The Oriental Republic of Uruguay, called by practicality simply Uruguay, is a small country in South America that limits with Brazil and Argentina and has its coasts submerged in the Atlantic Ocean. Despite its small size, the Uruguayan territory houses various landscapes and environments that are the habitat of a vast variety of species of flora and fauna. Precisely on the biodiversity of Uruguay we will develop this post of Ecology Verde. Here you can find the most important species of the Uruguay Flora and Fauna.
Uruguay Flora and Fauna Characteristics
There are a total of 4 Biomes that make up the territory of Uruguay, these are: forests, palm trees, meadows and wetlands. Meanwhile, The flora and fauna of each bioma is different due to the particularities of the ecosystem. However, Uruguay presents in all its extension a temperate and humid climate and, in fact, it is the only country in South America whose complete territory is in the temperate area. As for the stations, winters are cold and warm summers, rainfall is homogeneous throughout the year. Therefore, Uruguay’s biodiversity is totally adapted to a temperate climatewith marked seasonality.
Flora of Uruguay
Next we will develop some species of Flora of Uruguay that are more relevant.
Ceibo
CEIBO (Erythrina Crista-Galli) is the National Flower of Uruguay, although also from Argentina. It stands out for its colorful red flowers that stand out on its green leaves. It is a species that grows throughout the Uruguayan territory, preferably in flood areas such as on the banks of rivers, lagoons and streams.
Butiá palm
This species, scientifically called Butia Odoratais part of the Uruguay palm trees along with other species such as the Palmera Capitata (Butia capitata). In particular, Butiá palm resists cold and snow very well, so it is usually grown in other countries ornamental. In addition, it has fruits that are used to produce liquors and vinegars, among other products.
Azara
The hazard bush (Azara Uruguayensis) It is a species that inhabits eastern Uruguay on mountains and hills. It has a maximum height of 3 meters, with yellow flowers that contrast in its evergreen or perennial foliage.
Grasses
In the Uruguayan grasslands you can find around 400 species of grasses or poaceae, a taxonomic family that belongs to the Poales order. Within Uruguay’s grasses we can mention: Sorghastrum pellitum, Bromus auleticus, Paspalum dilatatum, species of the genus Festuca, among many others. Here you can learn more about what grasses are.
Pino Paraná
The Paraná pine (Araucaria Angustifolia), It is a species that is towards the northeast of Uruguay. Interestingly, it is badly called Pino since it does not belong to the genus Pinus. This species was believed extinct in Uruguay, but fortunately specimens were growing in the department of Cerro Largo.
Other species of Flora de Uruguay
- Laurel (Ocotea acutifolia)
- Cow hoof (Bauhinia forficata)
- Tarumán (Cithaxylum Montevidense)
- Caranday (Trithrinax Campestris)
- Crown spine (Xylosma Tweediana)
- Black carob (Prosopis Nigra)
- Shin (Parkisonia Aculeata)
- Ñandubay (Prosopis affinis)
Below you can see the first species described in the same order.
Uruguay fauna
In this section we will develop those species of animals that are part of Uruguay’s fauna.
Tero
THE TERO (Vanelus chilensis lampronotus) is the National Ave of Uruguay and its distribution covers the entire Uruguayan territory. Although it is usual to find it in any type of habitat, its presence is more frequent in the vicinity of rivers and lagoons.
Margay
Margay, Maracayá or Cat Tigre (Leopardus Wiedii) is the most abundant feline in Uruguay. It is characterized by its small size, large eyes and long tail, particularities that are an adaptation to tree life. It is also night and lonely habits.
Overo lizard
This species (Salvator Merianae) has a wide distribution in South America, including the Uruguayan territory. The Overo lizard takes refuge in caves that he excavates. In turn, they are very good swimmers and climbers.
Golden
The gold (Salminus brasiliensis) is one of the fish species that inhabit the Uruguay River. It is a fish with great bearing with carnivorous diet, feeding on fish, crustaceans and, sometimes, insects. In general, migrate along the rivers in search of prey to feed.
Southern Frank Ballena
Southern Frankish whales (Eubalaena Australis) They are endemic to the southern hemisphere and have a huge distribution by the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian oceans. The reproduction is carried out in warm areas during the winter, which is why they meet in some key areas, such as areas near the Uruguayan coast.
Other species of uruguay fauna
- Small CRESPON (Aramides Cajaneus)
- Morrocoyo turtle (Trachemys Dorbigni)
- Sapo ox (Rhinella Schneideri)
- Pejerrey (Bonariensis detesthes)
- CARPINCHO (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris)
- I will yacar overo (Caiman Latirostris)
- Marine Wolf (Arctopoca Australis)
- Ñandú (Rhea American)
- Coastal common dolphin (Delphinus capensis)
- Soming (Ceratophrys Ornata)
- Hairy tatoo (Euphractus sexcinctus flavimanus)
In the image below you can see the first species of animals described in the same order.
Now that you have known all this about Uruguay’s flora and fauna, we recommend you read this other article about the native animals of Uruguay and thus discover more about its fauna.
If you want to read more articles similar to Uruguay Flora and Faunawe recommend that you enter our biodiversity category.
