What animals are in South America. Animals of South America. Description, names and types of animals in South America. The fauna of South America has a wide variety of felines

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 the rest of the continents the globe... Every continent has something unique and unrepeatable, and South America is no exception.

Even a seasoned traveler has something to wonder, there are wet rainforests, savannah and 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

The animals of South America are striking in their diversity, as are its landscapes.

The longest mountains on the planet are the Andes, they are about 9 thousand kilometers long. These mountains are located in different belts: 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 more than 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 Nevada 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. The clutch usually contains 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 anthropological factors have become the main reason for the degradation of condors, 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, followed by their release 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 thousand years 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 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 power generation. 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.

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South America is rich in a variety of plant and animal species. This is primarily due to the fact that here most the territory is occupied by rainforests, in which, in small areas, you can find a great variety of various life forms, many of which are not yet known to scientists. In addition to endless tropical forests, South America has steppes, which are called pampas, coniferous and deciduous forests. All of them are located to the south, in a more temperate climate.

The main part of the tropical forests of South America is located in the Amazon River basin, for which this region was called the Amazon. Scientists believe that the Amazonian forests are the "lungs" of the planet. Indeed, they absorb huge amounts of carbon dioxide and release a lot of oxygen, maintaining the balance of these gases in the Earth's atmosphere.

The climate of the rainforest is warm and humid. There is never winter here. All this contributes to the rapid development of life. Plants use every inch of space to gain a foothold and make their way to the sun. Many of them have adapted to live in large trees, using their trunk and branches as soil. This allows them to be closer to the light. Many insects live in these forests, among which you can find huge beetles and butterflies. Birds, butterflies and even flies had to “dress up” in incredibly colorful and bright outfits because of the bright light and a lot of glare.

Unfortunately, America's rainforests are being mercilessly destroyed for their valuable timber. By cutting down trees, humans destroy habitats for millions of other plants and animals. Felling bares the land, and stormy rain streams wash the soil into rivers. This leads to the fact that in the next hundreds of years, the restoration of tropical forests becomes almost impossible.

The jaguar is the largest carnivore in South America. The body length of jaguars is up to 2 m, and the weight reaches 130 kg. It is a close relative of the African leopard, only stronger and more dense in constitution.

Prior to intensive human use of rainforests, jaguars lived in areas from Argentina to the United States. Nowadays, these are rare animals and are found only in remote forest places.

Jaguars try to stick to forest waters, they swim and climb trees perfectly. Like most big cats, he lives and hunts alone. The prey is watched and thrown at it from an ambush. They catch ungulates, monkeys, large rodents - capybaras, without giving up the monkeys that have descended to the ground.

Males and females come together only during the breeding season. After mating, the male immediately disappears, leaving the female to take care of the offspring. Previously, jaguars were common throughout South America, now their range is limited to dense impenetrable forests and national parks.

Armadillos are peculiar mammals, they can be found only on the American continent. The smallest of the armadillos is the small fry, or the Argentine shield bearer, the body length is no more than 12-15 cm. The giant battleship, the largest of the battleships, reaches more than 1 m in length and weighs about 50 kg.

These animals got their name for the bony shell, which is laid in their skin and serves as an instrument of passive protection from predators. From above, the bony plates of the shell are covered with a horny substance. There is little wool in armadillos, only on the belly and between the plates can you see rare bunches. Therefore, in the cold regions of the continent, there are no armadillos, they are heat-loving animals.

The nine-belted battleship is fairly common in America. Its size is small, its body length reaches half a meter, and its weight is 5-8 kg. Armadillos have long claws, 3-4 cm, so when walking, the front paws rest on their tips. They run fast enough.

Armadillos are excellent diggers. In case of danger, they quickly, in a few minutes, dig a hole and hide underground. It is difficult for a predator to grab their protected back. When attacking, armadillos try to hide first, usually quickly burrowing into the ground. But in extreme cases, they roll up into a tight ball, so that the whole body is protected by a shell.

