Animals
In spite of the geographic and climatic conditions of the desert, a rich variety of fauna has evolved here. The animals that live here are characterized by their extraordinary ability to adapt to this extreme environment.
In the Atacama the lack of water and cool temperatures keep many of the hungrier predators at bay. Small mammals such as the South American grey fox and the leaf-eared mouse, have succeeded in surviving in the desert because they are omnivorous.
BIRDS:
Birds are among the most abundant and diverse animals of the Atacama desert.
Many avians are seasonal visitors they time their arrival for the hatching of insects and blooming flowers in Spring and Summer. Small birds found in the desert include the white throated earthcreeper, the Chilean woodstar Hummingbird and the dark winged Canastero. These smaller species usually feed on seeds, flower nectar or insects and other invertebrates.
The larger birds that can be found in the Atacama rely on a broad supply of food sources. Birds of prey, for example,the Chimango Caracara eats small mammals, worms, insects and carrion.
Humboldt Penguins can be found all year long around the coast of the Atacama. They lay their eggs in rock crevices or burrows dug underneath the deserts surface. One of the most amazing moments in the Atacama is when the penguins, on their daily journey to the waters edge, waddle through big groups of sleeping sea lions. On salt flats both near the Pacific and inland, Andean flamingos flock to eat algae. They have bright pink feathers ( as long as they eat enough) and long beaks that allow them to collect more food. The lomas help to sustain a couple of threatened species like the Chilean Woodstar.
In the Atacama the lack of water and cool temperatures keep many of the hungrier predators at bay. Small mammals such as the South American grey fox and the leaf-eared mouse, have succeeded in surviving in the desert because they are omnivorous.
BIRDS:
Birds are among the most abundant and diverse animals of the Atacama desert.
Many avians are seasonal visitors they time their arrival for the hatching of insects and blooming flowers in Spring and Summer. Small birds found in the desert include the white throated earthcreeper, the Chilean woodstar Hummingbird and the dark winged Canastero. These smaller species usually feed on seeds, flower nectar or insects and other invertebrates.
The larger birds that can be found in the Atacama rely on a broad supply of food sources. Birds of prey, for example,the Chimango Caracara eats small mammals, worms, insects and carrion.
Humboldt Penguins can be found all year long around the coast of the Atacama. They lay their eggs in rock crevices or burrows dug underneath the deserts surface. One of the most amazing moments in the Atacama is when the penguins, on their daily journey to the waters edge, waddle through big groups of sleeping sea lions. On salt flats both near the Pacific and inland, Andean flamingos flock to eat algae. They have bright pink feathers ( as long as they eat enough) and long beaks that allow them to collect more food. The lomas help to sustain a couple of threatened species like the Chilean Woodstar.
MAMMALS:
Because the Atacama desert is so dry, only specially adapted mammals live here. The leaf-eared mouse and the South American grey fox are omnivorous. By being omnivorous they have adapted to their climate so that when there isn't enough of one type of food they are quite happy to eat one that is around. Two relatives of the llama are found in the Atacama desert, the Viscuna and Guanacos. These two amazing mammals have adapted to the Atacama by grazing in areas where grass grows that has been irrigated by snow. Therefore, getting moisture as well as nutrients. Guanaco's can survive longer in more arid areas without fresh water but Vicuna's need to remain near a steady water supply.
Because the Atacama desert is so dry, only specially adapted mammals live here. The leaf-eared mouse and the South American grey fox are omnivorous. By being omnivorous they have adapted to their climate so that when there isn't enough of one type of food they are quite happy to eat one that is around. Two relatives of the llama are found in the Atacama desert, the Viscuna and Guanacos. These two amazing mammals have adapted to the Atacama by grazing in areas where grass grows that has been irrigated by snow. Therefore, getting moisture as well as nutrients. Guanaco's can survive longer in more arid areas without fresh water but Vicuna's need to remain near a steady water supply.
REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS:
There are barely any reptiles or amphibians in the Atacama Desert. Iguanas and Larva Lizards inhabit certain parts of the desert and Salt Flat Lizards live in the dry areas that border the ocean. Vallenar toads can be found on the lomas and it lays its eggs in ponds or streams.
There are barely any reptiles or amphibians in the Atacama Desert. Iguanas and Larva Lizards inhabit certain parts of the desert and Salt Flat Lizards live in the dry areas that border the ocean. Vallenar toads can be found on the lomas and it lays its eggs in ponds or streams.
Insects:
Most parts of the Atacama are too dry to sustain even insect life. In a warm, humid season sometimes butterflies visit the lomas. Red scorpions live in the desert and have adapted to surviving there with their colour. They can easily hide from potential threats such as the Grey Fox. Wasps that live in the desert sometimes eat other insects. Sand-coloured grasshoppers blend with pebbles on the desert floor. Beetles and their larvae provide a valuable food source on the lomas.
Most parts of the Atacama are too dry to sustain even insect life. In a warm, humid season sometimes butterflies visit the lomas. Red scorpions live in the desert and have adapted to surviving there with their colour. They can easily hide from potential threats such as the Grey Fox. Wasps that live in the desert sometimes eat other insects. Sand-coloured grasshoppers blend with pebbles on the desert floor. Beetles and their larvae provide a valuable food source on the lomas.