Wildlife of Venezuela

The South American country of Venezuela is one of the most bio-diverse countries in the world. Among the animals making their home here are crocodiles, spectacled bears, capybaras, sloths, and the scarlet ibis among others.  

Official National Animal

Troupial, a member of the oriole family. These are black-headed, orange-bodied birds.

Native Animals

Orinoco crocodiles get their name from their habitat the Orinoco River. These are large crocodiles that feed on smaller reptiles and mammals and fish. They have long snouts.

Howler monkeys are among the biggest mammals in the New World monkey group. They have short but wide snouts and their tails are prehensile and longer than their bodies. They feed on leaves, fruit, and nuts.

Capybaras are mammals that are the largest rodent species in the world. They live in dense forests and savannas and like to be near water bodies. They have reddish-brown fur.

Giant anteaters are also called ant bears. They live in savannas, dry tropical forests, and rainforests. They have elongated snouts and long claws.

Giant river otters are the longest members of the weasel family. They have webbed feet and sharp claws. They prefer freshwater and dine on  fish turtles, crabs, caiman, and other small animals in the riverine ecosystem.

White-bellied spider monkeys are social animals that jump between trees grasping onto branches. They eat mature fruits.

Crab-eating foxes eat crabs from muddy flood plains. They also enjoy lizards, crustaceans, rodents, insects, and fruit. They live in woodlands, savannas, riparian forests and subtropical forest.

Sloths live in the tropical rain forests of Venezuela. They are two-toed or three-toed. They eat cecropia leaves.

Jaguars are carnivorous mammal belonging to the cat species. They feed on other animals.

Scarlet ibis are birds that enjoy tropical climates. They have scarlet feathers and have long legs. They feed on insects and crustaceans and live in flocks.

Endangered Animals

Armadillo

Giant otter

Brown spider monkey

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Wildlife of Uruguay

The South American country of Uruguay has many different climate zones and various kinds of terrain. Among them are rainforests and beaches. The country has 48 amphibian species, 448 bird species, 118 species of mammals, and 79 species of reptiles.

Official National Animal

Southern lapwing

Traveling in Uruguay you can see hundreds of sea lions at the Cabo Polonio National Park. Marine mammals use this place for breeding in the early part of the year while others are busy raising their young.

Potrerillo de Santa Teresa Biological Station is home to more than 30 species of amphibians and reptiles and 27 species of mammals. Aquatic birds are here as well. In the old-growth forest, you can see a herd of the smallest autochthonous deer in the world. There are also weasels, wildcats, and raccoons. The forest is home to the blue cardinal.

Native Animals

Tuco tuco are little animals that make tuc tuc sounds when digging burrows.

Capybaras are the largest of rodents.

Chinchillas with velvety fur.

Sleek-looking jaguars.

Coypus resemble beavers.

Wild boars are part of the swine family.

Dangerous Animals

While traveling you should be aware of pumas.

Micrurus altirostris is a member of the coral snake family and is very venomous.

Nutria can spread serious diseases.

Latrodectus mactans spiders are also known as brown widow spiders. They’re very venomous.

Ocelots have been known to be aggressive.

Endangered Animals

Giant otter

Giant armadillo

Big-eared brown bat

Sei, fin, and blue whales

Marsh deer

Pampas cat

Margay

Southern long-nosed armadillo

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Wildlife of Suriname

Suriname is an equatorial climate country in South America. There are tropical rainforests and many jungle rivers. It is the smallest country in South America.

It’s home to many species of unique animals like sloths, anteaters, and several species of small primates among them Guianian Squirrel monkeys.

Official National Animal

Lesser Kiskadee, a bird species

Also known as the lute turtle is the leatherback turtle. These turtles are the largest of all turtles and the heaviest reptiles besides crocodiles. They make their homes in subtropical and tropical areas. They prefer to nest on Suriname beaches between February and July.

White-faced saki are also known as golden-faced saki or Guianan saki. These are a species of New World saki monkeys that live in Suriname, Brazil, Guyana, French Guiana, and Venezuela. They live in the lower canopies and the understory of the forest.

Blue poison dart frogs are native to southern Suriname and far northern Brazil. Even though they look lovely with their brilliant blue color they are poisonous. These frogs live near bodies of water.

Southern naked-tailed armadillos are a small species of armadillos native to the northern half of South America. They are covered by protective scales.

Jaguars are the largest cat species that are native to the Americas and the third-largest in the world. They can be found throughout Central and South America.

