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

Of the 600 species of mammals found in the Andes, 13% are endemic. 45% of the 600 reptile species found here are also endemic. This mountain system South America is home to about 1,700 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. Guanacos belong to the camelid family 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 Andean animals reliably protects them from attacks by predatory animals.

The lifespan of a guanaco is 20-25 years. Legal hunting of these animals in the Andes is permitted only in certain places within their range. Guanaco wool is of excellent quality and is of particular value.

Chinchillas

The Andes Mountains of South America are home to these rodents, known for their fur, which is the second densest of any land mammal in the world. They lead a crepuscular lifestyle, being most active at dusk and dawn. Chinchillas in the Andes are found at altitudes up to 4200 m.

The population of these animals is growing rapidly, but they are still most common in the Chilean Andes. Hunting wild chinchillas in order to obtain their valuable fur is one of the main reasons that significantly influences the development of their population. Long-tailed and short-tailed chinchillas are listed as critically endangered by the IUCN.

Alpaca

This animal is a domestic variety of vicuña, which is bred in the Andean highlands of South America. Of particular value is alpaca wool, which is used to create clothing (in particular, shawls, socks, sweaters, gloves and hats).

The most valuable wool is from two types of alpacas - Huacaya and Suri. Herds of these animals graze in the Andes at altitudes from 3500 to 5000 m. They differ from llamas in their smaller dimensions.

Lama

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

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

Peruvian and South Andean deer

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

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

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

Their lifespan is up to 10 years. Poaching, destruction of their habitat and the introduction 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 primate, which numbers only about 250 individuals and is on the verge of extinction. They are found in the cloud 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 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 remain in the Andes.

Spectacled (Andean) bear

The spectacled bear is often called the Andean bear. It is the only species of bear that lives 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 consists of meat. The Andean bear inhabits a wide range of habitats, including alpine meadows, scrubland and Andean cloud forests. These Andean animals are mainly found at altitudes above 1900 m.

South American foxes

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

Other species include the Andean, Pampas, Brazilian, Darwin and Securan foxes.

Guinea pigs

The ancestors of these popular pets are animals living in the Andes Mountains of South America. Guinea pigs were domesticated by the indigenous South American inhabitants, the Incas.

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

Mountain tapir

These animals live in the Andes mountains and among the five species of tapirs they are the second smallest in size. Mountain tapirs are easily distinguished from their relatives by their thick fur.

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

Vicuna

These wild representatives the camelid family living in the Andes are national animal of Peru. Vicuna is distinguished by its insignificant wool cover, which at the same time has excellent quality. Previously, only members of royal families were allowed to wear vicuna wool. Now these Andean animals are protected and hunting them is prohibited.

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

Animal world South America impresses with its diversity. Also read information about, including the many endemics of this mountainous region, and find out which of the animals living in the vastness of South America are.

From the southern to the northern point, the continent extends 7,500 kilometers. Here is the world's largest river, the Amazon, with one and a half thousand tributaries, and the high Andes mountains, 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 planet's deadly poisonous creatures were given by fauna of South America. Here, for example, lives a frog that can kill 20 adults. Let's start the list with that.

leaf climber

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

Only Leopis epinichelus can harm the leaf climber. This is a snake that is resistant to amphibian poison. However, if the eaten frog has managed to accumulate the maximum amount of toxins, the leopis also gets worse. Sometimes, after eating a bright yellow amphibian, snakes die.

The leaf climber is poisonous in the wild because it eats poisonous ants

Brazilian wandering spider

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

The wandering spider's venom makes breathing difficult. Men additionally experience long-term, painful erections. The bite itself is painful. You can be injured by a spider by taking dirty laundry from a basket, buying a package of bananas, or taking firewood from a woodpile. The name of the animal reflects its predilection to constantly move and climb everywhere.

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

Spearhead nut

Like a wandering spider, he enters animals of South America, striving for human settlements. The lancet viper is fast and excitable, so it often scurries around city streets.

With timely treatment, 1% of people bitten die. Those who delay visiting doctors die in 10% of cases. The viper's neurotoxins block the respiratory system and destroy cells, particularly red blood cells. The process is so painful that those bitten on the legs and arms require amputation even after successful administration of antivenom.

Shark

Instead of poison, she 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. The coasts of Brazil are notorious. Dozens of people have died from shark bites here.

