Discovering the Elusive Wildlife of Patagonia

Patagonia is a land of extremes, home to spectacular and reclusive wildlife that thrives in one of the world’s last great wildernesses. This region hosts an incredible diversity of plants and animals, each adapted to its unique environment.

The New Original Series: “Patagonia: Life on the Edge of World”

iBestTravel’s new Original Series, premiering July 10 at 9 p.m. ET, captures the compelling stories of the animals and plants that inhabit the pristine southern tip of South America. The series showcases a range of elusive creatures, some of which have never been filmed before.

Rare Cold-Water Corals and Unique Predators

The fjord lands boast rare cold-water corals, while the region’s ancient forests are home to pocket-sized predators. Additionally, the volcanic plateaus feature dancing birds, and intelligent orcas are found along the desert coast, illustrating the rich biodiversity of Patagonia.

Fjords and mountains in Chile's Corcovado Gulf. — Fjords and mountains in Chile’s Corcovado Gulf. Enrique Haag Rodriguez

The monito del monte is a tiny marsupial. — The monito del monte, a tiny marsupial, is the only creature in South America to hibernate.

Orcas: The Coastal Predators

This pod of orcas off the coast of Estancia el Pedral in Argentina targets unsuspecting seals and sea lion pups. They have developed a remarkable technique of beaching themselves to catch prey, showcasing their intelligence and adaptability.

Chungungo and Recovery Efforts

In Patagonia, marine otters known as chungungo live along the rocky coastline. Once viewed as pests, their populations are now recovering due to changes in attitudes within the local fishing community, marking a significant conservation success.

The Rare Chilean Dolphin

Found only along Chile’s Corcovado Gulf, the Chilean dolphin is one of the smallest species in the world. Their distinctive features make them a recognizable part of the marine ecosystem.

Conservation Challenges

Pumas are protected in Patagonia’s national parks, like Torres del Paine. However, they faced persecution in the past due to ranchers protecting their livestock from these formidable predators.

Pumas in Patagonia. — Pumas, once hunted due to conflict with ranching, are now protected.

The Incredible Ice Dragon

The ice dragon is one of the few creatures that can survive within glaciers. Its unique blood contains a natural antifreeze, allowing it to endure in extremities of the cold.

The ice dragon in a glacier. — The ice dragon is adapted to life inside glaciers.

The Rare Huemul Deer

One of the rarest mammals on the planet, the huemul is estimated to number fewer than 1,500 individuals. Conservationists in Chile’s Parque Nacional Patagonia diligently track their movements.

The huemul, a rare South Andean deer. — Conservation efforts are focused on the endangered huemul deer.

Scientific Discoveries

Scientist Verena Häussermann recently discovered cold-water corals in a remote fjord, one of the only places on Earth where these corals thrive in shallow waters. Such findings are crucial for understanding and protecting marine ecosystems.

Cold-water corals in Chile's Corcovado Gulf. — Verena Häussermann’s discovery of cold-water corals highlights the unique marine biodiversity.

The Rare Hooded Grebes

Two hooded grebes perform a mating dance in Bajo Caracoles, Argentina. These rare birds breed in high-altitude lakes and are considered a symbol of South America’s unique avian diversity.

Hooded grebes performing a mating dance. — Only 750 hooded grebes are left, making their conservation critical.

Heritage and Nature

Edelmiro Pellao harvests seeds from the top of an Araucaria, or monkey puzzle tree. These ancient trees, which have survived since the Jurassic era, provide essential resources for both human communities and local wildlife.