South American tapirs are also called little black tapirs. These are among four species of tapirs. They are the largest, native, terrestrial mammals in the Amazon. They live near the water in the Amazon rainforest and river basin.

Suriname tapeti are also called Suriname lowland forest cottontails. These are a recently discovered species of cottontail rabbit that are endemic to western Suriname.

South American coati are also referred to as ring-tailed coati. These are species of mammals that are native to subtropical and tropical areas of South America. They are part of the raccoon family with long, ringed tails.

Ocelots are a medium-sized species of wild cats native to Central and South America.

 Birds

Scarlet ibis are a species of ibis that are native to South America and parts of the Caribbean. They’re known for their brilliant scarlet coloring. These birds prefer to inhabit wet areas like mangroves and swamps.

Orange-winged Amazon or loro guaro are orange-winged parrots that are native to tropical South America. They nest in the lagoons of Suriname, in tree cavities.

Fish

Atlantic goliath groupers also called jewfish. These are a species of saltwater fish that are native to the Caribbean part of the Atlantic Ocean. These are the largest species of bony fish in the world.

Atlantic spotted dolphins are a species of dolphins that are endemic to the warm temperate and tropical waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

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Wildlife of Peru

The South American country of Peru is bordered to the north by Ecuador and Columbia, to the east by Brazil and Bolivia, to the south by Chile, and to the west by the Pacific Ocean. The country is rich with wildlife that makes their homes in the Amazon rainforest, the Andes Mountains, and along the coast of the Pacific.

There are 1800 species of birds of which 120 are native to Peru, 500 types of mammals, 300 types of reptiles as well as insect species, cetaceans, crustaceans, fish, and seals.

Official National Animal

Vicuna, related to the Llama

Official National Bird

Andean cock-of-the-rock

The ancient people of Peru have a spiritual connection to sea lions (shown here at Peru’s Paracas national park). They may have had a bacterial connection as well.

The Ballestas Islands are home to sea lions.

At the Huascaran National Park you can find herds of vicuna. There are North Andean deer here, condors, and other wildlife. This park has the highest point in Peru, Mount Huascaran.

Bahuaja-Sonene National Park has rivers and hills and is home to a variety of birds. Among them toucans, harpy eagles, egrets, and hummingbirds. Other kinds of wildlife are maned wolves and pumas.

Colca Canyon is one of the world’s deepest canyons. It is popular with tourists. Here you can see vicunas, flamingos, hummingbirds, the Andean condor, and the Andes skunk.

Manu National Park has rainforests, clouds, and grassland. It is a World Heritage site and home to the Andean cock-of-the-rock. Other wildlife living here are jaguarondi, deer, sloth, squirrel monkeys, spectacles bears, roseate spoonbills, and ocelots.

Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve is home to the coati, jaguars, otters, and capybaras, the world’s largest rodents.

Dangerous Animals

Pumas

Jaguars

Great White Sharks

Venomous snakes like one of the most dangerous the fer-de-lance, a pit viper.

Endangered Animals

Amazon River dolphin

Amazonian manatee

Peruvian night monkey

Marine otter

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Wildlife of Paraguay

The South American country of Paraguay is cut in half by the Paraguay River. The east side of the river flows through agricultural land and the west side is dominated by a stretch of arid lowlands called the Gran Chaco. The eastern part of Paraguay has a rainforest. The Gran Chaco includes palm savannah and in the northwest are thorny forests.

Official National Animal

Pampas Fox

Official National Bird

Bare-throated bellbird

Animals Native to Paraguay

Black howler monkeys are also called black-and-gold howlers. These monkeys are one of the largest species of New World monkeys.

Nine-banded armadillos are also called nine-banded long-nosed armadillos. This is one species of armadillos found in North, Central, and South America. They are solitary and nocturnal.

Giant anteaters are a large species of mammals native to Central and South America. They have long sticky tongues to eat ants and termites.

Brown-throated sloths are a species of three-toed sloths native to Central and South America. They live in evergreen and dry forests.

Jaguars are the most iconic South American animals. They are the biggest cats in the Americas and the third-largest in the world.

South American coatis are also called ring-tailed coatis. They are native to the tropical and subtropical areas of South America. They prefer to live in lowland forests.

South American tapirs are also called Amazonian tapirs, Brazilian tapirs, or lowland tapirs. They are native to the northern half of South America. These are the largest native terrestrial mammals in the Amazon. They are excellent divers and swimmers.