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, 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 garbage thrown from ships, swimming behind the ships to the coast.

The tiger shark has stripes on its sides resembling the coloration of a tiger.

Pictured is a bull shark

Triatomine bug

Otherwise called a vampire or a kisser, since it is sucked in the area of ​​the lips and face. The insect feeds on blood while simultaneously defecating on the host. It penetrates into the wound with feces, disease-causing Chagasa.

In 70% of those bitten, it does not manifest itself, but in the remaining 30% of those who are bitten, with age it “results” in deadly neurological pathologies and ailments of cardio-vascular system.

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

The kissing mite is very dangerous; most often it attaches itself to the body in the lip area

Maricopa ants

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

Multiple Maricopa bites are rare, because the ants' homes can be seen from afar. The height of the buildings reaches 9 meters, and the diameter reaches 2 meters.

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

Blue-ringed octopus

There is no antidote for its bites. The toxins of one individual are enough to cause the lightning death of an adult. At 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. The fish wield them deftly and attack in schools. At the beginning of the last century, in front of Theodore Roosevelt, who visited the continent, a cow was dragged into the Amazon. In front of the American president's eyes, in minutes the fish left only the bones of the animal.

Having spread rumors about killer fish in his homeland, Roosevelt did not take into account that the river was blocked for a couple of days, the seas of piranhas were starving. Under normal conditions, the inhabitants of the Amazon rarely attack. This usually happens if a person is bleeding. Its taste and smell attract piranhas.

Anaconda

what animals are in South America dangerous, but they are involved in human deaths only in unconfirmed stories and films. Anaconda attacks underwater, from ambush. Perhaps some of them went missing and died in the throats of giant snakes. However, there is no confirmation.

The anaconda stretches 7 meters in length. The weight of the animal can reach up to 260 kilograms.

Seven meters is the standard length of a snake. However, sometimes 9-meter anacondas are found. 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, the most dangerous to humans. The predator reaches 600 centimeters in length, that is, comparable to 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 characterized by gigantism. The warm climate provides a rich food supply. There is something to eat on.

Orinoco crocodile

It is slightly larger than the black caiman. In theory, the Orinoco crocodile should be on the list of dangerous ones. However, the species is on the verge of extinction. The small number excludes mass attacks on people.

Male Orinoco crocodile weights reach 380 kilograms. The length of some individuals reaches almost 7 meters.

Orinoco, one of the largest species of crocodiles

Guanaco

The largest mammal on the continent. You could argue since the jaguar is bigger. However wild cat It is also found outside of South America. Guanaco is found only here.

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

Noblela

This is already an animal from the list of miniatures. Noblela is a high-altitude frog that lives in the Andes. Adults are about a centimeter long.

Female nobles lay only 2 eggs, each one-third the size of an adult animal. There is no tadpole stage. The frogs hatch immediately.

Lilliput beetle

The smallest beetle on the continent. The length of the animal does not exceed 2.3 millimeters. Usually the indicator is 1.5.

Midget beetle - recently open view. Externally, 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 weight of the bird is 2-5 grams. Half of the volume is occupied by the heart. The bird has it more developed than anyone else on Earth.

The heart of a hummingbird beats 500 times per minute. If the animal is actively moving, the pulse increases 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 being cut down for agricultural purposes and timber. 269 ​​species of birds, 161 mammals, 32 reptiles, 14 amphibians and 17 fish are under threat of extinction.

Playful possum

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

The playful opossum walks little on the ground and climbs trees a lot. There the animal looks for insects and fruits, which it feeds on.

Titicaca Whistler

Endemic species of Titicaca. This is a lake in the Andes. The frog is not found outside its boundaries. The second name of the animal is scrotum. The frog is so named because of its flabby, hanging folds of skin.

The skin folds of the whistler 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 “feeding” is required.

Vicuna

Like the guanaco, it is related to wild llamas, but less commonly, it lives only in the highlands of the Andes. Here the representative of the camelid family is protected from the cold by thick wool. Thin air isn't a problem either. Vicunas have adapted to oxygen deficiency.

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

Hyacinth macaw

Peccary pig

Inhabits Mexico, Arizona and Texas. Pictured are animals of South America may differ in nuances. Peccaries have 11 subspecies. All are medium-sized, not exceeding 100 centimeters in length and 50 centimeters in height. Peccaries weigh up to 25 kilos.

