home Food and drink The animal world of South America. Plants of the South American Mainland

The animal world of South America. Plants of the South American Mainland

The Andes mountain system in South America stretches across seven countries of the continent in a direction from north to south, from Venezuela to Chile. It is the longest continental mountain range with a unique ecosystem and a wide variety of animal species. About two thirds of the Andean species are endemic to this region.

Of the 600 species of mammals living in the Andes, 13% are endemic. 45% of the 600 reptile species found here are also endemic. This mountain system of South America is home to about 1700 species of birds and 400 species of fish, almost a third of which are endemic. Below are the most famous animals living in the Andes.

Guanaco

This mammal is one of the most common animals of the Andes of South America. Guanaco belong to the family of camelids and can reach a height of 1-2.2 meters. They live in herds of females and offspring led by a dominant male leader. The male protects the entire group of animals from predators and other threats. The thick skin on the neck of these animals of the Andes reliably protects them during attacks by predatory animals.

The life expectancy of guanaco is 20-25 years. The legal hunting of these animals in the Andes is resolved only in some places within their range. Guanaco wool is of excellent quality and of particular value.

Chinchillas

The Andes of South America are home to these rodents, known for their fur, which ranks second in the world in density among all terrestrial mammals. They lead a twilight lifestyle, showing the greatest activity at dusk and at dawn. Chinchillas in the Andes are found at an altitude of up to 4200 m.

The population of these animals is growing rapidly, but still they are most common in the Chilean Andes. Hunting wild chinchillas for the purpose of obtaining their valuable fur is one of the main reasons that significantly affect the development of their population. Long-tailed and short-tailed chinchillas are considered by IUCN to be among the endangered species.

Alpaca

This animal is a domestic species of vicuna that is bred in the highlands of the Andes of South America. Of particular value is alpaca wool, which is used to create clothes (in particular, shawls, socks, sweaters, gloves and hats).

The most appreciated wool of two types of alpacas - Huacaya and Suri (Suri). Herds of these animals graze in the Andes at an altitude of 3,500 to 5,000 m. They differ from lamas in smaller dimensions.

Llama

This domesticated animal of the camelid family for many centuries was inextricably linked with the culture of the Andean peoples. Llamas were used by people of this region as pack animals, and also served as their main source of meat.

The height of these animals reaches 1.7-1.8 m, and their life expectancy is from 15 to 25 years. Llamas are known to be social animals and coexist peacefully in large herds. They are also considered very intelligent and easy-to-learn Andean animals.

Peruvian and southand deer

These two species of deer are among the animals living in the Andes of South America. Peruvian deer is found mainly in Peru and Bolivia, and the second species is most common in Argentina and Chile.

Both animals are characterized by a massive body and short legs. In summer, they live at significant heights, and by autumn they move to protected valleys, where they spend the winter.

Both deer species found in the Andes feed on grasses, shrubs, grass and lichens.

Their life expectancy is up to 10 years. Poaching, the destruction of their habitat and the appearance of non-native species are the main reasons that lead to the threat of extinction of these Andean deer.

Yellow-tailed monkey

These monkeys are an endemic species of Peruvian primates, which totals about 250 individuals and is on the verge of extinction. They are found in the cloudy forests of the Andes - on steep cliffs, in deep gorges and dense thickets at an altitude of 1500 to 2700 m.

Due to human intervention and the destruction of the natural habitat of these primates, the population of yellow-tailed monkeys has decreased significantly. Only a few isolated groups of these animals remained in the Andes.

Spectacled (Andean) Bear

Spectacled bear is often called Andean. He is the only species of bears that live in South America. The spectacled bear is also one of the largest land mammals found on the South American continent.

Although these animals are omnivores, only 5% of their diet is meat. Andean bear lives in a vast area, including alpine meadows, shrubbery and cloudy forests of the Andes. Basically, these Andean animals are found at an altitude of more than 1900 m.

South American foxes

These representatives of the canine genus are not much different from other foxes that live in the Andes of South America. The most common in this group of six species is the South American gray fox.

Other species include Andean, pampas, Brazilian, Darwin and Securan foxes.

Guinea pigs

The ancestors of these popular pets are animals that live in the Andes of South America. Guinea pigs were domesticated by the Incan indigenous South American inhabitants.

These animals played a special role in the culture of the Andean people and were used primarily as a food source, as well as in folk medicine.

