Animals in Brazil

Below you can find a complete list of Brazilian animals. We currently track 327 animals in Brazil and are adding more every day!

You can see many exotic animals in Brazil if you visit the forests, savannahs, and wetlands as each has different wildlife living in them. Brazil has one of the highest numbers of terrestrial vertebrates and invertebrates of any country in the world. At least 524 species of mammals, 3,000 fish species, and 78 species of primates. Additionally, there are at least 517 amphibian species, 3,150 butterfly species, and 1,622 bird species. There are over 200 endangered species in the country, with over 80% of them living in the Atlantic Forest. Yet, over 90% of this forest has been cleared. Poaching remains a massive problem in the country.

The Official National Animal of Brazil

Brazil does not have an official national animal. Yet, many people consider it the jaguar, which is also called the Brazilian panther. This national animal is seen as the top animal of the forest ecosystem. It is a solitary animal that quietly stalks its prey. In many ways, the national animal is like the people of Brazil. The country tends to be very independent and takes great pride in its territorial resources.

Where To Find The Top Wild Animals in Brazil

If you are lucky, you can see a sloth when you visit Brazil.
©Kristel Segeren/Shutterstock.com

In Brazil, amazing wildlife can be seen in a variety of places. One popular destination for animal viewing is the Pantanal, located mainly in Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul states. The largest wetland in the world, the Pantanal offers visitors a chance to see giant river otters, jaguars, marsh deer, and capybara, among other species native to this region.

The Amazon rainforest also provides many opportunities for viewing wild animals, such as howler monkeys and toucans. This area is home to an incredible diversity of life, with over 2 million insect species alone! Other animals commonly spotted include tapirs, sloths, and anacondas which make their homes there amongst thousands of plant species from trees to lianas. Whether you take part in organized tours or explore on your own using boats or canoes, you are sure to have unforgettable experiences observing wildlife in its natural habitat.

Tourists often come to Brazil to see the top wildlife. Unfortunately, some of the weird and unique animals are in danger of becoming extinct. These unique animals include:

Jaguar –The jaguar lives in various ecosystems in Brazil, including rainforests, savannas, and grasslands. Look for them in the Amazon Basin and the Brazilian Pantanal.
Giant armadillo – You can find this elusive animal in many areas of Brazil, including the Amazon, Atlantic Forest, and Cerrado biomes. Still, it may be going extinct in the southern part of Brazil.
Brazilian tapir – This species of the rhinoceros family is in great danger of going extinct, but look for them in the Pantanal.
Giant anteater – You can find giant anteaters in many parts of Brazil, including Goiás, Mato Grosso do Sul, Mato Grosso, Tocantins, Minas Gerais, and the Federal District.
Maned wolf – You may be able to catch a glimpse of this solitary nocturnal hunter in Brazil’s grasslands, scrub prairies, forests, or savannas, especially in the Cerrado.
Giant otter – This animal lives along creeks and rivers in the Amazon rainforest
Ocelot – Look for ocelots stalking prey from trees or grasslands in the Amazon Rainforest.
Common marmoset – This small primate that seldom grows to be over 7 inches tall lives in Sugarloaf Mountain and Tijuca National Park.
Capybara – Look for capybaras, the largest member of the rodent family, in many locations, including the Amazon Rainforest and city rivers.
Southern Tamandua – Look for southern tamanduas dining on insects in tropical forests, mangroves, and savannas, like the Brazilian Pantanal.

The Most Dangerous Animals In Brazil Today

Yacare Caiman — The yacare caiman is endemic to Brazil and is one of the more dangerous animals in the country.
©Ondrej Prosicky/Shutterstock.com

Brazil is home to some of the most dangerous animals in the world. The most well-known ones are jaguars, pumas, and caimans. Jaguars and pumas are both big cats that can easily overpower humans with their sharp claws and powerful jaws.