Chacoan peccaries are also called taguas. They are a species of peccaries native to the Gran Chaco region in Paraguay, Bolivia, and Argentina.

Lowland pacas are also called spotted pacas. They are a large species of rodents native to much of South America, Central America, and Mexico. They make their home in the subtropical and tropical regions.

Pampas deer are a species of deer that are native to the lowlands and grasslands of South America. They make hills their home and stay camouflaged in tall grasses.

Guanacos are a species of camelids native to South America. Their closest relatives are llamas. They are herbivores feeding on shrubs, grasses, herbs, fungi, and cacti.

Giant otters are also called giant river otters and are a species of semi-aquatic mammals native to South America. They live around rivers in the extreme eastern and northeastern parts of Paraguay.

Ocelots are a medium-sized species of wild cats native to Central and South America.

Birds

Bare-throated bellbirds are the national birds of Paraguay. They live in the moist subtropical and tropical forests of Paraguay. They are known for having one of the loudest bird calls sounding like a hammer striking an anvil.

Hyacinths macaws make their homes in northeastern Paraguay.

King vultures are a large species of New World vultures that are native to Central America. In Paraguay, they are known as “white crows”.

Harpy eagles are also called American harpy eagles. They are a large species of birds of prey that are native to Central and South America.

Endangered Animals

Giant armadillo

Giant peccary

Giant anteater

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Wildlife of Guyana

The tropical rainforests, savannas, and coastal plains of the South American country of Guyana are home to a wide variety of wild animals. Among them are 225 mammals, 800 species of birds, 148 species of amphibians, and 2,000 species of fish.

Official National Animal

Jaguar

Guyana’s Coat of Arms features two jaguars

Exploring the country you can see jaguars, sloths, monkeys, otters, and other wildlife.

Some of the best places to spot wildlife are the Iwokrama Rainforest Reverse in central Guyana and in southern Guyana the Kanuku Mountains. Among the animals are toucans, macaws, capuchin monkeys, and giant anteaters.

Many animals are unique and local to Guyana living in rainforest habitats like jaguars. It is best to spot them in the Guyana Botanical Gardens in Georgetown.

The Ikokrama Forest Reserve is home to wedge-capped capuchin monkeys who make their home in the wet lowland forest habitat.

Also in the Ikokrama Forest Reserve are white-throated toucans enjoying the tropical rainforest.

Living near freshwater rivers and streams are giant otters.

Tapirs enjoy dense forests and swampy habitats.

Emerald Tree Boas enjoy tropical rainforest habitats. These bright green snakes are easy to spot.

Birds

Of the 800 species of birds in Guyana more than 70 are considered endemic to the Guiana Shield of northeast South America. Among them are:

Guianan Cock-of-the-Rock

Blood-colored woodpecker

Guianan Toucanet

Northern Red-shouldered macaw

By the Mahaiva River birds making their home are Point-tailed Palmcreeper, Tropical Kingbird, Green-rumped Parrotlet, and the Boat-billed Heron

By the Abary River are Bicolored Conebills, Greater Yellowlegs, Yellow-crowned Night-Herons, Guianan Gnatcatchers

Fish

There are many waterways in Guyana, which translates to “land of many waters”. The country is located north of the Amazon River, adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean, and east of the Orinoco River. Through its center runs the Essequibo River. Among the large river-dwelling fish located here are:

Arapaimas which are air-breathing, freshwater fish

Yellow Butterfly Peacock Bass

Black Piranhas

There are many other fish as well and Guyana is known for its sea bob shrimp and exportation.

Snakes

Rainforest

Emerald Tree Boa

Rainbow Boa

Salipenter

Bushmaster

Green Anacondas which are the largest snakes in the world

Savannah

Rattlesnakes

Tropical Lowlands

Labaria

Water Cobra

There are snakes making their homes in the forests, shrubs, and wetlands.

Dangerous animals

Piranhas are known for their sharp teeth and carnivorous diets.

Black caimans are reptiles similar in appearance to American crocodiles. These live in slow-moving rivers.

Giant otters with very sharp teeth.

Jaguars are the biggest cats in South America.

The three largest animals in Guyana are the giant anteater, the jaguar, and the Harpy Eagle.

The three rarest animals are the giant anteater, the giant armadillo, and the giant otter.

