History of South America:
from fjord dwelling Dolphins to the Torrent Duck

The wildlfe in south America encompasses many marine mammals from dolphins through to sea lions as well as birds such as the infamous condor.

Marine Mammals

Dolphins inhabit the Chilean Fjord lands. The Black Dolphin can only be found in the fjords and coast of Chile. Sea Lions and fur seals can often be seen swimming in the fjords, looking for fish and shelfish in the sheltered waters.

Mammals

Although not occurring in vast herds, mammals do live in the windswept lands of South America's most southerly tip. Perhaps the best known is the Guanaco, a camel like creature (Camelid) that is closely related to the Vicuna, Alpaca and the Llama. The Alpaca and Llama are domesticated and can often be found on farms in Chile 's northern highlands. The graceful Puma is a regular hunter in Chile and Argentina, they tend to stalk deer and other small mammals, including several species of Fox.

Birds

The Torrent Duck is the most distinctive duck in South America. They live in fast flowing mountain streams, and save themselves from being dashed to pieces on rocks by use of their long, stiff tails. They are black, white and red with narrow red bills. Other birds include penguins, most commonly the Humbolt and Magellanic Species.
Seabirds are plentiful and include albatrosses, shearwaters, fulmars and petrels.
Rheas (pictured here) are ostrich like birds that feed on grass, grain and insects. Several species of falcon-like caracaras are also found in this region, including the striated, crested and white-throated varieties.

Condor

The Andean Condor is an impressive bird and it's wingspan can reach 10 feet (3m), in flight they are easily recognised by characteristic splayed feathers at the wing tips, stretching out like blunt fingers. They are a widespread bird but not numerous and can be seen alone or in pairs.

Forests and trees

Thanks to its incredible length, Chile boasts an astonishing range of flowers and plants. The north is desert with cacti and scrub forests and the south is dominated by southern beech. The clean scent of wood and rustle and hoot of exotic birds reminds hikers that this is still a wilderness that is relatively unscathed by contact with humans. Alcere trees, which belong to the Cyprus family are most common in Chiles lake regions and are on the endangered species list.