Altoandino
Higher than 1600 meters above sea level and due to the
extremely low temperatures, brief grounds, the strength
of the wind and heavy snows, scarcely any vegetation can
be found in this area.
Hostile though it may seem, during the summer this environment
provides with shelter to a substantial number of native
deer, also known as Huemul. What is more, squirrels and
condors typical from Argentine Patagonia inhabit here. However,
in winter, as temperatures began to fall, these animals
will head towards a more pleasant environment.
Melted snow from winter will feed glaciers, rivers, streams,
lakes and lagoons.
Humid Forest
This forests, known for its heavy rains and moderate climate,
houses several mammals such as the pudú, varied amphibians
and birds, like the black carpenter, chucao, the rayadito
and austral magpie, and many more plant and animal species,
some of them unknown in any part of the world. Trees such
as the Coihue and Lenga make up lush green forests, blessed
with amazing colours. In drier areas of the forests other
species can be devised, for example cypress trees.
A great number of lakes may be found in between the forests.
Covering a surface of 560 square meters and a depth of about
454 meters, the best known one is Nahuel Huapi Lake. Traful,
el Espejo, Gutierrez and Mascardi lakes are also well worth
mentioning for its beauty is stunning as well.
Transition Forests
In this transition area rains are not that frequent. Not
only do typical forest animals inhabit this environment
but also steppe animals live here. Thus, a wide variety
of creatures are likely to be found. Forests of Cordillera
cypresses can be devised in this area together with yellow
and orange wild grasses.
Steppe
Strong winds and scant rains are the most outstanding features
of this waved landscape. Therefore, there are no trees whatsoever
in this area. Instead, small-sized woody shrubs that have
adapted to these drought conditions can be seen all over.
Regarding the steppe’s fauna, one of the typical species
in the area is the Cinereous harrier together with the American
Kestrel, a bird of prey similar to a falcon.
However dry the steppe’s atmosphere may be mammals
such as pumas, foxes, guanacos and a wide variety of lizards
and rodents are likely to be found in this environment.
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