Endangered Animals

Giant Otter

Giant Armadillo

Hoary Throated Spinetail

MacConnell’s Bush Toad

Sun Parakeet

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Wildlife of the Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands are a chain of islands in the Pacific Ocean. These islands are a part of the country of Ecuador, in South America. They have a diverse range of plant and animal species. There are thirteen major islands and some smaller islands with the largest island called Isabella.

Giant tortoises live on the islands. These Galapagos tortoises have a lifespan of more than 170 years.

Marine Iguanas make their homes on all of the Galapagos Islands. They are the only existing marine lizards on Earth. They have been referred to as “Christmas Iguanas” because of their red and green coloring. They lead an aquatic lifestyle and get nutrition from seaweed.

Lava lizards are among the most common animals on the islands. These are small lizards each with unique traits.

Galapagos fur seals are the smallest seals in the world. These land-loving seals spend about 70% of their time out of the water.

Red-lipped batfish are only found on the Galapagos Islands. They are not good swimmers instead what they do is “walk” on their fins over the bottom of the reef where they live to get food.

Birds

Flightless cormorants are the only cormorants in the world that cannot fly. They have become the heaviest cormorant species in the world.

Galapagos finches are among the most famous animals on the islands. There are thirteen species of Darwin’s Finch alive today.

How delightful to see blue-footed boobies. They might not be found exclusively on the Galapagos Islands but about half of the world’s population breeds here. They are named this way because of their signature feet which are blue.

Male Frigatebirds are easily recognizable due to their big red-throat pouches. It can be quite amusing to see them puff up to appear attractive to female birds. They make their homes across the Atlantic Ocean and Central and South America.

Galapagos hawks are the only diurnal raptors to live on the islands.

Waved albatrosses are the largest birds found on the Galapagos Islands. They breed here exclusively.

Galapagos mockingbirds were among the first birds Darwin found on the islands. These birds can fly but will run after their prey when hunting.

Galapagos penguins are among the smallest penguins in the world. They are the most northerly breeding penguins.

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Wildlife of Ecuador

The South American country of Ecuador translates to “equator”. The country is located at the point where the equator meets up with South America. Its climate is one of the most biodiverse regions in the world. Also found in Ecuador is part of the Amazon rainforest. The country owns the Galapagos Islands which are home to many rare and exotic animals. Ecuador also shares some wildlife with its neighboring countries Colombia and Peru. Marine life is abundant on the west side which borders with the Pacific Ocean.

Official National Animal

Andean Condor

Ecuador has so many animals like giant otters, ocelots, pumas, sea lions, manatees, and others.

The Andean Fox resembles the red fox. These animals are a species of wild dogs in South America. They have reddish fur.

Galapagos Tortoises are large herbivores and among animals that live the longest on earth.

Ecuadorian Squirrel Monkeys live in eastern Ecuador, southern Colombia, and north and eastern Peru.

Yellow-billed Jacamars are birds with yellow beaks, turquoise feathers, and yellow-black heads. They make their homes in eastern Ecuador, northwestern Brazil, and southern Columbia. They enjoy the tropical and subtropical moist lowland forests.

Two species of sloths live in the forested regions of Ecuador. They are the diurnal three-toed sloths and the nocturnal two-toed sloths. They love to hang upside down in trees.

Andean Spectacles Bears are the largest land carnivores in South America.

White-tailed deer have reddish brown coats and live in woodlands and farmlands.

Pink River Dolphins inhabit river systems and lakes.

Humpback whales inhabit every ocean in the world.

Rarest

The Baudo guan is a very rare species and always sought out by birdwatchers. These birds inhabit the humid forests of the Choco-Darien ecoregion in the west Andean foothills of northwestern Ecuador and western Columbia.

Largest

Baird’s Tapirs look like wild boars or rhinos. They have long snouts and like to gather together in small groups.

Dangerous

Poison dart frogs which though lovely to look at in many colors are poisonous to touch.

Fer-de-lance are dangerous snakes. They are aggressive and very venomous.

Jaguars are beautiful cats but will attack if provoked.

American crocodiles are dangerous predators in Ecuador and are very aggressive.

Anacondas are the heaviest snakes in the world. They can be found in the Amazon and Orinoco River Basins in South America.

Endangered

Giant tortoises

Giant Otters

Baird’s Tapirs

Great Curassows

Glass Frogs

Several species of monkey such as spider monkeys, night monkeys, marmosets, tamarins, woolly monkeys and capuchins.

Andean Toucans

Picoespada Hummingbirds

Andean Condors