Mountain tapir

These animals live in the Andes mountains and among the five species of tapirs occupy second place in the smallest size. It is easy to distinguish from the relatives of mountain tapirs by thick wool.

These herbivores play a key role in the development of the Andean ecosystem, as they contribute to the spread of plant seeds.

Vicuna

These wild representatives of the camelidae family living in the Andes are national animals of Peru. Vicuna is notable for its insignificant coat, which at the same time has excellent quality. Previously, only members of the royal families were allowed to wear vicuna clothes. Now these animals of the Andes are under protection and hunting for them is prohibited.

In the old days, it was unlimited hunting for vicuna that led to the fact that by 1974 the population was only 6,000 individuals. After considerable efforts aimed at the revival of these animals of the Andes, their number increased to 350 thousand individuals. Vicuna is found mainly in the central Andes in the territory of Bolivia, at an altitude of 3200 to 4800 m and feeds mainly on low-growing vegetation.

The fauna of South America impresses with its versatility. Also read about, including the many endemic species of this mountainous region, and find out which of the animals that live in the vastness of South America are.

South America is an amazing continent full of contrasts and mysteries. Located at once on six climatic zones, it has a unique and very diverse nature. Thanks to this, the animal world of South America is represented by the most interesting and unusual creatures.

Tropical rainforest

Animals and plants of South America are represented in all their diversity in the natural zone of the equatorial zone - humid tropical forests or selves.

The dense lush vegetation of the jungle has left its mark on the living creatures living here. To survive in such conditions, all of them over the long years of evolution have adapted to the arboreal lifestyle. This is the main characteristic of all animals in the rainforests, not only in South America, but also in Africa and Asia.

There are a lot of monkeys in the selva, which are represented by two large families:

Gummy Monkeys - differ in tiny sizes, the smallest species reach only 15 cm in length. They are held on trees thanks to tenacious limbs with strong claws.

Fig. 1. Marmosets - the smallest monkeys in the world

Tsebida - large monkeys whose tail is unusually well developed. In fact, it plays the role of a fifth limb - it is so effective in moving monkeys through trees. The brightest representatives of the tsebid family are howlers, who can scream incredibly loudly, as well as arachnids with very long strong limbs.

But not only monkeys climb trees perfectly. In the middle and upper tiers of the equatorial jungle, you can find sloths, slowly moving from tree to tree. They feed on leaves and rarely go down to the ground.

Steppes, savannas and woodlands

Animals of South America, living in the drier and treeless natural areas of the continent, are adapted to life in open spaces.

Local predators are represented by a swift puma, a deft ocelot, a hardy maned wolf, a Magellanic fox.

Armadillos are found in the savannahs and steppes - amazing creatures that have inhabited our planet since time immemorial. Their features include a body covered with a durable carapace. They are nocturnal, and are hermits, rarely forming pairs or small groups.

Pampassian deer, llamas, and baker pigs are widespread among ungulates. In the steppes and savannahs there are many different rodents, lizards, snakes.

A distinctive feature of the landscape of these natural zones is a large number of termite mounds. Termites, which are popularly called "white ants", are able to build huge nests several meters high, between which excellent communication is established using underground passages and tunnels.

Fig. 3. Termitniki

Andes

The flora and fauna of the Andes has its own distinctive features. In the mountains of South America, there are many endemic animals that never crossed the border of their native natural zone.

Two species of wild lamas live here: vigon and guanaco. Once upon a time, locals hunted them because of delicious meat and excellent wool. However, now wild llamas in nature are a rarity.

Only in the Andes can one meet a spectacled bear, wild chinchillas, whose fur is considered one of the most expensive in the world. A large bird of prey lives in the mountains - a condor, the wingspan of which reaches 3 m.

What did we learn?

We learned what animals live in South America, what are their characteristic features. They found out who lives in various natural areas of the mainland, as well as a description of the unique features of living creatures that were able to adapt to environmental conditions. The topic discussed is of great interest not only for high school students, but also for students in grade 4.

Related Test

Report Evaluation

Average rating: 4.5. Total ratings received: 153.

class \u003d "eliadunit"\u003e

The nature of this continent was formed, in conditions of isolation from other lands. This is due to its unusualness and wealth. The flora and fauna of the continent began its development in the Cretaceous period. The nature of the region, having an ancient history and formation in isolation, has preserved many unique species, but there is also evidence that other representatives of the fauna close to the specimens living in South America exist on other continents. This is a confirmation that, nevertheless, the isolation of the mainland was incomplete and there was a connection with other continents.

