Patagonia’s “Surprise 5” Animals

Torres del Paine Biosphere Reserve is the perfect setting for diverse and unique fauna. However, there are a few animals you might not have heard of that also make their home there. Sighting one of the following species will be one of the highlights of your at with Reserva Las Torres.

Culpeo (Andean Fox)

The culpeo is the largest of Chile’s three species of foxes and can reach a length of more than four and a half feet (including its tail). Characterized as an opportunistic and solitary predator, it feeds mainly on small mammals, birds and reptiles.

Magellanic Woodpecker

The Magellanic Woodpecker appears in two variants. You can distinguish the male with its vibrant redhead, jet-black body, and feathers that shine in the sunlight. The female has an entirely dark body, with only a touch of scarlet on the edge of her beak.

Patagonian Chingue

Although it resembles a skunk, they are not the same animal but have many similar characteristics. The chingue is solitary and usually lives in underground burrows. Like the skunk, it’s primary defense mechanism are glands that excrete a bad smell.

Chilean Flamingo

Renowned for their graceful dance, these pink birds dwell mainly in Patagonia’s coastal and freshwater areas. They prefer lagoons, estuaries, salt pans, and slow-flowing rivers. During the breeding season, they form nesting colonies with thousands of individual birds.

Magellanic Armadillo

Found only in Patagonia, the Magellanic armadillo has a robust body and a bony shell of plates that provide protection. It’s an omnivore that feeds mainly on insects, fruits and roots. Nocturnal, it rests during the day to avoid high temperatures and predators.

Are you a fan of animals? Learn more about the incredible fauna of Torres del Paine in this article and discover other fascinating animals.

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Chilean flamingo (Phoenicopterus chilensis) in the water