The peccary has a necklace of elongated hair on its neck. For this, the species is given a second name - collared. Representatives of the population are cautious, but hunters are often more cunning. South American pigs have tasty meat. Actually, by getting it, hunters reduced the number of bakers.

Animal symbols of South America

Every country and locality has a symbol from the animal world. There are 12 states on the continent. 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, reaching 130 centimeters in length and weighing 15 kilograms.

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

Jaguar

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

Most jaguars weigh 100-120 kilograms. The record is 158 kilos. Such a beast is capable of killing with one blow. By the way, this is how the name of the cat is translated from the Guarani language.

Alpaca

Associated with Peru. Living in the mountains, the ungulate has a heart that is 50% larger than the “engine” of other animals of the same size. Otherwise, alpacas will not survive in thin air.

Alpacas' incisors are constantly growing, like those of rats. The process is due to the tough and scarce grasses that animals feed on in the mountains. Teeth wear down, and without them you can’t get food.

Alpacas' teeth grow throughout their lives.

Pampas fox

Recognized as the national symbol of Paraguay. Their names make it clear that the animal lives in the pampas, that is, the steppes of South America.

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

Pampas foxes lead an ascetic lifestyle

South Andean deer

This is the symbol of Chile. The species, along with the Pudu deer, is classified as endangered. The animal has a thick body and short legs. In summer, the South Andean deer grazes in the mountains, and in winter 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 and is not found outside of it.

Rufous-bellied Thrush

Symbolizes Brazil. From the name of the bird it is clear that its belly is orange. The back of the bird is gray. The length of the animal is 25 centimeters.

Rufous-bellied Blackbirds- animals of the forests of South America. Among the trees and their roots, birds look for insects, worms and fruits such as guavas and oranges. The thrush cannot digest fruit seeds. As a result, slightly softened grains are excreted in the feces. The latter serve as fertilizer. Seeds germinate faster. This helps to increase green areas.

Goatzin

It is the national bird of Guyana. The animal looks impressive, sporting a crest on its head and bright plumage. But from the point of view of the majority, hoatzin smells disgusting. The reason for the putrid “aroma” lies in the bird’s crop. There the hoatzin digests food. Therefore, a particularly pungent odor comes from the animal’s mouth.

Most ornithologists classify the hoatzin as a member of the gallinaceae order. A minority of scientists classify the symbol of Guyana into a separate family.

Bare-throated bell-ringer

Considered the symbol of Paraguay. The area around the eyes and throat of the bird is bare. Hence the name of the species. The skin of the throat is blue. The plumage of the birds is light, the males have snow-white plumage.

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

Red Ovenbird

Associated with Uruguay and Argentina. The bird is large, with rusty plumage and a square tail. The animal is nicknamed the stove-maker due to the way it builds nests. Their complex design resembles a chimney.

The ovenbird's beak resembles tweezers. The birds grab insects for them. The stove hunter looks for them on the ground, where he spends most of his time.

The bird was nicknamed the stove maker for its ability to build nests that resemble a stove chimney.

Unusual animals of South America

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

A vampire

This is a bat. She has a snub nose. Sharp fangs protrude from under his upturned lip. With them, the vampire pierces the skin of the victims, drinking their blood. However, the mouse only attacks livestock. The bloodsucker doesn't bother people.

Vampires seem to care about 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 America and are the most timid. Tapirs are indecisive, timid, and outwardly resemble something between an elephant and a boar.

Tapirs make a peculiar whistle. Scientists do not know what it means. The animals are little studied because they are shy and active at night rather than 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 from 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 fruits that the monkey eats.

Howler monkeys reach 60 centimeters in length and weigh about 10 kilograms. The name of the animals is due to their loud voice. The loud call signs of howler monkeys can be heard several kilometers away.

Armadillo

He 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 dinosaurs. Therefore, the armadillo is often called their peer.

Modern giant armadillo reaches a length of 1.5 meters. Other species of the animal are smaller, all but one live in South America. The remaining one is found in Northern.

Common animals of South America

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

coati

Otherwise called nosukha. The animal belongs to the raccoon family. Coatis are found everywhere, even climbing into the mountains to heights of 2.5-3 thousand meters. Nosushi can live in bushes, steppes, and rain forests. In addition to the mountains, animals are found in lowlands, which determines the large population.