Armadillos live in burrows, and are active at night. Their food is varied: frogs, lizards, juicy fruits and mushrooms, but the most favorite is termites. With the help of long claws, he easily destroys termite mounds.

With few enemies, battleships are not overly sensitive to danger. So, they often get out on the highway at night and even in the light of headlights do not run away, for which they often pay with their lives.

Giant anteater

In the tropical part of Central and South America, peculiar mammals live - anteaters. The largest among them is the giant anteater.

In these animals, the front of the head is disproportionately elongated and looks like a tube. The mouth is so small that only a thin, long tongue crawls through it. Giant anteaters have a huge flat tail, which they cover themselves with like a blanket during rest. The length of such a blanket is almost a meter, and the width is 80 cm.

Anteaters live in forests and savannas. Most of the time they roam in search of food, mainly ants and termites. The main tool for the extraction of insects is the tongue - a kind of trapping organ. It is moistened with sticky saliva and pulled out of the mouth, like a string, more than 60 cm. Such a tongue allows the anteater to get to the most secluded places of the ant dwelling. To destroy impregnable termite mounds, anteaters use powerful front legs armed with claws. Even jaguars are afraid of these claws. In the event of an attack by a predator, the anteater is able to inflict terrible, non-healing wounds on it. Only young, inexperienced jaguars risk attacking a large anteater.

The female anteater has only one cub, which she carries on her back.

Maned wolves have a thin body and long legs, weighing up to 25 kg. Being tall, they can look out for prey in the pampas and coastal lowlands where they live. Maned wolves feed on small mammals, insects, birds, plants and fruits. They live alone, meeting only during mating. The female usually gives birth to three or four cubs and raises them herself. The beautiful and unusual maned wolf with its red fur, black muzzle, mane and paws was nicknamed the fox on stilts, and it really looks more like a fox.

The economic development of the areas where they live, and the intense hunting of wolves have led to a sharp decline in their numbers. Over the past hundred years, they have been constantly pushed further and further west.

Tapir

Tapirs are unusual animals. They are heavy, densely built, with short, thick legs and a small trunk. Outwardly they resemble pigs, but they are larger. The body weight of tapirs reaches 300 kg. Tapirs are relatives of horses and rhinos. They are classified as equids.

The lowland tapir lives in the swampy forests and shrubs of South America. Its body is colored dark brown. Young tapirs have a yellow or reddish body with bright white stripes or spots. Such variegated coloring makes them invisible to predators.

Tapirs are exceptionally herbivorous. They spend the whole night eating a variety of plants, mainly aquatic. They swim excellently, and in order to get the tasty parts of some plants, they are able to dive to considerable depths. They live alone or in pairs, trying not to go to the neighbors' plot.

It is easy to train tapirs, they feel great in captivity.

In the Andes, from the foothills to the borders of eternal snow, passing at an altitude of 5 km, llamas live. These are pets. The local Indians tamed the llamas long before the arrival of the Spaniards in South America. They use them as beasts of burden and for meat and wool. Llamas are very hardy: loaded with luggage weighing tens of kilograms, they are able to walk for many kilometers without rest. In addition, they run well, on mountain plains developing speeds of up to 50 km / h.

The ancestors of llamas are wild guanacos, which are still found in the Andes. Guanacos are unpretentious, feed on grass and mosses, they can even drink salt water. The guanaco's favorite pastime is swimming in mountain rivers. They happily lie for hours or stand in a cold stream. And they swim with great pleasure and very well.

The Indians also domesticated alpacas, which are very similar to llamas, only smaller in size and have a thicker and longer coat. They probably also originated from guanacos. Llamas, alpacas and guanacos are relatives of camels and belong to the order of calluses. They easily interbreed with each other and give numerous offspring.

Vicuña lives in the harshest, inaccessible high-mountainous (over 4000 m) regions of the Andes. She belongs to the camel family and is perfectly adapted to life at high altitudes. Thick fur reliably protects her freezing cold, and in a very thin air she breathes easily due to the fact that her blood tends to be well filled with oxygen.

