Download EMAIL FOR: Daniel THOMAS

A WILD PLAIN
CALLED THE PAMPAS
When you hear the word "Pampas" you probably think it is some
kind of plant from somewhere like Greece or something, but actually
Pampas is a Spanish word meaning "plains." The Pampas has lots of
wildlife species including wild dogs, foxes, penguins, vultures, etc. It also
has several different kinds of crops including corn, alfalfa, maize, and
other crops.
It is located in the grassy plains of South America, extending from
the Pampa of central and North Argentina into Uruguay. Although the
Pampas in general are remarkably flat, some surfaces are slightly
uneven, and low hills rise at the Northern and Southern boundaries.
During the wet season, the Pampas have a thick growth of grass,
which makes excellent pasture for sheep and cattle. Livestock and
wheat are produced in the drier west, while corn and more intensive
forms or agriculture in the more humid east.
The Pampas raise three fourths of Argentina's cattle, some are
sheep, but most are hogs. The Pampas are also home to many rodent
species. Like the North American prairie dog, the viscacha (a relative of
the prairie dog) digs enormous underground rooms and tunnels. Wild
dogs and red foxes also roam this region, and sea lions and elephant
seals are native to the coast.
The Pampas various birds include the crested screamer (a running
bird of the plains) and the tinamou (a prized game bird that resembles a
grouse but is actually a member of the ostrich family). Tropical birds
live in the northern forests, while the albatross (a large, web-footed
seabird) and the penguin are found along the southern coast.
Occasionally the condor (a very large vulture) is seen flying high over
the Andes.
The rich soils, carried down from the Andes, grow high grasses for
the animals of the plains to feed on but since the late 19th century
alfalfa, wheat, maize, and other crops have largely taken it's place.
Now that you have learned that the Pampas is not a plant from
Greece, but a plain in South America. You have found out that
penguins do not just live on the North Pole, but also in the Pampas. You
probably think it's cool that the Pampas have a member of the ostrich
family living there. By now I bet you have learned that the Pampas is a
pretty cool place to visit, even if you just want to go there and look at
the scenery.