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

Coati or Nosuha

Capybara

Otherwise called capybara. It is the largest rodent on the planet. The weight of the animal reaches 60 kilos. Some individuals are up to a meter in length. Appearance similar to appearance guinea pig.

Capybaras are called aquatic because they live near water. There is a lot of succulent vegetation here, which the pigs feed on. Capybaras also love to swim, cooling off in the rivers, swamps, and lakes of South America.

Koata

Otherwise called spider monkey. The animal is black, slender, with elongated limbs and tail. Koats have hooked paws and a tiny head. In movement, the monkey resembles a tenacious spider.

The length of the coat does not exceed 60 centimeters. The average is 40. The length of the tail is added to them. It is approximately 10% greater than the length of the body.

Marmoset

This is the smallest monkey on the planet. The dwarf subspecies is 16 centimeters in length. Another 20 centimeters is occupied by the tail of the animal. 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.

Marmosets 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, non-toxic and non-aggressive.

Considering the size of the manta ray's brain relative to its body weight, scientists have declared the animal to be the smartest fish on earth. The nature of South America is recognized as the richest on the planet. There are 1.5 thousand species of birds alone on the continent. There are 2.5 thousand types of fish in the rivers of the mainland. More than 160 species of mammals - also a record for one continent.

The main area of ​​the vast territory of the South American mainland extends in equatorial-tropical latitudes, so it does not feel a lack of sunlight, although the climate of this part of the world is not at all as hot as Africa.

It is the wettest continent on the planet, and there are many natural reasons for this. The difference in pressure between warm land and the ocean environment, currents off the coast of the continent; the Andes mountain range stretching across a huge part of its territory, blocking the way west winds and contributing to increased humidity and significant amounts of precipitation.

The climate of South America is extremely diverse, because the continent extends through six climatic zones: from subequatorial to temperate. Along with areas of fertile nature, there are areas known for mild winters and cool summers, but famous for frequent rain and winds.

In the center of the continent there is much less precipitation. And the highlands are distinguished by clean, dry air, but a harsh climate, where the bulk of the heavenly moisture falls, even in summer months, in the form of snow, and the weather is capricious, constantly changing throughout the day.

A person does not survive well in such places. Naturally, the vicissitudes of the weather also affect other organisms living there.

It is not surprising that given natural features, the world of fauna is incredibly diverse and rich. List of animals of South America is very extensive and impressive with its individual bright features of organic life that has taken root in this territory. It includes many wonderful and rare species creatures that amaze with their fantastic originality.

What animals are in South America live? Most have perfectly adapted to existence in harsh conditions, because some of them have to endure the discomfort of tropical downpours and survive in the highlands, getting used to the characteristics of savannas and subequatorial forests.

The fauna of this continent is amazing. Here are just some of its representatives, the diversity of which can be seen at photo of animals of South America.

Sloths

Interesting forest-dwelling mammals are known throughout the world as very slow creatures. The peculiar animals are closely related to armadillos and anteaters, but purely outwardly they have little resemblance to them.

Number of sloth species included animals endemic to South America, only about five. They are united into two families: two-toed and three-toed sloths, which are quite similar to each other. They are half a meter tall and weigh about 5 kg.

Their external features resemble an awkward monkey, and their thick, shaggy fur looks like a haystack. It's interesting that internal organs These animals differ in structure from other mammals. They lack hearing and visual acuity, their teeth are underdeveloped, and their brain is quite primitive.

The animal in the photo is a sloth

Armadillos

Fauna of South America would be significantly poorer without mammals. These are the most unusual animals among the edentates, a group that includes sloths.

The animals are dressed by nature in something similar to chain mail, as if clad in armor, girded with hoops consisting of bone plates. They have teeth, but very small size.

Their vision is not well developed, but their sense of smell and hearing are quite acute. When feeding, such animals grab food with their sticky tongue, and are able to bury themselves in loose soil in the blink of an eye.

Pictured is an armadillo

Ant-eater

Scroll South American animal names would not be complete without such an amazing creation as. This is an ancient, outlandish mammal that existed in the early Miocene era.

These representatives of the fauna inhabit the territories of savannas and wet forests, and also live in swampy areas. They are divided by scientists into three genera, differing in weight and size.

Representatives of the genus of giants weigh up to 40 kg. They, like members of the genus of large anteaters, spend their lives on the ground and cannot climb trees. Unlike their relatives, dwarf anteaters skillfully move along trunks and branches with the help of clawed paws and a prehensile tail.