Vicuñas live in groups of one male, several females and their young. The rest of the males gather in independent groups of bachelors. Vicuñas feed on grass and lichen.

Capybara

Capybara, or capybara, is the largest of all rodents on earth. Her body reaches over a meter in length and weighs about 60 kg. Capybara lives, as a rule, near water: in marshy areas, in coastal areas of rivers, in the forests and plains of South America - from Panama to Argentina.

During the dry season, capybaras gather in groups of 100 or more individuals near water bodies. Usually they live in small families (from 10 to 40 animals), consisting of dominant males and females with calves. The rest of the males live separately and often fall prey to jaguars and anacondas. Capybaras are often attacked by predators, keeping watch for them near or inside water bodies where capybaras come to drink. Animals feed on grass and aquatic plants.

Koata

Many different monkeys live on tall trees in the rainforests of South America. The most common are koats. With strong tails, they cling to branches, jumping from one tree to another. There are four types of these monkeys. Most are black or dark brown.

They mainly feed on fruits, seeds, flowers, but they can also eat insects and bird eggs. Koats live in rather large communities, which are often subdivided into smaller groups. These monkeys are very mobile, they are dexterous acrobats and belong to the most common species of monkeys in South America.

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 in 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 of South America belong to the group of broad-nosed monkeys that are absent in 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.

In the tropical forests of South America, all American (broad-nosed) monkeys live, 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 lifestyle.

Rainforest felines 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 in 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 pigs 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.

The Amazonian forests are teeming with 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. Of the reptiles, the water boa anaconda stands out (Eunectes murinos) and land boa constrictor (Constrictor constrictor). Lots of 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 continent's rainforests is the abundance of insects, most of which are endemic. Day and night butterflies, various beetles, ants abound there. 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 the 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 puma (found almost throughout South America and entering North America), the ocelot, and the pampa cat are widespread. Among the 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 swamp 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 eaten, 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 currently 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.

South America ... Plants and animals of this region have attracted increased attention from time immemorial. It is here that a huge number of unique animals live, and the flora is represented by truly unusual plants. Hardly in modern world you can meet a person who would not agree to visit this continent at least once in his life.

General geographic description

In fact, the continent called South America is huge. Plants and animals are also diverse here, but all of them, according to experts, are largely due to the geographical location and the peculiarities of the formation of the earth's surface.

The continent is washed on both sides by the waters of the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. The main part of its territory is located in the southern hemisphere of the planet. The connection of the mainland with North America took place during the Pliocene epoch with the formation of the Isthmus of Panama.

The Andes are a seismically active mountain system that stretches along the western border of the continent. To the east of the ridge flows the largest and practically the entire area covers South America.

Among other continents, this one takes 4th place in terms of area and 5th place in terms of population. There are two versions of the appearance of people in this territory. Perhaps the settlement took place through the Bering Isthmus, or the first people came from the South Pacific.

Unusual features of the local climate

South America is the wettest continent of the planet with six climatic zones. In the north is subequatorial belt, and in the south there are belts of subequatorial, tropical, subtropical and temperate climates. The northwest coast and the lowlands of the Amazon region have high humidity and an equatorial climate.

Jaguarundi

This small feline predator resembles a weasel or a cat. The jaguarundi has a long body (about 60 cm) with short legs, a small round head with triangular ears. Height at withers reaches 30 cm, weight - up to 9 kg.

Wool of uniform color of gray, red or reddish-brown colors, which is not of commercial value. Found in forests, savannas, or wetlands.

It feeds on insects, small animals and fruits. The jaguarundi lives and hunts alone, meets with other individuals only for reproduction.

This is how it is, unusual, stunning, alluring and bewitching South America, whose plants and animals are especially popular not only among scientists who connect their lives with the study of the continent, but also among curious tourists who want to discover something new.

From south to north, the continent extends 7,500 kilometers. Here is the world's largest Amazon River with one and a half thousand tributaries, and the high mountains of the Andes, and the barren Atacama Desert, and tropical forests. The diversity of nature implies an equally multifaceted animal world.