Caimans are large reptiles that live in tropical areas near rivers or swamps. They have razor-sharp teeth, which can inflict serious injuries if provoked. All three species inhabit different regions of Brazil, depending on their habitat preferences. For example, jaguars prefer dense rainforests, while caimans tend to stay close to freshwater sources such as lakes or streams. It’s important to be aware of these animals when traveling through certain parts of Brazil. Always keep your distance and never attempt to approach them!

Most people visit Brazil and have no trouble with its unique animals. Of course, you will want to avoid visiting Ilha da Queimada Grande because it has the world’s highest concentration of poisonous snakes, and people are forbidden to go there. Yet, there are a few dangerous animals that you will want to be careful of encountering. In most cases, it is not the weird or unique animals that are dangerous but those that live in residential areas.

Dogs – Approximately 544,000 people are bitten annually by dogs in Brazil.
Cats – Approximately 86,500 people are bitten annually by cats. Additionally, their scratches can cause deadly fungus diseases.
Bats – Approximately 4,900 people are bitten annually by bats.
Primates – Different primates bite about 4,000 people annually.

Rarest Animals in Brazil

The pampas cat is one of the rarest animals in Brazil. This wildcat lives in a wide range of habitats but is especially fond of grasslands and savannas found throughout the country. The pampas cat’s fur coloration varies from light yellow to grayish-brown depending on its geographic location, and they have short tails with black tips. Unfortunately, this species is listed as “Vulnerable” by the IUCN due to habitat loss from deforestation and agricultural practices, as well as being hunted for their fur or mistaken for pests like rabbits or rodents.

Maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) walking in the grass — A maned wolf is a rare animal to spot in Brazil.
©belizar/Shutterstock.com

The Maned Wolf is another species native to Brazil that can be classified as rare. These slender grey wolves are often seen alone or in pairs rather than in packs, making them somewhat harder to spot compared to other wolf species. They inhabit open fields near forests and live off fruits, small mammals, birds, and reptiles. They are known to occasionally supplement their diets with garbage from nearby farms or villages when food sources become sparse during dry seasons. Habitat destruction has caused these wolves’ numbers to decline significantly over time resulting in them now being listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

The Giant Anteater is one of the rarest animals in Brazil and has a unique appearance. It can measure up to 8 feet long and weigh anywhere between 66-99 lbs, making it one of the largest species of anteaters in South America. Although they have an enormous appetite for ants, termites, and larvae – consuming up to 25,000 insects per day – these creatures aren’t actually carnivorous because they don’t eat meat. Instead, their diet consists mainly of insects that they catch with their long tongues, which can extend up to 16 inches long! Interestingly enough, Giant Anteaters also use their powerful claws as a weapon against any potential threats or predators that may come too close. They are mostly solitary creatures but have been known to occasionally form small family groups when searching for food together.

Giant anteater in a zoo setting — Giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla), is one of the rarest animals in Brazil.
©Malene Thyssen / Creative Commons – License

Largest Animals in Brazil

South American tapir on grass — Tapirs are one of the larger animals in Brazil, with males weighing up to 700 pounds.

The Amazon Rainforest is home to some of the largest animals in Brazil. One of these animals is the Giant Anteater which can reach up to 6 feet in length with a tail that adds another 2 feet. This species lives mainly on the ground or low-lying vegetation and feeds mostly on ants and termites, using its long snout and sticky tongue. In addition, they inhabit grasslands, savannas, swamps, and even coastal regions along riversides.

The Jaguar is another animal found in Brazil that can be considered one of its largest predators. It has an average body length of between four and six feet, with a weight ranging from 125 pounds for females to 210 pounds for males. It also has powerful legs allowing it to jump over 16 feet! It inhabits tropical forests but can also live in semi-desert areas as well as wet marshlands near rivers. The jaguar plays an important role in controlling prey populations by keeping their numbers down.

