Chile’s flora and fauna

Chile is not characterized by a great diversity of species compared to other neighboring countries, but its high percentage of endemic speciesthat is, species that are found only and exclusively in this country. Consequently, this fact means that Ecosystems of Chile are highly vulnerable to any adversity.

He Chile climate It is one of the factors that classifies the Chile’s flora and fauna by areas. With its varied temperatures, this country presents seven different climates: the arid or desert climate, the subtropical climate, the Mediterranean climate, the humid temperate climate, the oceanic climate, the cold steparium and the polar climate. These climate varieties, together with a very diverse relief, determine the species present throughout the country’s extension.

The Chile vegetation It is especially conditioned by climatic conditions. In this way, the country can be divided into various regions.

• The northern part of the country is characterized by little rain and broad deserts. Even so, you can find trees such as tamarugo, carob or shrubs such as yareta. In this area the flowery desert occurs when, after abundant rains, species such as Añañuca grow (Rhodophiala Rhodolirion) or Guanaco’s leg (Grandiflora Cistanthe).
• As for the Flora of the central area of ​​Chilethis area has a Mediterranean climate and abundant rainfall occurs in winter, which allows the growth of trees of considerable height. In this area there are species such as the Belloto (Beilschmiedia Miersii), El Molle (Schinus Molle), the thorn (Crataegus Monogyna), El Chagual (Puya chilensis) or the guayacán (PorLieria chilensis).
• In the south of the country is where the broader diversity of species is located. Copihue stands out (Lapageria Rosea), National Flower of Chile characterized by being vine and with a flower color that goes from red to white with a shape that assimilates a very long bell.
• In addition to the aforementioned species, there are many more Chile plants. Some of the Typical flowers of Chile They are the nose (Scyhanthus Elegans), the butterflit (Schizanthus Pinnatus), Ortiga Cabaluna (Loasa Triloba) or the rooster flower (Alstroemeria Ligtu). Other species of Chile trees They are morning (Podocarpus saligna), the cypress (Cupressus sp.), The lenga (Nothofagus pumilio), La Araucaria (Araucaria Araucana) or the luma (Amomyrtus Luma).

After knowing the flora, we will now focus on talking about the Chilean animals:

• In northern Chile two very characteristic ecosystems are distinguished. First, the dry climate of the Atacama desert is a limiting factor in terms of the quantity and variety of species found. Here you can learn about why it does not rain in the Atacama desert. However, when a height of 3,500 meters is reached, we find a climate with abundant rains in summer and abundant vegetation, which facilitate the presence of other species of animals. The most abundant animal of this area are the Andean flamenco (Phoenicoparrus Andinus).
• The greatest richness of Chilean animals It is located in the center of the country, characterized by a very favorable climate. Here are foxes and mice, especially along with birds such as Turkish (Pteropchos megapodius), the chiricoca (EIGHTORHYCHUS MELANURUS) or the Black Front (Muscisaxola frontalis).
• Finally, in the south of this country the climatic conditions are very adverse and, although it seems surprising, the species of animals that inhabit are incredible. Among them, little pudú stands out (Pudu puda) and the huemul (Hippocamelus bisulcus). In this area, we must also highlight the fascinating marine fauna that presents, among other animals, the whales that travel to Antarctica to get food.

Other species of animals living in Chile are:

• Calls (Lama Glama).
• Puma (Puma concolor).
• Coipo (Myocastor Coypus).
• Alpaca (Vicugna Pacos).
• Atacama corridor lizard (Micropophus Atacamensis).
• Choroy (ENICOGNATHUS LEPTORHYCHUS).

In this other post we talk about 40 native animals from Chile to learn more.

Some of the Chilean animals are in danger of extinction. Some of these Endangered animals species in Chile are the following:

• The sea cat (Lontra Felina).
• The short -tailed chinchilla (Chinchilla Chinchilla).
• The Arica hummingbird (or Arica Picaflor, Chilean Estrellita; Eulidia Yarrellii).
• The vaquita of the paposo desert (Gyriosomus angustus).
• The fox culpeo (Lycalopex Culpaeus).
• The grunt of The Volcano (Pristidactylus volcanensis).
• The Andean Cat (Leopardus Jacobita).
• The Huillín (Lontra Cavocax).
• Humboldt’s penguin (Spheniscus Humboldti).
• The ñandú (Rhea).
• Darwin’s frog (Rhinoderma Darwinii).

In this other ecology article, you can learn more about animals in danger of extinction in Chile.

If you want to read more articles similar to Chile’s flora and faunawe recommend that you enter our biodiversity category.