The most dangerous animals in South America

Most of the deadly poisonous creatures of the planet gave exactly fauna of South America... Here, for example, there is a frog that can kill 20 adults. Let's start the list with her.

Leaf climber

Lives in the rain tropics. This is where the amphibian is dangerous. Individuals kept in captivity are not poisonous, since they feed on grasshoppers and fruit flies. In its natural environment, the leaf climber eats aboriginal ants. It is from them that the frog produces poison.

Only leopis epinichelus can harm the leaf climber. It is a snake resistant to amphibian venom. However, if the eaten frog managed to accumulate the maximum amount of toxins, the leopis also becomes poorer. Sometimes, after eating a bright yellow amphibian, snakes die.

Leaf climber is poisonous in the wild, as it eats poisonous ants

Brazilian wandering spider

It is the most poisonous on Earth, which is confirmed by an entry in the Guinness Book of Records. The animal's neurotoxin is 20 times stronger than the black secretion.

Wandering spider venom makes breathing difficult. Men also experience long-term, painful erections. The bite itself is painful. You can be wounded by a spider by taking dirty laundry from a basket, buying a package of bananas, taking firewood from a woodpile. The name of the animal reflects his predilection to constantly move, climb everywhere.

The wandering spider is listed in the book of records for its strong venom

Spearhead nut

Like a wandering spider, it enters animals of south americaaiming at human settlements. The lance-shaped viper is fast and excitable, so it often prowls through the streets of cities.

With timely treatment, 1% of bitten people die. Those who delays in visiting doctors die in 10% of cases. Viper neurotoxins block the respiratory system and destroy cells, in particular red blood cells. The process is so painful that those bitten in the legs and arms require amputation even after the successful administration of the antidote.

Shark

Instead of poison, it has the power of fangs. Cases of attacks on people are recorded all over the world, but most often in the waters of South America. Brazil's notorious coasts. Dozens of people died here from shark bites.

Bull and tiger sharks operate in the waters of South America. Interestingly, until 1992, there were no attacks on people. The situation, according to scientists, has changed after the construction of a port in the south of Recife. Water pollution has reduced the number of sharks' food supply. They began to eat the garbage thrown off the ships, following the ships to the coast.

Tiger shark has stripes on the sides resembling tiger color

Pictured is a bull shark

Triatom bug

Otherwise it is called a vampire or kissing, because it sticks to the lips, face. The insect feeds on blood, while defecating on the host in parallel. With feces, it penetrates into the wound, causing Chagas disease.

In 70% of those bitten, it does not manifest itself, but in 30% of those remaining with age, it "pours out" into deadly neurological pathologies and ailments of the cardiovascular system.

The kissing bug is 2.5 centimeters long. The insect lives only in South America. Accordingly, Chagas disease is also endemic. About 7 thousand people die from it annually on the continent.

The kissing mite is very dangerous, most often it sticks to the body in the region of the lips

Maricopa ants

Found in Argentina. An adult dies after 300 bites. One puncture is sufficient for 4 hours of acute pain.

Multiple maricopa bites are rare, as ants' dwellings can be seen from afar. The buildings reach 9 meters in height, and reach 2 in diameter.

Maricopa anthills are very high and can be easily seen even from afar.

Blue-ringed octopus

There is no antidote for his bites. Toxins from one individual are enough for the lightning death of an adult. First, the body is paralyzed.

In the waters of the seas washing South America, the animal reaches only 20 centimeters in length. The brightly colored animal seems cute, and the bite is painless. Impressions are deceiving.

Piranhas

Instead of poison they have sharp teeth. Fish wield them deftly, attack in flocks. At the beginning of the last century, in front of Theodore Roosevelt, who visited the continent, a cow was dragged into the Amazon. In the eyes of the American president, the fish left only bones of the animal in minutes.

