Fauna of Uruguay

Fauna of Uruguay

The fauna of Uruguay is a part of the wildlife of Uruguay.

Overview

It is characteristic of the Uruguayan savanna. Grazing mammals include the Pampas deer (Ozotoceros bezoarticus), the gray brocket or Guazuvirá deer (Mazama gouazoubira), and the capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris), the world's largest living rodent.

Uruguay is home to a rich avifauna, including the Southern lapwing and the magnificent black-necked swan. As a result, birdwatching has become popular in selected locations.

There are several snakes, with four venomous species: the rattlesnake (Crotalus durissus terrificus), coral snake (Micrurus altirostris), yarará (Bothrops pubescens), and crossed pit viper (Bothrops alternatus).

Waterlife is also rich, with species such as the tararira (Hoplias malabaricus) or the white-dotted skate.

Extinct species

Extinct fauna includes megafauna, such as Josephoartigasia monesi, Lestobradys, and Glyptodon (some of them coexisted with the arrival of humans, who were responsible for their extinction).

Older extinct species include Neuquensaurus and Meridiosaurus, both from the Cretaceous.

See also

References


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