Argentina is a country with a remarkable biodiversity, offering a unique and diverse array of native animal wildlife. One of the most captivating regions in South America for animal species is the Iberá Wetlands.
There are 5000 native species on Argentina’s northern region that are protected in Iberá Wetland’s reserve. This is why Corrientes province is such an attractive destination for wildlife travellers and lovers.
The Iberá Natural Reserve has enabled protecting and reintroducing the native animal wildlife in Argentina, with possitive results. Many endangered species in the country have gradually recovered and regained a key place in the ecosystem of this region. The reserve is a sanctuary for Argentine’s fauna, offering tourists the opportunity to appreciate the many animal species found in Argentina and learn about its significance.
What animals are native to argentina?
In the northeast region, animals commonly found in Argentina include the Yacaré Caiman, Capybara, Marsh Deer and the Surubi Catfish. Watch the video and learn more about the Wetlands Wildlife the northeast of our country:
The Iberá Wetlands are in a unique location in Corrientes, Argentina, that serves as a meeting point for different ecosystems of neighboring regions. This nature reserve provides shelter for the native wildlife that inhabits this region.
Until not long ago, Iberá Wetland’s fauna was only considered a resource for hunting and trading, and this led many animal species to become endangered or decimated.
Let’s learn more about the native animals form Argentina. Especially, we will take a look at the ones we can find living in the Iberá Wetlands, northeast region of the country.
Mammals
The northeast wetlands are home to large populations of mammals in Argentina.
Capybara(Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris)
The capybara is commonly known in Argentina by it’s name in Spanish, Carpincho. Its the world’s largest rodent, easily recognized by its friendly demeanor and love for water. These social animals are often seen lounging in groups along the riverbanks, grazing on grasses and aquatic plants.
Jaguar
The majestic Jaguar (Yaguareté in Spanish), is South America’s largest big cat, known for its powerful build and stunning golden coat with rosette spots. As a top predator, it plays a vital role in maintaining the balance of the Iberá wetlands’ ecosystem. The Jaguar in Argentina is protected as an endangered species.
maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus)
In Argentina, the maned wolf is commonly known as Aguará-guazú. Resembling a fox on stilts, it is a striking canid with reddish fur, long legs, and a black mane. A solitary omnivore, it wanders the grasslands and wetlands, feeding on fruits, small mammals, and birds.
River otter (Lontra canadensis)
Another popular animal in Argentina is the Lobito de Río, which is the name in Spanish for River Otter. Playful and agile, the river otter glides through the waters of Iberá in search of fish and crustaceans. With its sleek fur and curious nature, it’s a delight to observe in the wild.
Marsh Deer (Blastocerus dichotomus)
The marsh deer is a graceful creature with reddish-brown fur and large, delicate antlers. Perfectly adapted to wetlands, its partially webbed hooves allow it to move effortlessly through marshy terrain.
Reptiles
Some 60 species of reptiles populate in the Iberá swamps, including the largest and most abundant predators in the region: black caiman (Melanosuchus niger) and broad-snouted caiman (Caiman latirostris). Since these animal species have been threatened, the Iberá National Park and the residents have worked on their rewilding, reproduction and protection.
Other reptile species that can be found in the Argentinian wetlands are:
Yacare Caiman (Caiman yacare)
The yacaré caiman is a medium-sized crocodile with a robust body and distinctive bony ridges above its eyes. Found in rivers and wetlands, it thrives as an ambush predator, feeding on fish, amphibians, and small mammals.
Spectacled Caiman (Caiman crocodilus)
Named for the ridges between its eyes that resemble glasses, the spectacled caiman is a versatile reptile found in diverse aquatic habitats. With its smaller size and adaptability, it plays a key role in balancing the ecosystem as both predator and prey.
Green Anaconda (Eunectes murinus)
The green anaconda is the largest snake in the world by weight, renowned for its muscular build and olive-green scales with black oval spots. A stealthy predator, it lurks in the water to ambush prey like capybaras, fish, and caimans.
Yellow Anaconda (Eunectes notaeus)
Smaller than its green counterpart, the yellow anaconda features vibrant yellow and black patterns that provide excellent camouflage in wetlands. It preys on birds, small mammals, and reptiles, playing a crucial role in controlling populations in its habitat.
Red-footed Tortoise (Chelonoidis carbonaria)
With its dark shell marked by yellow and red scales on its legs, the red-footed tortoise is a striking herbivore. This gentle species thrives on fruits, flowers, and leaves, contributing to seed dispersion in the Iberá wetlands.
Argentine Tegu (Salvator merianae)
The Argentine tegu is a large, intelligent lizard with a striking black-and-white banded pattern. Omnivorous and highly adaptable, it feeds on fruits, insects, eggs, and small vertebrates, making it an important ecological balancer in its environment.
Fish
Our marine wildlife is quite diverse. In the waters of Iberá live about 125 species of fish. The water ecosystem provides shelter and breeding for some commercial species of the Paraná River. The best known fishes in this argentinian region include:
Golden Dorado (Salminus brasiliensis)
Known as the “tiger of the rivers,” the golden dorado is a fierce predator with striking golden scales and sharp teeth. A prized catch for anglers, it leaps dramatically when hooked, showcasing its power and beauty.
Pacú (Piaractus mesopotamicus)
This distinctive fish from Argentina has a round, silver body and strong teeth. Common in the wetlands, the pacú is a key species in maintaining the balance of aquatic ecosystems
Surubí Catfish (Pseudoplatystoma spp.)
The surubí is a sleek, nocturnal catfish with striking black-and-white markings and a long, whiskered mouth. Known for its size and strength, it is a cherished species for both fishing enthusiasts. If you want to learn more about it, check out our blog post about the Surubí, an icon of Corrientes cuisine.
