The Atacama Desert is one of the driest places on Earth, located in northern Chile. You might think that such a dry and harsh place would be empty of life, but that’s not true! There are actually several interesting animals that call this desert home. Let’s explore some of them!
Birds
In the Atacama Desert, birds represent one of the most prominent animal groups. Humboldt penguins are a constant presence along the coast, nesting in the rugged desert cliffs that overlook the ocean. On both coastal and inland salt flats, Andean flamingos gather to feed on algae. The lomas, seasonal oases of the desert, attract various bird species, including hummingbirds and sparrows, that come to forage for insects, nectar, seeds, and flowers. These lomas are vital for several threatened bird species like the tamarugo conebill, Chilean woodstar, and slender-billed finch. Additionally, during blooming periods, the lomas’ ecosystems also support birds of prey such as burrowing owls and chimango caracaras.
Mammals
In the Atacama Desert’s extreme conditions, only a few specially adapted mammals are able to thrive. Darwin’s leaf-eared mouse manages to survive on a diet that includes grasses, insects, and seeds. The South American gray fox, an adaptable omnivore, feeds on a diverse range of items such as eggs, fruits, small reptiles, rodents, seeds, and even scorpions. Another desert dweller is the viscacha, related to the chinchilla, which also inhabits this arid region. Larger mammals like guanacos and vicuñas, both relatives of llamas, graze in areas where grass is sustained by snowmelt. While vicuñas must stay close to a reliable water source, guanacos can endure more desolate areas and go longer without fresh water. Along the coastline, fur seals and sea lions are commonly found congregating.
Reptiles and Amphibians
Despite its harsh environment, the Atacama Desert hosts a limited number of reptile and amphibian species. The Vallenar toad is found in the lomas, where it breeds in the enduring ponds and streams. Various iguanas and lava lizards can be seen in different parts of the desert, while salt flat lizards are adapted to the arid regions near the ocean.
Insects and Arachnids
The Atacama Desert’s extreme dryness means that insect life is scarce in many areas. However, in more hospitable spots, sand-colored grasshoppers can be found camouflaged against the pebbly desert floor. Beetles and their larvae are an important food source in the lomas. Occasionally, desert wasps can be seen hunting other insects. During particularly warm and humid periods, butterflies make appearances in the lomas. Additionally, red scorpions inhabit the desert, using their coloration for camouflage against predators like gray foxes.
Southern Viscacha
Though it might resemble a somewhat irritable rabbit, the Southern Viscacha is actually a close relative of the chinchilla. Despite the harsh environment of the Atacama Desert, these creatures are quite plentiful. The real challenge for those hoping to spot one is distinguishing their grey-brown fur from the similarly colored desert rocks. Viscachas are social animals, often found in sizable colonies with a rigid social order led by a dominant male known as the vizcachón—think of him as the viscacha’s own version of a Godfather. Daytime is the best time to catch a glimpse of these creatures as they venture out from rocky crevices to graze on grasses and lichens or enjoy the sun.
Flamingo
You might be surprised to learn that the Atacama Desert is home to not just one, but three species of flamingos. Far from being an unexpected sight, these elegant birds thrive in this arid landscape. One notable spot to see them is Los Flamencos National Reserve, situated near San Pedro de Atacama. Here, you can observe the largest of the trio, the Andean Flamingo, in impressive flocks throughout the year on the Atacama Salt Flat. Additionally, Chilean Flamingos can be spotted in the salt flats as well; they are distinguishable by their lack of black-tipped wing feathers, unlike the Andean Flamingo. During the winter, you might also encounter the James Flamingo, the smallest species of the three, recognizable by its striking yellow and black beak.
Vicugna
The vicugna (pronounced vee-koo-nya) is a relative of the more familiar llama but is generally smaller and more delicate. It inhabits the high altitudes of the Andes Mountains, ranging from 3,200 to 4,800 meters above sea level. By day, the vicugna grazes on the plains, while at night it retreats to the slopes. One interesting adaptation of the vicugna is its ability to drink the highly saline water from Atacama salt lakes and even lick rocks to supplement its salt intake. Once hunted nearly to extinction until the 1960s, concerted conservation efforts have led to a recovery in their numbers, making the vicugna a common sight on tours in the Atacama region.
Culpeo Fox
The Culpeo Fox, also known as the Andean Fox, is a notable inhabitant of Chile, including the arid Atacama Desert, where it stands as the region’s largest predator. Adaptability is key for the Culpeo, as it faces challenges in finding food in the harsh desert environment. These foxes are opportunistic feeders, relying on a diet that includes lizards, birds, and viscachas, and will even munch on plants during particularly lean times. While exploring the Atacama, you might also spot the South American Grey Fox. This species is easily recognized by its grey fur, distinguishing it from the Culpeo Fox.
Giant Hummingbird
True to its name, the Giant Hummingbird is the largest of its kind, tipping the scales at a substantial 8/10ths of an ounce—a notable size for a hummingbird! It features the characteristic long, needle-like beak seen in many hummingbirds, but its plumage is relatively subdued in color, which could lead to confusion with swallows or swifts if not for its distinctive hovering flight. To spot this impressive bird, keep an eye out for red or tubular flowers, as these often hold nectar rich in sugar, which is a preferred food source for hummingbirds.
Llamas
Llamas are similar to vicuñas but are larger and are often domesticated. In the Atacama Desert, llamas are used by local people to carry goods and for their wool. They are strong animals that can travel long distances and adapt well to the desert conditions.
Guanacos
Guanacos are another relative of llamas, and they also live in the Atacama Desert. They are wild animals, and they look a lot like llamas but are a bit leaner. Guanacos are excellent at finding food and water in the desert. They can even go for long periods without drinking!
Andean Condors
The Andean condor is a huge bird that can be seen soaring high in the sky above the Atacama Desert. With a wingspan of up to 10 feet, these birds are some of the largest flying birds in the world. They eat carrion, which means they feed on dead animals, helping to clean up the environment.
Lizards
In the Atacama Desert, you can find various species of lizards. These lizards have special adaptations to help them survive the heat and dryness. Some are very good at hiding under rocks or burrowing into the sand to stay cool.
Insects
Despite the dry conditions, many insects live in the Atacama Desert. Beetles, ants, and spiders are common. Some of these insects are very tiny and have developed ways to save water and avoid the intense heat.
How Do They Survive?
Animals in the Atacama Desert have amazing adaptations to live in such a dry place. Many of them can go without water for a long time, and they have special ways to find food in a place where it’s hard to grow plants. Some animals, like the vicuña and llama, have thick fur that keeps them warm at night. Others, like the Andean condor, have large wings that help them glide long distances in search of food.
