• Settings:
Call us 01273 691642Contact us
Menu

Guyana Wildlife

Guyana lies at the point where the Caribbean meets South America on its North Atlantic seaboard.

Although little known it is a wonderful country, blessed with unspoiled natural beauty and great rivers, waterfalls and unexplored rainforest. Guyana is a land of immense biodiversity and a high degree of endemism. Its special wildlife includes Jaguars, Giant River Otter, Black Caiman and Arapaima (the world's largest freshwater fish). Over 700 bird species have been recorded, including Harpy Eagle and Guianan Cock-of-the-rock.


Giant Otters

Giant river otters can grow up to 6 foot long and weigh over 70 pounds. They use their very sharp teeth to tear into fish, water snakes, crustaceans, and other prey. A human who gets too close to this otter’s den is risking an aggressive response from this animal. As a note, this animal’s conservation status is endangered with a decreasing population.

Jaguar

The national animal of Guyana is also one of the most dangerous in this country. This animal is the biggest cat in South America. Adults can measure 6 feet long and weigh up to 250 pounds. These big cats are pure muscle and have incredibly strong jaws. Fortunately, they remain hidden most of the time and only show aggression if they feel their cubs are in danger.

GUY St Giant Anteater Guyana

Black Caiman

These reptiles are similar in appearance to American alligators. Adult caimans are usually 13 feet but can grow as long as 16.5 feet in adulthood. They have sharp teeth and are fast on both land and in the water. Black caimans live in slow-moving rivers and can become aggressive if a human invades their territory. It is a generalist and apex predator, potentially capable of taking any animal within its range, including other predators.

Birds

Guyana is prominent for its extensive rainforests, covering around 80 percent of the country, the perfect environment for multitudes of eccentric bird species. Birding in the country is highly accessible and promoted through charters and guides. Out of the 800 species living in Guyana, over 70 are considered endemic to the Guiana Shield of northeast South America. Some quite unique species include: the Cock-of-the-Rock, macaws, toucans and woodpeckers.

Snakes

Rainforests prove impeccable sites for seeing colourful, vibrant plants and animals. Some of the most brilliantly pigmented animals are reptiles, specifically snakes. Guyana is home to truly remarkable snake species, both venomous and non-venomous. Of the 97 species in the country, most are found within the rainforests, some in savannahs, and others even in urban areas. Particular species include boas, cobras and the largest snake in the world, the green anaconda.

Giant Anteaters

These unique animals use their long tongues to feed on ants and termites and can be found in savannas and forests in Guyana.

Giant River Turtles

Several species of large river turtles, such as the giant South American river turtle, nest along the country's rivers and play an essential role in aquatic ecosystems.

Guiana Dolphins

These small, coastal dolphins can be seen in the waters along Guyana's coast and estuaries.