The Tapir is the largest terrestrial animal in Brazil and can be found in a variety of habitats, including dense rainforests, savannas, marshes, and even flooded forests. They usually weigh around 360 lbs, but males may reach up to 700 lbs. These shy creatures are solitary animals that feed on a wide variety of plants, such as fruit, leaves, and aquatic vegetation. To cool off during hot days, they indulge in mud baths which provide them with an extra layer of insulation from the heat. However, if provoked or threatened, they become aggressive by lashing out with their powerful jaws and sharp claws. Tapirs are also excellent swimmers, so when confronted by predators, they have been known to escape into rivers where they can more easily elude danger.

Endangered Animals In Brazil

Largest Parrots - Blue-Throated Macaw — The blue-throated Macaw is one of many endangered species in Brazil.
©iStock.com/Nikolai Grigorev

The current state of endangered animals in Brazil is dire. Land seizures and the expansion of farming and ranching have caused their habitat to shrink significantly in both the Amazon rainforest and the Brazilian savanna. Add in higher-than-usual temperatures and fires, and the problem only gets worse.

In order for these species to survive, humans must do their part by reducing their consumption of animal products. By using less land to grow hay and animal feed, we could help these animals thrive once again. Doing so would not only help save endangered species but also reduce climate change – a win-win situation! If everybody takes steps towards reducing their ecological footprint, we can make a difference in protecting our planet’s biodiversity.

Brazil is home to many endangered animals. The vast majority of them are found in the Amazon Rainforest. Many of these amazing and weird animals live nowhere else on earth. They include:

Glaucous macaw
Brumback’s night monkey
Nancy Ma’s night monkey
Blue-throated macaw
White-bellied spider monkey
Variegated spider monkey
White-cheeked spider monkey
Carabaya stubfoot toad
Quito stub-foot toad
San Martin titi monkey
Ka’apor capuchin
Amazon giant glass frog
White-nosed saki

The Flag of Brazil

The flag of Brazil is one of the most recognizable flags in the world. It is dominated by a green field, with a yellow diamond in its center which contains a blue globe. Inside this blue globe are inscribed 27 stars and the country’s motto Ordem e Progresso (Order and Progress). This motto was taken from Auguste Comte’s positivism philosophy, which emphasizes scientific progress as well as social reform.

The design of the Brazilian flag has been used since 1889 when it replaced an earlier version that featured only 21 stars for each state at that time. The current design featuring 27 stars represents all 26 states and one federal district plus Rio de Janeiro city, which was part of Brazil at the time it was adopted.

As per tradition, on every November 15th – Flag Day – people across Brazil proudly fly their national flag to celebrate freedom and peace within their nation. As such, it serves to remind citizens about both past struggles for independence as well as present aspirations for betterment within society through progress and order.

Brazilian Animals

Abyssinian Guinea Pig

They are one of the oldest breeds of guinea pig

Agouti

The agouti is one of the only animals that can crack open Brazil nut pods!

Amazon Parrot

These parrots can be trained to be "talking birds" that mimic human speech

Amazon Tree Boa

Amazon tree boas come in a rainbow of colors.

Amazonian Royal Flycatcher

They use their bright royal-looking crests during mating season

Anaconda

They are the heaviest snake in the world

Anhinga

Their name means snake bird

Ant

First evolved 100 million years ago!

Anteater

Has the longest tongue of any animal in relation to its body size!

Arapaima

One of the largest freshwater fish

Armadillo

Can curl into a hard, protective ball!

Armyworm

They are so named because they "march" in armies of worms from one crop to another in search of food

Asian Lady Beetle

Asian lady beetles infest indoor spaces, but they do not reproduce indoors.

Banjo Catfish

The banjo catfish is extremely shy and known for hiding from onlookers.

Barb

There are over 1768 known species!

Barn Owl

Found everywhere around the world!

Barn Swallow

Older offspring help care for new hatchlings.

Bat

Detects prey using echolocation!