Anteaters do not have teeth, and spend their lives searching for termite mounds and anthills, absorbing their inhabitants with the help of a sticky tongue, sticking their long nose into the insects' habitat. An anteater can eat several tens of thousands of termites per day.

The animal in the photo is an anteater

Jaguar

Among South American forest animals, a dangerous predator that kills in one leap, is. It is precisely in his dexterous, lightning-fast ability to kill his victims that the meaning of the name of this beast, translated from the language of the indigenous inhabitants of the continent, lies.

The predator is also found in shrouds and belongs to the panther genus, reaches a weight of just under 100 kg, has a spotted color like a leopard, and has a long tail.

Such animals live in the north and central parts of America, but are found in Argentina and Brazil. And in El Salvador and Uruguay some time ago they were completely exterminated.

In the photo there is a jaguar

Mirikina monkey

American monkeys are endemic, and differ from their relatives living on other continents by a wide partition separating the nostrils of these animals, for which many zoologists call them broad-nosed monkeys.

This type of creature inhabiting mountain forests includes the Mirikina, otherwise called durukuli. These creatures, which are about 30 cm tall, are notable for the fact that, unlike others, they lead an owl-like lifestyle: they hunt at night, seeing perfectly and orienting themselves in the dark, and sleep during the day.

They jump like acrobats, eat small birds, insects, frogs, fruits and drink nectar. They can make a huge number of interesting sounds: they bark and meow like a dog; roar like jaguars; chirping and chirping like birds, filling the darkness of the night with devilish concerts.

Monkey Mirikina

Titi monkey

It is not known exactly how many species of such monkeys exist in South America, since they have taken root in impenetrable forests, whose wilds cannot be fully explored.

Appearance Titi resemble mirikin, but have long claws. During the hunt, they guard their prey on the branch of a tree, tucking their arms and legs together and lowering their long tail down. But at the right moment, in the blink of an eye, they deftly grab their victims, be it a bird flying in the air or a living creature running along the ground.

Pictured is a titi monkey

Saki

These monkeys live in the forests of the interior regions of the continent. They spend their lives on the tops of trees, especially in areas of the Amazon that are flooded with water for a long time, as they cannot tolerate dampness.

They jump on branches very deftly and far, and walk on the ground on their hind legs, helping themselves to maintain balance with their front legs. Zoo workers, observing these animals, noticed their habit of rubbing their own fur with pieces of lemon. And they drink by licking the water from their hands.

White-faced saki

Uakari monkey

Close relatives of the saki, living in the Amazon and Orinoco river basins, are known for the shortest tail among the continent's monkeys. These peculiar creatures, classified as endangered species and rare animals of South America, have red faces and a bald forehead, and with their lost and sad expression on their faces they look like an old person, confused in life.

However, appearances are deceptive, because the character of these creatures is cheerful and cheerful. But when they are nervous, they smack their lips noisily and shake the branch they are on with all their might.

Uakari monkey

Howler

South American harpy bird

Titicaca whistler frog

Otherwise, this creature is called a scrotum due to the flabbiness of its skin, hanging in folds. She uses her fancy skin for breathing, since her lungs are small in volume.

This is the largest frog in the world, found in the reservoirs of the Andes and Lake Titicaca. Some specimens grow up to half a meter and weigh about a kilogram. The color of the back of such creatures is dark brown or olive, often with light spots, the belly is lighter, creamy-gray.

Titicaca whistler frog

American manatee

A large mammal that inhabits the shallow waters of the Atlantic coast. Capable of living also in fresh water bodies. The average length is three or more meters, weight in some cases reaches 600 kg.

These creatures are colored a rough gray and have flipper-like forelimbs. They feed on plant foods. They have poor eyesight and communicate by touching their muzzles.

American manatee

Amazonian inia dolphin

The largest of the. His body weight can be 200 kg. These creatures are dark in color and sometimes have a reddish skin tone.

They have small eyes and a curved beak covered with tinny bristles. No more live in captivity three years and are difficult to train. They have poor eyesight, but a developed echolocation system.

Inia river dolphin

Piranha fish

This aquatic creature, famous for its lightning-fast attacks, received the title of the most voracious fish on the continent. Having a height of no more than 30 cm, she mercilessly and brazenly attacks animals and does not hesitate to feast on carrion.

