Wildlife of
Guatemala

Stretching from the Atlantic to the Pacific, the Central American country of Guatemala comprises approximately 60,000 square miles of territory. This is split up between a large, relatively cool area known as the Central Highlands, an extensive volcanic mountain chain running along the Pacific coast, and extensive tracts of humid, tropical jungle in both the northern and southern parts of the country.

This lush landscape is home to many unique and exotic tropical types of animals, especially a large number of particularly colorful birds and the world-famous but notoriously shy jaguar.

The Official National Animal Of Guatemala

Unlike a surprising number of countries, Guatemala does have an Official National Animal in the form of a multicolored bird known as the quetzal. Seen on both the Guatemalan flag and its National Seal, the quetzal takes pride of place over some other equally suitable candidate such as the jaguar. This is probably due to its association with the unique folklore and religious rites of pre-Columbian civilizations found in the area.

The avian also known as (Pharomachrus mocinno) or resplendent quetzal, also lives in Guatemala’s northern neighbor Mexico, but generally lives in Central America. It can be found from Mexico to Panama.

The quetzal prefers to live in the forest canopy although it is somewhat versatile in its preferred choice of home and can also be found in cliffs.

Its dietary patterns depend on its age; adults tend to rely more on fruit such as wild avocados, while hatchlings rely on a more insectivorous diet.

Where To Find The Top Wild Animals In Guatemala

As is the case with many other underdeveloped countries, particularly tropical ones, wildlife is easy to find almost everywhere in the country. Yet the most desirable sighting when it comes to wildlife is the incredibly cautious and somewhat endangered jaguar, one of the best known native animals to Guatemala. It is so hard to find jaguars in the wild that the only realistic hope of ever seeing one is to erect a time-lapse camera inside a jaguar’s territory and hope it passes by sooner or later.

• The zoo in Guatemala City is probably the best place for people to actually view a jaguar in the flesh. Although the country was a little slow to get on to the conservation bandwagon, Guatemala has been catching up recently. More distinct nature preserves have been added to the list of established reserves, and more additions have been made to the unique, large concept Maya Biosphere Reserve.
• Due to their distinct climate zones, reserves represent specific parts of the overall types of animals in Guatemala rather than an overview. With extensive numbers of reptiles and amphibians thriving in its coastal zones or along its many jungle rivers, the Sierra Caral Amphibian Reserve provides both a safe zone for recovery of endangered species. Situated on the eastern coast, the reserve also provides opportunities for enjoyment and study.
• Sierra del Lacandon National Park is oriented more towards the creatures living in the dense jungles of Central America. This includes relatively large populations of many of Guatemala’s most famous indigenous animals, such as Howler Monkeys, Macaws, Toucans, Jaguars, Alligators, and Crocodiles.
• For bird aficionados, Tikal National Park is the place to savor Guatemala’s extensive catalog of colorful native avians.
• Along the coastal regions of the country, marine life is found in abundance, particularly a spectacular assortment of sea turtles, including several species at risk of extinction.

Birds in Guatemala

Appropriately named as “land of trees” by the Maya, Guatemala is covered by forests over almost 35 percent of its entirety. These forests provide shelter, food, and habitats to around 770 different species of bird, many of which are unique to the country. Cloud forests in the mountainous region remain the perfect environment for distinctive species such as the Resplendent Quetzal and rare Horned Guan. Surrounding the Mayan ruins of Tikal are lowland forests. Humidity within these forests attracts the impressive Ocellated Turkey and Orange-breasted Falcon, an elusive bird. Volcano foothills serve as domain for more common birds like the Azure-rumped Tanager. Other common avifauna, Pink-headed and Goldman’s Warblers, reside in highland pine-oak forests.

Other spectacular species of Guatemala include:

• Garnet-throated Hummingbird
• Surf Scoter
• Guatemalan Pygmy Owl
• Keel-billed Toucan

Bird species of the country contribute greatly to the immense biodiversity it offers. Avifauna is threatened by deforestation in many parts of Guatemala, so it is especially important to respect conservation efforts and environments when visiting.

Fishing in Guatemala

Not only top in the world for biodiversity and ancient culture, Guatemala is also a number one for angling. Billfish are especially popular off the Guatemalan Pacific coast, reaching whopping sizes of around 600 pounds. Marlin, dorado, and yellowfin tuna are also key options for anglers.

Blue Marlin can be encountered between April and August and individuals may range between 200-400lb. The smaller yellowfin tuna can also be seen during this game period with an average weight range of 25-45 lbs. Wahoo which is considered to be somewhat similar to mackerel can be encountered. These fish which are capable of reaching lengths of 8 feet and weights exceeding 180lbs can normally be found between the months of October to December.

