Protecting Biodiversity

Once thought to be the land of giants—the mythical “Patagons”—Patagonia is home to a fascinating array of wildlife. From llama-like guanacos to giant flightless lesser rheas, these grasslands and forests abound with endemic species. All native species historically present in the region still exist within the future Patagonia National Park, making the permanent protection of this area key for preserving Patagonia’s biodiversity. Below, you’ll find profiles of some of the remarkable species found in the park; click the links to learn more.


Native species of Patagonia

 

The Lenga Forest: At the southernmost end of the Americas, one family of trees has staked its claim amidst fierce winds and a tough climate: the southern beeches. Read more

Culpeo Fox: Here at the future Patagonia National Park, we often catch glimpses of the second-largest canid in South America, known as the Culpeo or Andean Fox. Read more

Lesser Rhea: An ostrich-like bird, the Darwin’s or Lesser Rhea (Rhea pennata pennata) is one of the most distinctive, fabled and endangered residents of Patagonian steppe grasslands. Read more

Magellanic Woodpecker: Magellanic Woodpeckers are an extremely important species in the future Patagonia National Park, acting as keystone habitat modifiers within this region. Read more

Guanacos: “An elegant animal in a state of nature, with a long slender neck and fine legs.” –Charles Darwin, Voyage of the Beagle Read more

Pygmy Owl: Whether you’re hiking during the day or camping at night in Patagonia, chances are you might see (or hear) a Patagonian Pygmy owl along the way. Read more

Hairy Armadillo: Prehistoric in appearance yet impressively resilient, armadillos frequently scurry and burrow in the eastern parts of the future Patagonia National Park. Read more

Austral Parakeet: When you think of the arid steppe of the future Patagonia National Park, it’s difficult to picture an environment with colorful tropical birds. That is what makes the Patagonia region so spectacular though, it’s full of the unexpected. Read more

Mountain Vizcacha: Mountain Vizcachas are small mammals, but these vocalizations resonate with plenty of strength; it’s no wonder they are known for their gregarious behavior. Read more

Old Man’s Beard: The name fits the lichen’s appearance—if the Old Man in question had a greenish tint to his tangled, tufted beard, and dangled his beard-hairs from every tree truck around. Read more

Chilean Flamingo: Flamingos might seem out of place in Patagonia, far from the tropical lands where we usually imagine them, but Chilean flamingos (Phoenicopterus chilensis) are regular inhabitants of numerous lakes and lagoons in the Chacabuco Valley. Read more