The body shape is like a rhombus, laterally compressed. Usually the color is silver-gray. There are also herbivorous species of these fish that feed on vegetation, seeds and nuts.

Pictured is a piranha fish

Giant arapaima fish

According to scientists, the appearance of this ancient fish, a living fossil, remained unchanged for millions of centuries. Some individuals, as local residents of the continent say, reach four meters in length and weigh 200 kg. True, ordinary specimens are more modest in size, but they are valuable commercial fish.

Giant arapaima fish

Electric eel

The most dangerous big fish, having a mass of up to 40 kg, found in the shallow rivers of the continent and having a fair share of human casualties.

Capable of emitting a high-power electrical charge, but is only powered by small fish. It has an elongated body and smooth, scaly skin. The color of the fish is orange or brown.

Electric eel fish

Agrias claudina butterfly

The most beautiful of tropical forests with a scope, rich colors, bright wings of 8 cm. The shape and combination of shades depends on the subspecies of the described insects, of which there are about ten. It is not easy to see the butterfly, as they are rare. It's even harder to catch such beauty.

Agrias claudina butterfly

Nymphalida butterfly

With wide, medium-sized wings, bright and variegated colors. Its lower part usually merges with environment against the background of dry leaves. These insects actively pollinate flowering plants. Their caterpillars feed on grass and leaves.

Nymphalida butterfly

The fauna of South America is no less rich than the vegetation cover. The modern fauna, like the flora of the mainland, was formed starting from the end of the Cretaceous period in conditions of isolation and little changing climate. This is related to the antiquity of the fauna and the presence of a large number of endemic forms in its composition. Along with this, there are some common features of the fauna of South America with other continents southern hemisphere, which indicates long-standing ties between them. An example is the marsupials, which survive only in South America and Australia.

All monkeys of South America belong to the group of broad-nosed monkeys, which 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 edentates, united in 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 classified as the Neotropical region of animals and is included within two of its subregions - the Brazilian and the Chilean-Patagonian.

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

The tropical forests of South America are home to all American (broad-nosed) monkeys, divided into two families - marmosets and cebids. Marmoset 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 stay on tree trunks. Many cebids are characterized by a strong tail, with which they cling to tree branches and which acts as a fifth limb. Among them stands out the genus of howler monkeys, which received their name for their ability to produce far-audible screams. Spider monkeys with long flexible limbs are widespread.

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

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

Feline predators of the rainforest include ocelots, small jaguarundis and large and powerful 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. Nosukhi are forest animals that hunt in trees. (Nasua) and kinkajou (Potos f lavus).

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

Typical representatives of rodents in the forests of the Amazonian lowland and other areas of South America are the arboreal prehensile-tailed porcupines coendu (Coendu), good for climbing trees. Agoutis cause great harm to plantations of tropical crops (Dasyprocta agouti), found in the forests of Brazil. Almost throughout the entire continent, especially in the Amazon forests, the capybara capybara is widespread (Hydrochoerus capibara) - the largest of the rodents, whose body length reaches 120 cm.

In the forests of Southern and Central America There are several species of marsupial rats, or opossums. Some of them are equipped with a prehensile tail and are good at climbing trees.

The Amazon 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. Among the reptiles, the water boa anaconda stands out (Eunectes murinos) and land boa constrictor (Constrictor constrictor). A bunch of poisonous snakes, lizards. There are crocodiles in the river waters. Of the amphibians, there are many frogs, some of them lead an arboreal lifestyle.

There are many different birds in the forests, especially brightly colored parrots. The most typical of the largest parrots is the 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, colorful birds that feed on the nectar of flowers are called insect birds.

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

One of the features of the mainland's tropical forests is the abundance of insects, most of which are endemic. Day and night butterflies, various beetles, and 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 in size; the largest of them, Agrippa, reaches a wingspan of almost 30 cm.

fauna of drier and open spaces South America - savannas, tropical woodlands, subtropical steppes - other than dense forests. Among the predators, in addition to the jaguar, the most common are the puma (found throughout almost all of South America and entering North America), ocelot, and pampa cat. Among the canine predators, the maned vrlk is typical for the southern part of the continent. The Pampa fox is found on the plains and mountainous areas almost throughout the continent, and in the extreme south - the Magellanic fox. Among the ungulates, the small Pampas deer is common.

