Paraguay: Top 4 Native Animals at 'The Heart of South America'

Paraguay has different natural areas, like the Gran Chaco in the west, which has grasslands, marshes, forests, and sand dunes.

There's also a big wetland called the Pantanal, and a rainforest called the Atlantic rainforest in the east, where many Paraguay native animals can be found.

Lots of different animals live in these places, like birds, mammals, amphibians, and reptiles, according to the World Atlas.

Let's talk about some of them!

Capybaras

Capybaras, scientifically known as Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris, are fascinating creatures!

In an Amazon tribe, they're called "Kapiyva," which means the master of grasses.

These gentle giants are the world's biggest rodents, almost as big as a dog but without a tail and with webbed feet. They can weigh anywhere from 32 to 79 kilograms.

Capybaras love the water and are often found near rivers, marshes, and streams.

They munch on all sorts of plant foods like aquatic plants, grasses, grains, melons, and squash.

With a lifespan of around 12 years, these hydrophilic herbivores lead a relaxed lifestyle in their watery habitats.

Black howler

The black howler, also called the black-and-gold howler, is one of the biggest types of monkeys in the New World.

You can spot them in the central parts of South America, especially in countries like Paraguay, Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Bolivia.

These monkeys get their name from the loud howls they make, which can travel as far as 2 kilometers or 1.24 miles! Sadly, in Paraguay and nearby countries, they face some big problems like their homes being destroyed, people hunting them, and outbreaks of diseases.

It's important to protect these amazing monkeys and their habitats, Kevmrc Travel noted.

Bare-throated bellbird

The bare-throated bellbird is super special because it is one of Paraguay native animals and it is they national bird! It lives in the lush forests of the country and has one of the loudest bird calls ever-it's like hearing a hammer hit an anvil!

This bird gets its name from its bare throat, face, and beak.

Unfortunately, it's in danger of disappearing because their homes are being destroyed, and some people catch them to sell as pets.

It's sad to think about losing such a unique bird, so it's important to protect its habitat and stop people from catching them.

Pampas Fox

The Pampas fox, scientifically known as Lyca Lopex gymnocercus, is a fascinating creature!

These foxes make their homes in the pampas grasslands, ridges, deserts, and hills.

They have grey bodies with a light underside and brown markings on their heads and legs.

Pampas foxes prefer to live alone and come out at night to hunt, although sometimes you might see them during the day.

They eat all sorts of things, like rabbits, rodents, birds, lizards, frogs, fruits, sugarcane, and even domesticated animals.

Once a year, between July and October, female Pampas foxes give birth to 3-5 cubs in a den. After about three months, the babies start hunting with their parents.

These clever foxes can live up to 14 years, enjoying their lives in the wide-open spaces of the Pampas.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Ross Key

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