Interestingly, among the species of monkeys in South America, there are no human-like monkeys.

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

It is noteworthy that South America has three, only its inherent, families of edentulous. Unique species of animals are found among ungulates, rodents and predators. The fauna in different parts of the continent has differences. This is due primarily to unequal natural and climatic conditions.

class \u003d "eliadunit"\u003e

Rainforest animals are adapted to life on trees. First of all, these are monkeys of two families: marmoset and capuchin. Gammon Monkeys smaller and have developed limbs with long claws. Capuchin the largest and they have a long strong tail, almost like an arm.

Slothsbelonging to the family of not-toothed, lead a sedentary life, preferring to hang on trees and rarely go down.

In the savannahs and forests lives great anteater.

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

Ungulates are very small.

Almost throughout the mainland you can find numerous rodents, among them marsupial rats and possums.

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

Brightly colored parrots, numerous birds also live in the forests of this piece of land.

Representative birds of the mainland are hummingbird.

Rainforests are simply teeming with various insects, among them you can find many unique ones.

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

Here is another representative of the edentulous- armadillo. This is the place where they live jaguars, cougars, pampas cats, ocelotssome types foxes. From ungulates can be distinguished pampas deer. Live here ostriches rhea. A large number of snakes and lizards.

Mountain fauna is represented by animals such as llama. Some are also common marsupials and spectacle bear.

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

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

All monkeys in South America belong to the group of broad-nosed, 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 edentulous, united in one unit.

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

South America (together with Central America) stands out in the Neotropic region of animals and is included in its two subregions - Brazilian and Chilean-Patagonian.

The greatest originality and richness are characterized by moist tropical forests, although animals there do not play a big role in the landscape, hiding in dense thickets or spending most of the time on 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 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 - Marmoset and tsebid. Small-sized gammon monkeys. The smallest of them reach a length of no more than 15-16 cm, their limbs are equipped with claws that help them stay on tree trunks. Many tsebids have a strong tail, which they cling to the branches of trees and which serves as the fifth limb. Among them is the clan of howlers who got their name for the ability to make far-heard screams. Spider monkeys with long flexible limbs are widespread.

Of the representatives of the order of the edentulous in the rainforests, sloths live (Bradypodidae). They are inactive and spend most of the time hanging in the trees, feed on leaves and shoots. Sloths climb trees confidently, and rarely fall to the ground.

Some anteaters are also adapted to life on trees. For example, it freely climbs tamandua trees; a small anteater with a tenacious tail also spends most of its time on trees. A large anteater is common in forests and savannahs and leads a land-based lifestyle.

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

Ungulates, few in South America, are represented by only a few genera in the forests. Among them is tapir (Tapirus terrestris), a small black pig bakers and a small South American deer spikes.

Characteristic representatives of rodents in the forests of the Amazonian lowlands and other areas of South America are the tree-chain-tailed porcupines porcupines (Coendu), nice climbing trees. Agouti bring great damage to tropical plantations (Dasyprocta aguti), found in the forests of Brazil. Capybara capybara is common throughout the mainland, especially in the Amazonian forests. (Hydrochoerus capibara) - the largest of the rodents, whose body length reaches 120 cm.

In the forests of South and Central America, several species of marsupial rats, or possums, are found. Some of them are equipped with a tenacious tail and climb trees well.

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. Anaconda water boas stand out among reptiles (Eunectes murinos) and land boa constrictor (Constrictor constrictor). A lot of poisonous snakes, lizards. Crocodiles are found in the waters of the rivers. There are many frogs from amphibians, some of them are arboreal.

There are many different birds in the forests, especially brightly colored parrots. The most typical of the largest parrots - macaw. In addition, small parakeets 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 colored birds feeding on nectar of flowers are called insect birds.

Goacins are also found in forests. (Opisthocomus goatzin), whose chicks have claws on their wings to help them climb trees, sun herons and heron beaks, harpies are huge birds of prey that hunt young deer, monkeys and sloths.

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

The fauna of the drier and open spaces of South America - the savannah, tropical woodlands, subtropical steppes - is different than the dense forests. Among the predators, in addition to the jaguar, the most common are cougar (found almost throughout South America and entering North America), ocelot, and pampa cat. Of the predators of the canine family, the southern part of the mainland is characterized by a maned vrlk. On the plains and in mountainous regions, almost throughout the mainland, there is a pampa fox, in the extreme south - a Magellanic fox. Of ungulates, a small Pampassian deer is common.