Representatives of the third American family of incomplete edentates - armadillos - live in savannas, forests and arable lands. (Dasypodidae) - animals equipped with a durable bony shell. When danger approaches, they burrow into the ground.

Among the rodents found in savannas and steppes are the viscacha and the tuco-tuco, which lives in the ground. Widely distributed along the banks of water bodies swamp beaver, or nutria, whose fur is highly valued on the world market.

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

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

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

The mountain fauna of the Andes has unique features. It includes many endemic animals not found in the eastern part of the mainland. Throughout mountainous region South American representatives of the camelid family - llamas - are common in the Andes. There are two known types of wild llamas - vigon (vicuna - Lama vicugna) and guanaco (L. guanicoe). In the past, they were hunted by Indians for their 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 raise two domestic species of llamas - the llama itself and the alpaca. Llamas (L. glama) - large and strong animals. They carry heavy loads along difficult mountain roads, their milk and meat are used for food, and coarse fabrics are made from wool. Alpaca { Lama pacos) bred only for its soft coat.

Spectacled bears and some marsupials are also found in the Andes. Small endemic chinchilla rodents used to be widespread (Chinchilla). Their soft, slick gray fur was considered one of the best and most expensive furs. Because of this, the chinchilla is currently severely exterminated.

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

The fauna of the volcanic Galapagos Islands is distinguished by its 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 carried by cold currents, 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 wild. The Galapagos Islands have been declared a nature reserve.

Home to hundreds of thousands of species of fauna and the largest rainforest in the world, South America is a continent with a variety of natural and climatic zones - from glaciers to deserts. Animal and consists of a huge variety of unique animals, some of which have evolved in relative isolation. Only a few million years ago, the Isthmus of Panama was formed, providing a small migration corridor for South and North American animals. Below is a list and a brief description of prominent representatives of the fauna of South America, sorted into the following groups: mammals, amphibians, reptiles, birds, insects and fish.

These animals have a shell that consists of stripes. The number of stripes depends on the type of animal. Although the stripes are as tough as fingernails, the shell is flexible, with softer skin that expands and contracts between the stripes. Armadillos also have long claws for digging and searching for food. Their favorite foods are termites and ants.

Otters

Otters are the only serious swimmers in the mustelidae family. They spend most of their lives in water, so well adapted for this. Their sleek, streamlined bodies are ideal for diving and swimming. Otters also have long, slightly flattened tails that move from side to side and help them swim. The hind legs are used as rudder to steer the body in the water.

Giant anteater

The name is associated with the favorite food of this animal - ants. It has an elongated snout that resembles a tube. This unique animal of South America is the largest of the order of edentates. The giant anteater is similar in size to the golden retriever, but the thick and bushy hair makes it appearance more massive.

The gray hairs of the anteater feel like straw and are especially long on the tail (up to 40 centimeters). It has a stripe of white, tan or gray that starts on the chest and extends to the middle of the back. Below this stripe is a dark collar. hairy and fluffy tail often used as a blanket or umbrella. The giant anteater's elongated head and nose are excellent for catching ants and termites.

Mountain lion

This wild cat is a feline (Felidae), has several names: mountain lion, puma, cougar. But no matter what you call it, it is still the same animal, the largest in the subfamily of small cats (Felinae). So why does the cougar have so many names? The fact is that they have a wide range of habitats, and people from different countries gave them different names.

Early Spanish explorers of the Americas named it leon(lion) and gato monte(mountain cat), hence the name "mountain lion". "Puma" - this name comes from the Incas. The word "Cougar" comes from an old South American word Cuguacuarana, which was shortened to the name cougar. All of these names are considered correct, but scientists tend to prefer the cougar. In Southern California, they are commonly called mountain lions.

Guanaco

Pelicans

Pelicans are quite easy to identify, because they are the only birds that have a pouch under their beak, used for catching fish. Pelicans are large birds with short legs and are quite clumsy on land. Their webbed feet make them excellent swimmers. Birds use their beaks to coat their feathers with waterproof oil from a gland at the base of their tail.

Pelicans are excellent fliers, but in the absence of wind, flying can be challenging for these birds. To gain sufficient speed to take off, a pelican must run through the water, flapping its large wings and kicking its legs.