Bear

There are 8 different species!

Bed Bugs

Bed bugs feed for 4-12 minutes.

Bee

Rock paintings of bees date back 15,000 years

Beetle

There are more than 350,000 different species

Beewolf wasp

They hunt bees

Bird

Not all birds are able to fly!

Biscuit Beetle

The biscuit beetle form a symbiotic relationship with yeast

Black-Bellied Whistling Duck

They have bright pink bills.

Black Tarantula

They can grow to be 7 inches long!

Black Widow Spider

They typically prey on insects!

Blind Snake

The blind snake is often mistaken for a worm.

Blue Dragon Sea Slug

They inflict a painful, venomous sting

Blue Tanager (Blue-Grey Tanager)

They travel and forage in pairs or groups

Blue Tang

One of the most colorful members of the genus Acanthurus

Bobolink

In spring, the male bobolink is the only North American bird who is dark below and light colored above. This makes identification easy.

Brazilian Black Tarantula

They seem to move in slow motion.

Brazilian Terrier

Small body and tri-coloured coat!

Brazilian Treehopper

“Mild-Mannered Minimonsters”

Brown Dog Tick

Can live its entire life indoors

Burrowing Owl

The burrowing owl lives in underground burrows

Bush Dog

Bush dogs have webbed toes to help them swim.

Bushmaster Snake

The bushmaster’s scientific name means “silent death.”

Butterfly

There are thought to be up 17,500 species!

Caecilian

Some species' babies use their hooked or scraper-like teeth to peel off and eat their mother's skin

Caiman

Can grow to up 6 meters long!

Caiman Lizard

Caiman lizards are among the largest lizards.

Camel Cricket

The camel crickets that are found in the USA are light brown in color. They also have dark streaks all over their body.

Capybara

Excellent at both diving and swimming

Carpenter Ant

Carpenter ants can lift up to seven times their own weight with their teeth!

Cat

May have been domesticated up to 10,000 years ago.

Caterpillar

The larvae of a moth or butterfly!

Catfish

There are nearly 3,000 different species!

Centipede

There are about 3,000 documented species!

Chicken

First domesticated more than 10,000 years ago!

Chilean Recluse Spider

Cichlid

There are more than 2 000 known species!

Coati

Found in dense forests and wet jungles!

Cockroach

Dated to be around 300 million years old!

Codling Moth

Pupae are able to undergo diapause to survive poor fruit yield years and winter.

Collared Peccary

Form bands of up to 12 individuals!

Common Furniture Beetle

The common furniture beetle feeds exclusively on wood

Common House Spider

House spiders have the ability to eat most insects in a home.

Coral Snake

There are over 80 species of coral snake worldwide.

Cormorant

They can fly 35 mph and dive 150 feet below water.

Cory Catfish

All Cory Catfish have three pairs of barbels around their mouth that they use to detect food.

Cow

There are nearly 1.5 billion worldwide!

Crab

There are 93 different crab groups

Crab-Eating Fox

The crab-eating fox is extremely adaptable, living in all sorts of habitats and eating almost any available food.

Crab Spider

Crab Spiders can mimic ants or bird droppings

Cricket

Male crickets can produce sounds by rubbing their wings together

Crocodile

Have changed little in 200 million years!

Crocodylomorph

Crocodylomorphs include extinct ancient species as well as 26 living species today.

Crow

A group of these birds is called a Murder.

Cuckoo

Discus

One of the only schooling Cichlids!

Dog

First domesticated in South-East Asia!

Dog Tick

Dog ticks feed on dogs and other mammals

Donkey

First domesticated 5,000 years ago!

Dragonfly

It's larvae are carnivorous!

Dubia Cockroach

The most popular species of feeder roach

Duck

Rows of tiny plates line their teeth!

Dung Beetle

The dung beetle can push objects many times its own weight

Dusky Shark

The Dusky Shark sometimes eats trash discarded by humans.