Wolf Fish (Hoplias spp.)
In Argentina, the wolf Fish is known by it’s name in Spanish, Tararira. With its muscular body and sharp teeth, the wolf fish is a skilled ambush predator that lurks in calm waters. Its ability to survive in low-oxygen environments makes it a resilient and fascinating inhabitant of the wetlands.
Boga Fish (Leporinus obtusidens)
The boga fish is a silvery, streamlined fish that thrives in the rivers of Iberá in Argentina. Its known for its agility and sociable nature. Feeding primarily on plants and algae, it plays an essential role in keeping water ecosystems healthy.
Armado Catfish (Rhamdia spp.)
This hardy catfish has bony plates along its body, that protect it from its predators. The Armado Catfish has an “armored” appearance. A bottom-dweller, it helps keep rivers clean by feeding on organic debris and small invertebrates.
Manduvá Catfish (Ageneiosus spp.)
The manduvá catfish is a nocturnal swimmer with long barbels used to sense prey in murky waters. Its sleek body and adaptability make it a vital part of the aquatic food web in Iberá.
Patí Catfish (Luciopimelodus spp.)
The patí catfish is a streamlined predator with a bluish-gray body and long whiskers that detect food in the riverbed. As one of the larger catfish species in the region, it is highly valued for its culinary versatility.
Amphibians
Forty amphibian species inhabit the estuaries and reign supreme, including the cururú toad, the tree frog and the climbing frog. A wide variety of other animals, like birds and reptiles feed on them. The species are among the most representative widlife in the Iberá wetlands.
Other amphibian species that can be found in this Argentinian wetlands are:
Argentine horned frog (Ceratophrys ornata)
Known as the “Pacman frog” for its round body and voracious appetite, this colorful amphibian features a green and brown patterned skin that blends perfectly with its surroundings. It is a sit-and-wait predator, feeding on insects, small amphibians, and even rodents.
Argentine toad (Rhinella arenarum)
This robust toad is well-adapted to diverse habitats, with a warty, brownish skin that provides excellent camouflage. A nocturnal insectivore, it plays a crucial role in controlling pest populations in wetlands and grasslands.
Surinam toad (Pipa pipa)
The Surinam toad is an aquatic marvel with a flat, leaf-like body that helps it stay hidden in muddy waters. Its unique reproductive process, where eggs develop in pockets on the female’s back, makes it one of nature’s most fascinating amphibians.
Common tree frog (Hypsiboas pulchellus)
This small, agile frog is known for its bright green body and golden eyes, making it a stunning resident of trees and shrubs. Its melodic calls can be heard at night, adding to the vibrant soundscape of the Iberá wetlands.
Budgett’s frog (Lepidobatrachus laevis)
The Budgett’s frog, nicknamed the “Freddy Krueger frog,” is famous for its wide mouth and defensive scream. It is an opportunistic predator, feeding on insects, fish, and other amphibians, and is perfectly adapted to life in seasonal ponds.
Birds
At least 344 bird species cross the skies in the the Argentinian Iberá region. Several species are commonly found in the inner marshlands’ wildlife. Even though the bird species in the Iberá Wetlands may not be considered endangered, it’s crucial to care for them due to their role in maintaining ecosystem balance.
The most outstanding birds of this argentinian region are:
Southern Screamer (Chauna torquata)
The Southern Screamer -known as Chajá in Argentina- is a large, majestic bird known for its loud, trumpet-like call and striking black-and-white plumage. Often seen near water, it uses its sharp spurs to defend its territory and young.
Red-legged Seriema (Cariama cristata)
This elegant bird has long legs, a tall crest, and vibrant red-orange beak and legs, perfectly adapted for running in open grasslands. Known for its piercing vocalizations, it feeds on insects, small mammals, and reptiles.
White Stork (Ciconia ciconia)
The white stork is a symbol of good fortune, easily recognized by its white body, black wingtips, and long red beak. Migratory by nature, it often nests in tall structures, thriving near wetlands rich in amphibians and fish.
Whistling Heron (Syrigma sibilatrix)
The whistling heron is a graceful wader with soft blue-gray plumage and a bright yellow face. Known for its gentle whistle-like calls, it can be seen stalking prey in shallow waters.
Southern Lapwing (Vanellus chilensis)
The southern lapwing, with its iridescent plumage and distinctive spurred wings, is a bold and noisy defender of its nesting sites. A common sight in open fields and wetlands, it feeds on insects and small invertebrates.
Rufescent Tiger Heron (Tigrisoma lineatum)
This striking heron has tiger-like chestnut and black streaks on its body, providing excellent camouflage in dense vegetation. Often solitary, it patiently stalks fish and amphibians in quiet, shallow waters.
Jabiru stork (Jabiru mycteria)
The Jabiru is the tallest flying bird in South America, with a massive black neck, white body, and impressive wingspan. Often found in wetlands, it’s a skilled fisherman and a key species in maintaining aquatic ecosystems.
Roseate spoonbill (Platalea ajaja)
The roseate spoonbill is a stunning bird with pink plumage and a unique spatula-shaped bill. It sweeps its bill through shallow waters to catch small fish and crustaceans, creating a spectacle with its vibrant presence.
Fauna of Iberá Wetlands and Puerto Valle
Our lodge Puerto Valle Hotel de Esteros is the perfect spot for learning about the local fauna and the story behind each species. Want to enjoy the view of our privileged spot in Corrientes? Check out our gallery of photos of Esteros del Iberá Wetlands in Argentina, where you will find native animals, flora and beautiful natural landscapes.
Are you a tourist and traveller looking to connect with Argentina’s wildlife and nature? Come and enjoy a one-of-a-kind stay at our hotel, surrounded by nature in the heart of the Iberá Wetlands.