Uruguay, the second smallest country in South America after Suriname, boasts rich biodiversity. Unfortunately, the global problem of species extinction is worsening, and Uruguay is not immune. Its endangered animal populations are steadily increasing, primarily due to habitat destruction, especially deforestation caused by the expansion of agricultural and pastoral boundaries and urbanization.
Many endangered species are little known. Are you interested in learning about the rare and endangered animals in Uruguay? This article will introduce 19 endangered animals in Uruguay and suggest how ordinary people can help protect them.
Table of contents
Darwin's Toad
Seven-scaled turtle
Pampas Pipit
Yellow-crowned finches
Lead-gray moorhen
Grassland Cat
Rio Negro Marmot
Giant Otter
Other endangered animals
Darwin's toad ( Melanophryniscus montevidensis )
Darwin's toad is a small, black-skinned amphibian endemic to Uruguay, found only in the southern coastal region. Its survival is primarily threatened by urban sprawl and habitat fragmentation, leading to a continuous shrinking of its habitat.
Seven-scaled turtle (also known as the leather turtle, Dermochelys coriacea )
Leatherback sea turtles are the largest sea turtles in the world. Due to their enormous size, they are easily entangled in fishing nets, leading to drowning or serious injury. Plastic pollution is also a major threat to their survival; ingesting plastic can cause intestinal blockage and death.
Pampas Pipit ( Sturnella defilippii )
This bird was originally widely distributed in grassland areas, but with the expansion of agricultural ranches, its habitat has been severely destroyed, and it now exists only in two isolated areas in southwestern Buenos Aires Province, Argentina, and northern Uruguay.
Yellow-crowned finches ( Gubernatrix cristata )
The yellow-crowned finches are endemic to South America, primarily found in the forests of the Uruguayan river basin. Due to illegal hunting and trade, coupled with large-scale habitat degradation, their numbers have drastically decreased, making them an endangered species.
Porzana spiloptera
This is a difficult-to-observe wetland bird that inhabits the salt marshes and wet grasslands of southern Uruguay. Tourism development and urban sprawl have fragmented its habitat, leading to a dire situation for its survival.
Grassland cat (also known as Uruguayan Pampas cat, Leopardus munoai )
Small in size, with long hair and pointed ears, its population has plummeted due to the massive loss and fragmentation of its habitat, and it is now critically endangered.
Rio Negro groundhog ( Ctenomys rionegrensis )
This rodent is found only in the sand dune areas near the Uruguay River. Due to industrial forestry expansion and insufficient protected areas, its habitat is limited, and it is an endangered species.
Giant otter ( Pteronura brasiliensis )
Inhabiting rivers, streams, and lakes, this is a protected carnivorous mammal in Uruguay. Its numbers have declined due to the illegal fur trade, habitat destruction, pollution, and unhealthy tourism activities.
Other endangered animals list
Uruguayan salmon ( Brycon orbignyanus )
Langone toad ( Melanophryniscus langonei )
The spotted frog ( Dendropsophus minutus )
Chaco Dwarf Frog ( Dendropsophus nanus )
Rattlesnake ( Crottalus durissus terrificus )
The Great Tern ( Thalasseus maximus )
Red Knot ( Calidris canutus )
Great-headed plover ( Oreopholus ruficollis )
Francescan dolphin ( Pontoporia blainvillei )
Pampas deer ( Ozotoceros bezoarticus )
Dwarf deer ( Mazama gouazoubira )
How can we help endangered animals in Uruguay?
Participate in conservation organizations as volunteers or provide donations.
Report any illegal hunting immediately.
Respect nature; do not litter or feed wild animals when visiting protected areas.
Avoid buying and keeping wild animals to prevent the illegal wildlife trade.
Pay attention to authoritative information and enhance your awareness of protection.
Reduce the use of environmentally harmful products and support sustainable development.
To learn more about Uruguay's wildlife and native endangered species, please read our related articles.
References
Azpiroz, AB, Alfaro, M. and Jiménez, S. (2012). “The Uruguayan Red List of Birds: An assessment of the conservation status of birds in Uruguay based on IUCN standards.”
Carreira, S. and Maneyro, R. (2015). “Uruguay Red List of Amphibians and Reptiles: An assessment of the conservation status of reptiles in Uruguay based on IUCN standards.”
Clavijo, C., Scarabino, F., and Uruguay, I. (2013). "Uruguay's priority conservation species: vertebrates, continental mollusks, and vascular plants."
"Uruguay Symposium on Endangered Vertebrates: Distribution and Conservation Status." URL: https://www.probides.org.uy/imagenes/ckfinder/files/files/Documentos%20de%20Trabajo/DT38.pdf