Eagle

Has exceptional eyesight!

Earthworm

They are hermaphrodites, which means they have male and female organs

Earwig

There are nearly 2,000 different species!

Eastern Meadowlark

They can live up to 9 years.

Eel

Eels can be a mere few inches long to 13 feet!

Electric Eel

Despite its powerful shock, electric eels have terrible vision.

Ember Tetra

Ember tetras are one of the smallest shoaling fish in the world

Emerald Tree Boa

Their teeth are as long as a fully-grown reticulated python

Emperor Tamarin

Has an elegant white moustache!

Executioner Wasp

The Executioner Wasp's sting is one of the most painful in the world.

Falcon

The fastest creatures on the planet!

Fallow deer

The fallow deer has more variation in its coat colors than most other deer.

False coral snake

The false coral snake mimics both the coral snake and the cobra to scare away predators

False Water Cobra

There are several color morphs, including lavender!

False Widow Spider

False spiders actually prey on black widow spiders and other hazardous spiders

Fer-de-lance Snake

The Most Dangerous Snake in the Americas

Fiddler Crab

The fiddler crab gets its name from the motion the males make with their over-sized claw during the mating ritual.

Fila Brasileiro

The breed has a unique, cat-like gait, while females have a finer gait than males.

Firefly

The firefly produces some of the most efficient light in the world

Flea

Adult fleas can jump up to 7 inches in the air

Fly

There are more than 240,000 different species!

Flying Squirrel

Can glide up to 90 meters!

Frog

There are around 7,000 different species!

Fruit Fly

Fruit flies are among the most common research animals in the world

Fulvous Whistling Duck

They build a ramp from their nest, which leads to a nearby water source

Galapagos Shark

Galapagos sharks are cannibalistic and sometimes eat their young, so the pups stay away from the adults in shallow water.

Gecko

There are thought to be over 2,000 species!

German Cockroach

The most common type of urban roach

Giant Armadillo

Armadillos have a smell that’s described as strong, sweet and acrid.

Glowworm

Found inhabiting dense woodland and caves!

Gnat

Males form large mating swarms at dusk

Golden Lancehead

Golden lancehead snakes climb trees to prey on birds.

Golden Lion Tamarin

Native to the eastern rainforests of Brazil!

Goliath Grouper

Massive reef fish with a strong tail

Grasshopper

There are 11,000 known species!

Great Potoo Bird

At night, they make a terrifying low call that sounds like a distressed moan or growl.

Green Anaconda

Females are often five times longer than males.

Grouper

Many grouper can change their sex, and it is always from female to male.

Gulper Catfish

Gulper catfish can consume prey twice its size

Guppy

Also known as the Millionfish!

Gypsy Moth

One of the most invasive species in the world

Hamster

Able to run as quickly backwards as forwards!

Hare

Can reach speeds of over 50 mph!

Harpy Eagle

Talon's the size of a grizzly bear's claws!

Harris’s Hawk

Their vision is eight times better than a human's

Hawk Moth Caterpillar

Many hawk moth caterpillars eat toxins from plants, but don’t sequester them the way milkweed butterflies do. Most toxins are excreted.

Hepatic Tanager (Red Tanager)

Parents and their young sing sweetly to each other

Hercules Beetle

This dynastine scarab beetle makes a weird huffing sound when it’s disturbed.

Heron

Inhabits wetlands around the world!

Hogfish

Hogfish can change their sex from female to male

Hognose snake

Prima Donnas of the Snake World

Honey Bee

There are only 8 recognized species!

Argentine Horned Frog

Natively found in South America!

Horse

Has evolved over 50 million years!

Horsefly

Horseflies have been seen performing Immelmann turns, much like fighter jets.

House wren

The wren’s epithet, aedon, comes from a Greek queen who accidentally killed her only son. She was actually aiming for her nephew, and Zeus took pity on her and turned her into a nightingale.