The species occurs in South America Pelecanus thagus, which until 2007 was considered a subspecies of the American brown pelican. It prefers rocky coastlines, as opposed to trees. The population numbers about 500 thousand individuals.

Parrots

Currently, there are up to 350 species of parrots. Although the species are very different from each other in many respects, all parrots have a curved beak, a special structure of fingers, and feed on nuts, seeds, fruits and insects. Parrots have thick, strong beaks that are ideal for crushing tough nuts and seeds.

In South America there are parrots from the subfamily True parrots (Psittacinae).

South American harpy

The South American harpy is a legendary bird, although few have seen it in wildlife. This dark gray bird of prey has a very distinctive appearance. When the bird feels threatened, the feathers on the top of its head rise up, forming a collar of “horns.” Small gray feathers form a disc around the head, which improves the bird's hearing, like owls.

Like most species of hawks, the female "harpy" is almost twice the size of the male. The legs of the South American harpy can be as thick as a small child's wrist, and the curved rear claws are larger than those of a grizzly bear, measuring about 13 centimeters in length. The harpy is not the largest bird of prey on the continent (that title belongs to the Andean condor), but it is still quite a heavy and powerful creature.

Insects

Butterflies

There are approximately 165,000 known species of butterflies, found on every continent except Antarctica, and these insects come in a wide variety of colors and sizes. The most large species can reach 30 centimeters in diameter, while the smallest are no larger than a match head.

The most famous butterflies of South America are day butterflies from the genus Morpho ( Morpho), butterflies of the genus Greta (Greta).

Hercules beetle

This species is one of the largest beetles on the planet. The body length of an adult varies from 80 to 170 mm. The body is covered with short hairs. The beetle's elytra are yellow-olive in color. There are horns on the head and pronotum.

Ants

Ants are one of the most common insects on earth, and their contribution to the ecosystem is important.

One of the brightest inhabitants of the mainland is a large tropical ant Paraponera clavata, who has very strong poison, surpassing in strength the poison of any wasps and bees. Body length 18-25 mm, color brown-black.

Arachnids

Spiders

Spiders have a bad rap and are feared by many people. But only a few species are dangerous to humans, and they bite if they sense danger. Spiders are not classified as insects due to certain anatomical differences. For example, spiders have two main body parts: the anterior part is called the cephalothorax, and the posterior part is the undivided abdomen; insects have three body parts: head, chest and belly. Spiders have eight legs, while insects have six.

Tarantula spiders from the family Theraphosidae are one of the largest spiders in the world. They are found not only in South America, but also on other continents with the exception of Antarctica. Their diet is quite varied and, contrary to their name, they do not always feed on bird meat. All species have poison, but in varying amounts. The poison is not fatal to an adult and healthy person, which cannot be said about small children and people sensitive to it.

Scorpios

Scorpions belong to the order of arthropods. They prefer it hot climatic conditions and lead a terrestrial lifestyle. There are about 1,750 species of scorpions, but only 50 are dangerous to humans due to their venom. Six pairs of limbs are attached to the cephalothorax, four of which are intended for movement.

These are viviparous animals, they pass life cycle without metamorphosis. Scorpions are nocturnal and can run fast. The diet consists of insects and arachnids. The venom of most species is harmless, but some are dangerous and can cause fatal outcome, this is especially true for children.

Scorpions from the following families are found in South America: Buthidae, Chactidae, Scorpionidae, Euscorpidae, Hemiscorpiidae, Bothriuridae.

Fish

Arapaima

Arapaima is considered one of the largest freshwater fish planets, with a body length of about 2 meters. The body of the fish is long and slightly flattened, covered with scales. It is common in the Amazon River. The diet consists of fish, small animals and birds.

Common piranha

The common piranha is a species of fish that has gained a reputation as a dangerous predator for people and animals. The body length varies from 10 to 15 cm, and the weight ranges from 1 kg. This fish is characterized by flat and sharp teeth, which they use to bite into their prey. They have a very subtle sense of smell, thanks to which piranhas can recognize blood from a great distance. Their diet consists of fish and birds.

Flathead catfish

The flathead catfish is another species of ray-finned fish that lives only in freshwater rivers in South America. It can reach a body length of about 1.8 m and a weight of 80 kg. These colorful catfish have a brownish back and orange-red dorsal and caudal fins. There are antennae on the upper and lower jaws. These fish are capable of making sounds that can travel up to 100 meters.