Having spread rumors about killer fish at home, Roosevelt did not take into account that the river was blocked for a couple of days, the seas of piranhas starved. Under normal conditions, the inhabitants of the Amazon rarely attack. This usually happens when a person bleeds out. Its taste and smell attract piranhas.

Anaconda

what animals in South Americadangerous, but involved in human deaths only in unconfirmed stories and films. Anaconda attacks under water, from an ambush. Perhaps some of the missing and died in the throats of the giant snakes. However, there is no confirmation.

The length of the anaconda is 7 meters long. The weight of an animal can reach 260 kilograms.

Seven meters is the standard snake length. However, sometimes there are 9-meter anacondas. By the way, they belong to the subfamily of boas.

Anacondas have developed sexual dimorphism. Females are not only larger and heavier, but also stronger than males. It is the females that usually hunt large prey. Males are content with other snakes, birds, lizards and fish.

Black caiman

Among the 6 crocodiles inhabiting South America, crocodiles are the most dangerous to humans. The predator reaches 600 centimeters in length, that is, it is commensurate with the American alligator.

In the Amazon region, about 5 fatal attacks by blacks on people are recorded annually.

The largest and smallest animals on the continent

Animals in tropical areas are typically gigant. Warm climate provides a rich forage base. There is something to eat off.

Orinoco crocodile

It is slightly larger than the black caiman. In theory, it is the Orinox crocodile that should be on the list of dangerous. However, the species is on the verge of extinction. Small numbers exclude massive attacks on people.

Male Orynok crocodiles gain 380 kilogram weight. The length of some individuals reaches almost 7 meters.

Orinoksky, one of the most large species crocodiles

Guanaco

The largest mammal on the continent. You can bet the jaguar is bigger. However, the wildcat is also found outside South America. Guanaco is found only here.

Guanaco is the ancestor of the llama. The animal gains weight up to 75 kilograms, lives in the mountains.

Noblela

This is already an animal from the miniature list. Noblela is an alpine frog that lives in the Andes. Adults are one centimeter long.

Noblele females lay only 2 eggs, each the size of a third of an adult animal. The tadpole stage is absent. Frogs hatch at once.

Midget beetle

The smallest of the continent's beetles. The length of the animal does not exceed 2.3 millimeters. Usually the indicator is 1.5.

The midget beetle is a recently discovered species. Outwardly, the insect is brown with hairy legs and three-lobed horns.

Hummingbird

Represents miniature birds. The length of the body, including the tail and beak, does not exceed 6 centimeters. The bird weighs 2-5 grams. Half the volume is occupied by the heart. The bird is more developed than anyone else on Earth.

The hummingbird heart beats at 500 beats per minute. If the animal is actively moving, the pulse rises to a thousand beats.

South American animals listed in the Red Book

Most of the continent's Red Book inhabitants are forest dwellers. The jungle stretches along the Amazon and is actively cut down for agricultural needs and timber. 269 \u200b\u200bbird species, 161 mammals, 32 reptiles, 14 amphibians and 17 fish are endangered.

Playful possum

Inhabits the northeastern coast of the continent. In particular, the animal lives in Suriname. The species is secretive and small in number, belongs to small mammals.

The playful possum walks little on the ground and climbs trees a lot. There, the animal seeks out insects and fruits, which it feeds on.

Titicacus Whistler

Endemic species of Titicaki. This is a lake in the Andes. The frog is not found outside of it. The second name of the animal is the scrotum. So the frog is nicknamed because of the flabby, hanging folds of skin.

The whistler's skin folds increase the surface of the body, allowing more oxygen to be absorbed through the integument. The lungs of the Red Book animal are small. Additional "recharge" is required.

Vicuña

Like guanaco, it refers to wild llamas, but less often, it lives only in the highlands of the Andes. A representative of the camelid family is protected from the cold here by thick wool. Thin air is not a problem either. The vicuñas have adapted to oxygen deficiency.

Vicunas have a long neck, equally elongated, thin legs. You can meet llamas at heights of more than 3.5 thousand meters.