Housefly

The fly has no teeth

Howler Monkey

Spends 80% of it's time resting!

Human

Thought to have orignated 200,000 years ago!

Hummingbird

Beat their wings up to 80 times per second!

Huntsman Spider

Some huntsman spiders have an interesting way of moving around. Some cartwheel while others do handsprings or backflips.

Hyacinth Macaw

The Hyacinth Macaw is the largest flying parrot in the world!

Ibis

Found in swamps, marshes and wetlands!

Iguana

Uses visual signals to communicate!

IMG Boa Constrictor

The first IMG boa was born in a litter of anerythristic boas.

Insects

There are an estimated 30 million species!

Jabiru

They form lifelong pair bonds and live in groups near water sources.

Jacana

The jacana has the ability to swim underwater

Jack Crevalle

One of the biggest species in the Caranx genus

Jaguar

The largest feline on the American continent!

Jumping Spider

Some can jump 50 times the length of their bodies

Keyhole Cichlid

When these fish feel stressed, their skin color will change from yellow-cream to brown.

Kinder Goat

Best jumper of all goats

King Vulture

The king vulture is the second largest New World vulture species

Kingfisher

Inhabits wetlands and woodlands worldwide!

Kinkajou

The kinkajou is a nimble forest-dwelling mammal of Central and South America.

Kitefin Shark

Ladybug

There are more than 5,000 species worldwide!

Leech

Has 10 pairs of eyes!

Lipstick Albino Boa

Lipstick albino boas are a designer morph that you'll only find from breeders.

Lizard

There are around 5,000 different species!

Lizardfish

The lizardfish can camouflage itself against the sandy bottom to avoid predators.

Locust

Each locust can eat its weight in plants each day.

Lone Star Tick

Only females have the ‘lone star’ marking

Macaw

The largest species of parrot in the world!

Maggot

Will only live in wet areas

Mallard

With an appropriate tail wind, the mallard can travel hundreds of miles a day

Maned Wolf

Despite its name, the Maned Wolf is not actually a wolf.

Margay

Margays are one of the world’s most highly adapted cat species for climbing trees!

Marine Toad

Produces a toxin used in arrow darts!

Marmoset

Mayfly

There are 2,500 known species worldwide!

Mealybug

They have a symbiotic relationship with ants.

Megatherium

Megatherium probably used its lips more than its tongue when feeling for choice leaves in the treetops.

Mexican Eagle (Northern crested caracara)

The northern crested caracara mates for life with its partner

Mexican Free-Tailed Bat

Some colonies have millions of bats

Millipede

Some species have a poisonous bite!

Mockingbird

Mockingbirds are incredible mimics that can learn hundreds of songs!

Mole

Primarily hunts and feeds on Earthworms!

Mole Cricket

Adult Mole crickets may fly as far as 5 miles during mating season and are active most of the year.

Molly

Known for their calm and peaceful nature!

Mongrel

Has characteristics of two or more breeds!

Monkey

There are around 260 known species!

Moorhen

Feeds on aquatic insects and water-spiders!

Morpho Butterfly

Collectors prize them for their bright wings

Mosquito

Only the female mosquito actually sucks blood

Moth

There are 250,000 different species!

Mountain Lion

Has no real natural predators!

Mouse

Found on every continent on Earth!

Mule

The offspring of a horse and donkey parents!

Muscovy Duck

Unlike most duck species, the Muscovy is silent and only makes noise when excited or threatened.

Needlefish

no stomach to digest food

Nematode

Nematodes range in size from 1/10 of an inch to 28 feet long

Neon Tetra

Neon Tetras are very social and peaceful fish.

No See Ums

There are more than 5,000 species.

Nutria

An invasive species, one female nutria can birth up to 200 babies in just a few years of living!

Ocelot

Also known as the Painted Leopard!

