Satellite view of the Argentine Espinal Photograph by USGS   South America: Central Argentina Temperate Grasslands, Savannas, and Shrublands   42,000 square miles (108,800 square kilometers) -- about the size of Tennessee Critical/Endangered

· A Disappearing Dry Land
· Special Features
· Did You Know?
· Wild Side
· Cause for Concern
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A Disappearing Dry Land

This arid land in South America has been greatly affected since the 1600s, when cattle became the prominent species on the landscape. Found today only in small patches, the original habitat was once home to a great diversity of birds, mammals, plants, and other species. Much of the native wildlife--including guanacos, greater rheas, and giant anteaters--can still be found in the region today, though in much smaller numbers than once before.

Special Features

The Argentine Espinal ecoregion is an arid grassland and shrubland mosaic that forms a transition zone between many convergent habitat types, including the pampas grasslands to the south and the Chaco scrublands to the north. East of this ecoregion lies the Parana Flooded Savanna ecoregion, and to the west rise the Cordoba Montaine Savannas--both of which influence the Argentine Espinal ecoregion. Severely altered by grazing and agriculture, the ecoregion today is dominated by ranches and fields of citrus, tobacco, and sugarcane. But if you travel along the region’s waterways, you can still find patches of native habitat.

	The giant anteater is the largest of all the anteater species. It can reach lengths of more than 6 feet (2 m) and weigh up to 55 pounds (25 kg). Anteaters get their food by tearing open insect nests with the sharp claws on their powerful front feet and then inserting their long, sticky tongues into the nests to snatch up their prey.

Wild Side

Cattle, horses, sheep, foxes, and rabbits were all brought to the area from Europe and have been very successful exotic species. It has been estimated that by the 18th century, 48 million cattle ranged through the espinal and pampas areas. But in the remaining patches of native habitat, one can see the amazing native wildlife, well-adapted to this arid savanna. These include mammals such as the guanaco (a South American relative of the camel), giant anteater, Patagonian cavy (a kind of guinea pig), and viscacha (a large rodent with a raccoon-like mask). The greater rhea, an ostrich-like bird, and the red-winged tinamou are two birds that have been adversely affected by habitat destruction and hunting. In this area, one might see a great pampas finch gleaning insects from a tuft of tall grass and alighting on a shrub beside a dirt mound. A closer look reveals a hole adjacent to the mound with a pair of eyes gleaming up from the darkness. The eyes are those of a rodent know as a tuco-tuco.

Cause for Concern

Agriculture, burning, hunting, and the introduction of exotic animals and plants are the primary threats to this ecoregion. Exotic animals are a problem because they can displace natives species. In many areas, burning and poor agricultural practices have left soils too dry and salty for plant life.

For more information on this ecoregion, go to the World Wildlife Fund Scientific Report.