Hyacinth macaw

Pig bakers

Breeds in Mexico, Arizona and Texas. In the photo, animals of South Americamay differ in nuances. Bakers have 11 subspecies. All are medium-sized, do not exceed 100 in length and 50 centimeters in height. Bakers weigh up to 25 kilos.

On the neck of the bakers there is a necklace of elongated hair. For this species, a second name is given - collar. Representatives of the population are cautious, but hunters are often more cunning. South American pigs have delicious meat. Actually, mining it, hunters and reduced the number of bakers.

Animals symbols of South America

Every country and area has a symbol from the animal world. States on the continent 12. To these are added the overseas possessions of Great Britain and France.

Andean condor

From the name it is clear that the bird lives in the Andes, at an altitude of 5 thousand meters. The animal is large, reaches 130 centimeters in length, and weighs 15 kilograms.

The condor's head is devoid of feathers. This betrays a scavenger in the bird. However, sometimes, the condor hunts small birds and steals other people's eggs.

Jaguar

Recognized as the national symbol of Argentina, where it has alternative titles. Animals of South America are referred to here as cougars. Sometimes the predator is called the puma, or mountain cat.

Most jaguars weigh 100-120 kilograms. The record is considered to be 158 kilos. Such an animal can kill with one blow. By the way, this is how the name of the cat is translated from the Guarani language.

Alpaca

Associated with Peru. Dwelling in the mountains, the ungulate has a heart that is 50% larger than the "motor" of other animals of the same size. Otherwise, alpacas cannot survive in thin air.

Alpaca incisors are constantly growing, like rats. The process is due to the tough and scarce grasses that animals feed on in the mountains. Teeth grind off, and without them food cannot be obtained.

Alpaca teeth grow throughout life

Pampas fox

Recognized as the national symbol of Paraguay. Their names are understandable that the beast lives in the pampas, that is, the steppes of South America.

Pampas foxes are monogamous but solitary. Scientists are perplexed how animals each year find a partner chosen once during the breeding season. After mating, the animals part again to meet a year later.

Pampas foxes lead ascetic image life

Deer

This is the symbol of Chile. The species, along with the pudu deer, is listed as endangered. The animal has a thick body and short legs. In summer, the South Andes deer graze in the mountains, and in winter it descends to their foothills.

The deer reaches 1.5 meters in length. The height of the animal does not exceed 90 centimeters. The animal is endemic to the Andes, not found outside of them.

Red-bellied thrush

Symbolizes Brazil. From the name of the feathered one it is clear that his belly is orange. The back of the bird is gray. The animal is 25 centimeters long.

Red-bellied Thrushes- animals of the forests of South America... Among the trees and their roots, birds look for insects, worms and fruits such as guava and oranges. The thrush cannot digest the seeds of fruit. As a result, slightly softened grains come out with faeces. The latter serve as fertilizer. Seeds germinate faster. This contributes to the growth of green areas.

Hoatzin

it national bird Guyana. The animal looks spectacular, flaunting a tuft on its head and bright plumage. But goatzin smells disgusting from the point of view of the majority. The reason for the putrid "aroma" lies in the feathered goiter. There, hoatzin digests food. Therefore, a particularly pungent smell comes from the mouth of the animal.

Most bird watchers classify the hoatzin as a chick. A minority of scholars distinguish the Guyana symbol as a separate family.

Hollow-throated bell ringer

It is considered the symbol of Paraguay. The area around the eyes and throat of the bird are bare. Hence the name of the species. The skin of the throat is blue. The plumage of birds is light, in males it is snow-white.

The bird was nicknamed the bell ringer for the sounds it made. They are generated by the males of the species. Females' voices are less sonorous.

Ginger stove maker

Associated with Uruguay and Argentina. The bird is large, with rusty plumage and a square tail. The animal is nicknamed the stoveman due to the manner of building nests. Their complex design resembles a chimney.

The stove-maker's beak resembles tweezers. They feathered insects. The stove-maker looks for them on the ground, where he spends most of the time.