In the savannas, forests and arable lands there are representatives of the third American family of not-toothed - armadillos (Dasypodidae) - animals equipped with durable bone carapace. When danger approaches, they burrow into the ground.

Of rodents in the savannahs and steppes, there are a viskach and a tuko-tuko living in the land. Swamp beaver, or nutria, whose fur is highly regarded in the world market, is widespread along the banks of water bodies.

Of the birds, besides numerous parrots and hummingbirds, there are South American ostriches of Nandu (Rhea), some large birds of prey.

In the savannahs and steppes there are many snakes and especially lizards.

A characteristic feature of the landscape of South America is a large number of termite mounds. Some areas of South America periodically suffer from locust infestations.

The peculiar features of the mountain fauna of the Andes. 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. Two types of wild lamas are known - vigon (vicuna - Lama vicugna) and guanaco (L. guanicoe). In the past, Indians hunted them because of meat and wool. Guanaco was found not only in the mountains, but also on the Patagonian Plateau and in Pampa. Wild llamas are rare now. Indians in the Andes breed two domestic types of llamas - the llama itself and the alpaca. Llamas (L. glama) - large and strong animals. They carry heavy loads along rugged mountain roads, they use milk and meat for food, and coarse fabrics are made of wool. Alpaca { Lama pacos) bred only because of its soft coat.

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

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

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

Instruction manual

South American rain forests are located in the Amazon lowland. The fauna of this vast region is very diverse. Some, and its most diverse representatives, are interesting in that they are perfectly adapted to life on trees.

The woody lifestyle is, for example, broad-nosed American primates. One of the most interesting are cybides and marmosets. The main feature of cybids or chain-tailed monkeys is a long and strong tail, which plays the role of a fifth limb in these primates. With a tail, cybids cling to branches when moving in the crowns of trees. Tiny marmosets or claws have claws on their fingers, thick hair, and tassels at the tips of the ears. The length of the body of the marmoset monkey is 13-37 cm. In this case, the length of the tail that they use when moving as a counterweight is from 15 to 42 cm. They live in the upper tier of rain forests. They rarely go down to earth. Omnivores.

Sloth - an animal that lives only in South America, another representative of the fauna, preferring life in the crowns of trees. Inactive, spends most of the time in a hanging position. It rarely descends to earth. It feeds on leaves and shoots of trees.

Tamandua, or four-fingered, is an animal that leads mainly a nocturnal lifestyle. He spends most of his time in trees, has long claws and a tenacious tail. On the ground they move slowly. In contrast, a large anteater, who also lives in the Amazonian forests, lives only on earth.

Some representatives of raccoons and rodents, such as noses, kinkazu or a flower bear, coendu or a tree-tailed porcupine, lead certain types of marsupial rats or possums. The largest representative of the rodent family, the copybara capybara, whose body length reaches 120 cm, also lives in the Amazon forests.

And forests are inhabited by a large number of amphibians and reptiles - anaconda water boas, tree-headed dog boas, many poisonous snakes and lizards, reptiles live in the rivers. The Orinoc crocodile is the largest South American animal. The body length of individual individuals reaches 5 m. But, perhaps, the bloodthirsty piranha predator is the most famous river inhabitant. Interesting representatives of amphibians are tree frogs.

The forests are home to many birds - gotsiany, harpy, black-beaked herons, sun herons, a large number of parrots, among which the largest species - macaw. A characteristic representative of birds is a hummingbird. One of the species of these birds - hummingbirds - are the smallest birds in the world. In addition, South American rainforests are home to a huge number of insects - ants, beetles, butterflies.

In the South American savannah and subtropical steppes there are no such large herbivores as in Africa. Here you can see small Pampas deer, several species of llamas, armadillos, anteaters, wild pig bakers. On the banks of water bodies live nutria and swamp beavers. In addition to the same predators as in the rain forests, here you can find cougars, cats and pampas foxes, Magellanic foxes, maned wolves.

In the inaccessible mountainous regions of the continent live 2 species of lamas - vicuna and guanaco - spectacled bear, some species of marsupials. Of the birds in the Andes, condor is the most widespread bird of prey in the world.

The fauna of the Galapagos Islands is peculiar. There are many large reptiles - land turtles, iguanas. Among the birds, there are representatives of both tropical and Antarctic fauna - parrots, cormorants, penguins. Mammals are not numerous - seals, some species of rodents, bats.