Nestled into the windswept steppe, evergreen forests of lenga, ñirre and coihue and coasts of Patagonia are over 360 different species of birds, 40 of which are endemic to the area. It’s therefore inevitable that birding in Patagonia has become a real attraction for holidaymakers from around the world, with visitors hoping to catch a […]

Australis

Anyone planning to visit the Galapagos Islands should seriously consider an excursion to the stunning Black Turtle Cove. Located along the northern shoreline of Santa Cruz Island, the cove is a haven for a plethora of rare marine life and birds, making it a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts. Our guide will tell you everything you […]

Australis

Having adapted to thrive in soils lacking in essential minerals such as nitrogen, potassium and phosphorous, carnivorous plants instead obtain these nutrients by catching and digesting insects and other prey. Species such as drosera uniflora, a carnivorous plant native to Patagonia and the Falkland Islands, use a variety of special adaptations to overcome the mineral […]

Australis

How plants survive some of the most inhospitable climates on the planet has long been of great interest to scientists. Species such as acaena magellanica, otherwise known as buzzy burr, manage to exist – against the odds – in harsh, challenging conditions on the sub-Antarctic islands. Buzzy Burr (acaena magellanica) This perennial species, referred to as […]

Australis

Covering an area almost three times the size of Texas and with over 12% of this Canadian province covered in freshwater, Quebec is unsurprisingly rich in wildlife. Given that there are 650 species found in the region alone, it was impossible to fit all of the Quebec animals onto this list; instead, these are the […]

Australis

More commonly known by the name North Andean huemul, the taruca is a vulnerable species of deer that is related to, but should not be confused with, the South Andean huemul. The taruca inhabits elevated areas of Peru, Chile, Bolivia and Argentina. Key facts about the Taruca or North Andean huemul Physical description The taruca is […]

Australis

While those planning a vacation to Norway might be most drawn by the prospect of a cruise through its vast yet utterly bewitching system of fjords or the chances of spotting the twinkling shimmer of the Northern Lights from the top deck of a cruise ship, this country is not only characterized by superlative natural beauty. No: […]

Australis

As the tiniest country on the African continent, The Gambia has established itself as a bewitching place for wildlife watching. With over 600 bird species and numerous animals inhabiting its namesake river, this small African nation doesn’t disappoint when it comes to observing fauna in its natural habitat. Here’s a short guide to some of […]

Australis

Some two decades ago, Argentina toyed with the idea of moving its capital from Buenos Aires to the city of Viedma, in its northern Patagonian province of Río Negro. In the end, Porteño politicians preferred visiting Patagonia to permanent residence there, but Buenos Aires still offers reminders of the far south – one of my […]

Wayne Bernhardson

While penguins are conventionally associated with habitats in Antarctica and the southernmost parts of the world, several species are known to inhabit coastal areas and islets around South America. Among the most recognizable are the endangered Galapagos penguins of the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador and Magellanic penguins, which live in colonies along the shores of […]

Australis