Snakes in Guatemala

Reptile life in Guatemala is abundant, including around 134 species of snake. A majority of species fall under the family colubrid, followed by viperid and elapid snakes. In the country, 18 species of snake are venomous and pose a threat to humans. Listed are some of the most common snakes in Guatemala:

• Blind snakes
• Dwarf boas
• Burrowing snakes
• Coral snakes
• Vipers and pit vipers

Blind snakes tend to reside in urban and agricultural areas. Meanwhile, burrowing snakes are rightfully named for their tendency to burrow the forest floors of the country. Coral snakes remain in wet lowlands and forests of the Pacific side of Guatemala. Viper, pit viper, and dwarf boa habitats range from arid deserts to humid rainforests. Visitors should keep an eye out for these beautiful yet dangerous animals.

The Most Dangerous Animals In Guatemala

Guatemala is home to a number of dangerous wildlife including its large felines, the puma, and the jaguar. Also worthy of a spot on the most dangerous list are crocodiles and alligators including the American crocodile, Morelet’s crocodile, and the speckled caiman.

The Central American nation also hosts several pit vipers including and by no means limited to the Guatemalan jumping pitviper, Guatemalan palm viper, Guatemalan tree viper, Eyelash viper, Honduran palm-pitviper, and the Merendon palm-pitviper.

In addition to these venomous reptiles, several elapids can also be found in Guatemala including the Brown’s coral snake, Central American coral snake, Elegant coral snake, Mayan coral snake, Stuart’s coral snake, and the yellow sea snake.

Zoos in Guatemala

On days when visitors aren’t hitting the beach or hiking the mountains of the country, it may be worthwhile to check out some of the zoos and wildlife parks in Guatemala that offer an array of animal species, both native and exotic.

One of the most exciting zoos to visit is La Aurora Zoo, located in Guatemala City, itself. Around 2,100 animals reside within the zoo of almost 290 different species. The zoo focuses its efforts on participating in conservation efforts and also on educating the public about threatened species. Species that visitors particularly adore include:

• Humboldt penguins
• Chimpanzees
• Asian elephants
• Big cats

And many more!

Another popular zoological garden to visit in Guatemala is the Petencito Zoo. Surrounded by a lake, the zoo is comprised of two parts connected by a wooden drawbridge. Exhibits include jaguars, monkeys, ocelots, lions, and several different species of bird as well as reptiles.

Zoological gardens exist mainly for the purpose of animal protection as well as educational for visitors from around the world.

The Largest Animal in Guatemala

Although the jaguar (panthera onca) might have missed out on the enviable status of national animal, in terms of the terrestrial size stakes, it emerges the undisputable winner. A triumph for this beautiful rosette-covered feline which was once revered by the ancient Mayans as an intermediary between the world of the living and the world beyond, and also as a symbol of power and strength.

Although its fellow feline, the cougar, is capable of reaching lengths of 2.4 meters, it is simply outclassed by its stockier, speckled relative when it comes to tipping the scales. Jaguars are capable of weighing anywhere between 220 – 350 lbs and reaching 9 feet in length (tail included).

Most of Guatemala’s jaguars call the Maya Biosphere Reserve (MBR) home. The sanctuary is located in the north of the country and is linked with reserves in Belize and Mexico forming a natural sanctuary that is truly immense. In general, the big cats’ range covers over half of Guatemala (58%) and they enjoy extensive protection within it since 47.2% are protected areas. About 600 jaguars prowl the humid, dense vegetation in these regions.

The Rarest Animal in Guatemala

Jackson’s climbing salamander (Bolitoglossa jacksoni) is the nation’s rarest critter. The last time anyone spotted it was in 1975. And only two lucky individuals had gotten to catch a glimpse of it at the time. Fortunately, it made an appearance 42 years later in 2017 in the Finca San Isidro Amphibian Reserve in the Sierra de los Cuchumatanes.

The reptile which is immediately recognizable owing to its striking appearance is gold-colored with a thick dark band of pigment which runs along its upper surface from its head, itself surrounded by a pale, thin border of white pigment, and which breaks into segments at the amphibian’s tail. The band may also have a splash of gold at the head.

Jackson’s climbing salamander also has large dark eyes.

Nature lovers everywhere and herpetologists have vigilant ranger Tomas Ramos Leon to thank for this latest sighting, who upon spotting it, while patrolling the premises, promptly took a picture of it and sent it to USAC University’s curator of herpetology, Carlos Vasquez.

Jackson’s climbing salamander is believed to be endemic to Mexico’s southern neighbor however, its population remains unknown at present.

Endangered Animals In Guatemala

Both the majestic jaguar and the revered quetzal are endangered species due to habitat loss and human exploitation. The jaguar seems to hover on the dividing line between threatened and endangered, as its elusiveness may contribute to the haziness of this designation.

Another famous native species of Guatemala, the Guatemalan Black Howler Monkey also counts as endangered, as does the Horned Guan, which is threatened by extinction. Guatemala is home to many species of iguana and sea turtle that have found their way onto the list even as other closely related species appear to be in little or no danger of becoming extinct at all.