours a day, sometimes gathering several animals together at a fork in the branches, and then they surprisingly resemble an armful of hay. Their breathing and blood circulation are very slow, and their body temperature can drop to 24-33 °. They defecate very rarely, about once a week, usually after rain, and for this they go down to the base of the tree in a group. Sloths are resistant to hunger and suffer trauma from which other animals die. Despite the fact that sloths are hunted intensively, since their meat tastes like lamb, the skin is used to cover saddles, and curved claws are used for necklaces, these inconspicuous animals have survived in many places in South and Central America, where other mammals have long been exterminated. ...