page_title: Pampa de Achala
section_title: Fauna
hierarchical_section_title: Pampa de Achala / Biology and ecology / Fauna
caption_attribution_description: Español: Ejemplar de Pristidactylus Achalensis. Pampa de Achala, Provincia de Córdoba, R. Argentina. 2007-10-12, 13:20 Hora Argentina.
context_page_description: Pampa de Achala is the name given to a vast region that lies at the heart of the Sierras de Córdoba located within Sierras Pampeanas, and located in central-northwest of Argentina.
  It is a rugged area with little vegetation, which is over 1,500 m having distinctive species, ecology, relief and hydrography. The region is protected by provincial law, and that this region basin is head of the vast majority of streams that run through the Córdoba.
context_section_description: The characteristics of this area primarily correspond to the Andean-Patagonian region, with the typical species of the plain encountered at an altitude that limits their distribution. The geographical isolation of the area has favoured the survival of its unique fauna. Biologists and birdwatchers from around the world travel to Pampa de Achala to observe the endemic species of the region.
  Amphibians
  Amphibians native to the region include Achala toads (Rhinella achalensis and Bufo achalensis,) and the "Achalan frog" (Odontophrynus achalensis).
  Birds
  Eleven subspecies and species of birds of the Passeriform order of Andean-Patagonian lineage are exclusive to this area, including: 
  rufous-banded miner,common miner,bar-winged cinclodes,white-winged cinclodes,cordilleran canastero,
  puna castanero,
  white-tailed shrike-tyrant,cinereous ground tyrant,plain-colored seedeater,plumbeous sierra finch (also known as yal plomizo) and
  ash-breasted sierra finch (also called yal chico),
  long-tailed meadowlark (Sturnella loyca obscura), which nests in the ground and in large, oddly-shaped rocks.
  The most inaccessible cliff walls are used as nesting sites by the black-chested buzzard-eagle (Geranoetus melanoleucus), the peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) and the Andean condor (Vultur gryphus).
  The Andean condor is one of the more recognized species in the area; as of 2007, 101 Andean condors remained in the region. The king vulture (Sarcoramphus papa) has also been spotted in Pampa de Achala.
  Mammals
  Among the mammals native to the region is the culpeo or Andean fox (Pseudalopex culpaeus)-in the region, is called red fox-, which is in danger of extinction. They share this region with 30 other species of mammals, including the puma (Felis concolor), classified as vulnerable; the colocolo (Oncifelis colocolo); the ferret (Mustela furax); and Geoffroy's cat (Oncifelis geoffroyi).
  Small rodents and hare are also abundantly present in the area. Guanacos have recently been reintroduced to the region, as they were disappearing slowly towards the early twentieth century.
  Insects
  The local scorpion, (Urophonius achalensis), is of particular interest. Of the numerous species of arthropod, the fire ant () stands out on account of the size of its nests and pathways.
  Reptiles
  Along the arroyos are well-watered areas (fertile plains, marshes) and reed beds where the native coral snake Liophis anomalus (Spanish: culebra listada)  feeds on the local tree frog Hyla pulchella (Spanish: ranitas de zarzal or "bramble-patch frogs").
  An endemic species is also to be found, the eye-catching green lizard of Achala, Prystidactilus achalensis.
  The sole venomous snake is a species of hognose snake, Lystrophis dorbignyi (Spanish: yarará ñata).
  Fish
  The commonest species of fish in the water courses of the Pampa de Achala are the rainbow trout, arroyo trout (Salvelinus fontinalis), Astyanax fasciatus (Spanish: mojarra), and Spanish: dientudo. Indiscriminate fishing has caused the loss of numerous species throughout the region (and indeed the entire province). The rivers and arroyos are perpetually being re-stocked with salmon, with the intention of maintaining the ecology. Regrettably the goal can never be reached, as secret fishing is constant and difficult to control, and has caused the loss of very many species. As at September 2009, all fishing in all locations throughout the province is forbidden during the hours of darkness.
caption: Achala's green lizard (Pristidactylus achalensis)
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