The bird was nicknamed the stoveman for its ability to build nests, reminiscent of a stove chimney

Unusual animals of South America

Many animals of the mainland are not only endemic, but also exotic, striking in their appearance.

Vampire

it bat... She has a snub-nosed muzzle. Sharp fangs protrude from under the upturned lip. With them, the vampire pierces the skin of the victims, drinking their blood. However, the mouse attacks only livestock. The bloodsucker does not touch people.

Vampires seem to take care of their victims. Mice saliva serves as a natural pain reliever and contains substances that accelerate blood clotting. Due to this, animals do not feel bites, and wounds on the bodies of livestock heal quickly.

Tapir

Mentioned in conversations on the topic what animals live in South Americaand are the most timid. Tapirs are indecisive, shy, outwardly reminiscent of a cross between an elephant and a boar.

Tapirs emit a peculiar whistle. What it means, scientists do not know. Animals are poorly studied, since they are shy and active at night, not during the day. Of all mammals, tapirs are the darkest horses for the scientific community.

Howler

This is a loud-voiced primate, belongs to the Capuchin family. The animal is black. A reddish "mantle" of long hair hangs down the sides. The same ones grow on the face. But the tip of the howler's tail is bald. This makes it easier to grab the fruit that the monkey feeds on.

Howler monkeys are 60 centimeters long and weigh about 10 kilograms. The name of the animals is due to their loud voices. The loud call signs of howler monks can be heard from several kilometers away.

Battleship

Is a descendant of glyptodons. They looked almost the same, but weighed 2 tons and reached 3 meters in length. Glyptodons lived during the time of the dinosaurs. Therefore, the armadillo is often called their peer.

The modern giant battleship reaches a length of 1.5 meters. Other animal species are smaller, all but one, live in South America. The rest is found in the North.

Common animals of South America

If the scrotum frog is found only in one of the lakes of the continent, and vicuñas only in the highlands of the Andes, then these animals are found in almost every corner of South America. Despite the destruction of tropical forests and pollution of ocean waters, some species continue to thrive in them.

Coati

It is also called nosohoy. The animal belongs to the raccoon family. Coati is found everywhere, even in the mountains it climbs to heights of 2.5-3 thousand meters. Nosoids can live in bushes, in the steppes, in rain forests. In addition to mountains, animals are satisfied with lowlands, which determines the large population.

The nasal animal is nicknamed because of its narrow head with an upturned lobe. The animal also has powerful, long fingers with claws and an elongated tail. These are tree climbing devices.

Coati or nose

Capybara

It is also called capybara. It is the largest rodent on the planet. The mass of the animal reaches 60 kilos. In length, some individuals are equal to a meter. The appearance is similar to that of a guinea pig.

Water capybaras are called because rodents live near the water. There is a lot of lush vegetation that the pigs feed on. Also, capybaras love to swim, cooling in the rivers, swamps, lakes of South America.

Koata

It is also called a spider monkey. The black animal is slender, with elongated limbs and tail. The paws of the kitty are hooked, and the head is tiny. In motion, the monkey resembles a tenacious spider.

The length of the koata does not exceed 60 centimeters. The average is 40. The length of the tail is added to them. It is about 10% more than the length of the body.

Igrunok

This is the smallest monkey on the planet. The dwarf subspecies is 16 centimeters long. Another 20 centimeters is occupied by the animal's tail. It weighs 150 grams.

Despite their dwarfism, marmosets deftly jump between trees. In the tropics of South America, mini monkeys feed on honey, insects, and fruits.

Playful girls are the smallest and very cute monkeys

Manta ray

Reaches 8 meters in length and 2 tons in weight. Despite its impressive dimensions, the stingray is safe, not poisonous and not aggressive.

Considering the size of the manta ray's brain in relation to its body weight, scientists proclaimed the animal the smartest fish on earth. The nature of South America is recognized as the richest on the planet. There are 1,500 species of birds alone on the continent. There are 2.5 thousand fish species in the rivers of the mainland. More than 160 species of mammals is also a record for one continent.