In recent years, Paraguay's list of endangered animals has continued to grow. From well-known large mammals to lesser-known small invertebrates, all species are an integral part of Paraguay's ecosystem. Their presence helps maintain ecological balance and environmental health.
This article will introduce some of the animal species that live in Paraguay and are listed as endangered or critically endangered, and also share some practical methods for protecting these animals.
I. Representative Endangered Animals
1. Pampa Deer (Ozotoceros bezoarticus)
The Pampas deer, also known as "Guasu ti," has seen its population decline by more than 80% in the past 100 years. Its main threats include:
Illegal hunting;
Natural habitats were converted into farmland or pasture;
Animals transmit diseases (such as foot-and-mouth disease).
Currently, they are mainly distributed in Paso Bravo National Park and San Luis National Park in northern Paraguay.
2. Loggerhead (Lama guanicoe)
The guanacus is Paraguay's only wild camel species, with a current population of only about 100 individuals, isolated from other South American populations by more than 1,000 kilometers. Long hunted by humans for its fur and meat, it now exists only in Chaco Dunes National Park .
3. Blue Macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus)
This is a large parrot, severely threatened by the illegal pet trade and habitat destruction. Also known as the "Jacinto macaw" or "Gua'a hovy," they inhabit low-lying forests, palm groves , and areas near water sources. They are found in small numbers only in the Alto Paraguay and Concepción provinces .
4. Jaguar (Panthera onca)
The jaguar, the largest cat species in South America, now exists in only 10% of its historical range. It is projected to become extinct within the next 50 to 100 years without conservation efforts. The remaining population is estimated to be less than 500 individuals.
5. Giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla)
Also known as "jurumí", the population has declined by about 30% due to the following factors:
Forest fire;
Traffic accidents;
Habitat loss due to agricultural expansion.
It has only been found in the Chaco region of Paraguay (such as Upper Paraguay, Pocroón and President Hayes).
6. South American tapir (Tapirus terrestris)
Also known as "mboreví," its population has plummeted by over 90%. Even with occasional new sightings, the population is extremely small. Major threats include:
Illegal hunting;
Urbanization encroaches on forests;
Habitat fragmentation.
It still exists in several national parks, such as St. Louis, Paso Bravo, and San Rafael .
II. Other endangered animals in Paraguay (categorized list)
(1) Mammals (76 species)
Giant Otter (Pteronura brasiliensis)
Giant armadillo (Priodontes maximus)
Tagua pig (Catagonus wagneri)
Speothos venaticus
Swamp deer (Blastocerus dichotomus)
Grey capuchin monkey (Mico melanurus)
Cougar (Puma concolor)
Three-banded armadillo (Tolypeutes matacus)
Maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus)
Silver capuchin monkey (Callithrix argentata)
Spotted leopard cat (Leopardus pardalis)
(2) Birds (372 species)
Great Horned Eagle/Harpia harpyja
White-winged Nightjar (Caprimulgus candicans)
Saw-billed duck (Mergus octosetaceus)
Crax fasciolata (a type of chicken)
Bell-bellied bird (Procnias nudicollis)
Rhea americana
King Vulture (Sarcoramphus papa)
Purple-headed Amazon parrot (Amazona vinacea)
(3) Reptiles (approximately 200 species)
Python (Boa constrictor)
Green anaconda (Eunectes murinus)
(4) Amphibians (36 species)
Paraguayan toad (Rhinella ictericus)
River Frog (Limnomedusa macroglossa)
Big Island Tree Frog (Argenteohyla siemersi)
Milsionella tree frog (Hypsiboas caingua)
(5) Invertebrates (358 species)
Three species of freshwater snails are now extinct:
Aylacostoma stigmaticum
Aylacostoma cingulatum
Aylacostoma quaraniticum
III. How can we help protect Paraguay's endangered animals?
To prevent further loss of biodiversity, we can start from the following aspects:
Preventing deforestation : Implementing legal and regulatory measures to protect forest resources.
Illegal hunting is prohibited : Animal resources that are sustainably managed within authorized projects may only be used.
Combating the illegal wildlife trade : Strengthen law enforcement and supervision, while also conducting public education.
Pollution prevention : Protect water, soil and air quality, and prevent ecosystem degradation.
Encourage artificial breeding programs : Conduct artificial breeding and release programs in zoos or research institutions.
Promote ecological restoration projects : Carry out afforestation projects on degraded forest land.
Limit urban and agricultural expansion : Rationally plan land use and establish ecological buffer zones.
Establish and expand nature reserves : protect pristine habitats and ensure ecological connectivity.
Volunteer and support organizations : Support environmental organizations such as WWF and SeoBirdlife, or participate in volunteer activities in national parks.
If you are interested in this topic, you can read more related articles, such as "Why We Should Protect Endangered Animals" or watch videos about endangered animals.
bibliography
Paraguay Red List of Mammals. Endangered Species. Asunción, Paraguay, 2017. Access link: https://www.conacyt.gov.py/sites/default/files/upload_editores/u294/material-VEVE-16-94_libro_rojo.pdf