Oranda Goldfish

Oranda goldfish are one of the most popular fancy goldfish breeds

Orange Tanager (Orange-Headed Tanager)

They inhabit the lowlands of the Amazon rainforest

Orb Weaver

Females are about four times the size of males

Oscar Fish

The Oscar fish has teeth in its throat!

Osprey

They reuse nesting sites for 70 years!

Otter

There are 13 different species worldwide

Owl

The owl can rotate its head some 270 degrees

Owl Butterfly

Owl butterflies derive their name from big spots on each hindwing that resemble owl eyes

Ox

Panther

Prefers to hunt at night than during the day!

Parakeet

Monk parakeets are the only parakeets that actually build nests. They’re also the only parakeets to nest in great colonies.

Parrot

Can live for up to 100 years!

Parrotlet

Parrotlets aren't the world's tiniest parrot — that would be the pygmy parrot of Australasia.

Peacock Bass

Peacock bass is known for their aggressive behavior and predatory instincts, making them a challenging target for sport fishermen.

Peregrine Falcon

Fastest animal on Earth

Pheasant

Females lay between 8 and 12 eggs per clutch!

Phytosaurs

Pictus Catfish

Pictus catfish are social fish that should be kept in groups of 4 or more

Pied Tamarin

Only found in one area of Brazil!

Pigeon

They can find their way back to their nests from up to 1300 miles away.

Amazon River Dolphin (Pink Dolphin)

Also known as the 'Pink Dolphin'

Piranha

Generally found in fast-flowing streams!

Pit Viper

Pit vipers's fangs fold up into their mouths when they don't need them.

Platinum Arowana

The male broods the eggs and baby fish in his mouth.

Poison Dart Frog

Inhabits the jungles of Central and South America!

Polka Dot Stingray

Can detect electrical fields from other creatures

Pompano Fish

They are bottom-feeders

Porcupine

There are 30 different species worldwide!

Praying Mantis

The mantis can turn its head 180 degrees.

Pterodactyl

Pterodactyl is not technically a dinosaur. Although they lived during the same time as dinosaurs, they are classified as winged reptiles.

Puma

Has longer back legs than front legs!

Pygmy Marmoset (Finger Monkey)

The smallest species of monkey in the world!

Quail

Inhabits woodland and forest areas worldwide!

Quetzal

The tail feathers of the male can be 1m long!

Raccoon

Known to wash their food before eating it!

Rainbow Boa

The rainbow boa is named for its iridescent skin that refracts light and creates a rainbow-colored effect.

Rat

Omnivores that eat anything!

Rat Snakes

Rat snakes are constrictors from the Colubridae family of snakes.

Rattlesnake

Rattlesnakes may have evolved their rattle to warn bison away from them.

Red-Footed Tortoise

Male and female Red-Footed Tortoises move their heads to communicate.

Red-handed Tamarin

Red hair on hands on feet!

Red Tail Boa (common boa)

Red tailed boas don’t suffocate their prey, they squeeze until the heart stops circulating blood to the brain.

Redtail Catfish

One of three giant catfish species

Rhea

Male rheas mate with up to a dozen females and single-handedly raise up to 80 chicks at once!

River Turtle

Inhabits freshwater habitats around the world!

Rodents

The capybara, the world’s largest rodent, likes to be in and around bodies of water. Because of this, the Catholic Church in South America decided that it was a fish, and people were allowed to eat it during Lent and First Fridays.

Rooster

Will mate with the entire flock!

Roseate Spoonbill

The only Spoonbill in the western hemisphere!

Saber-Toothed Tiger

Canines up to 7 inches long!

Sable Ferret

Ferrets were used during the Revolutionary War to keep down the rat population.

Salamander

There are more than 700 different species!

Sand Crab

The sand crab burrows beneath the sand with its tail

Scarlet Macaw

Like many parrots, the scarlet macaw is capable of vocal mimicry.

Scorpion

There are around 2,000 known species!

Seahorse

Males give birth to up to 1,000 offspring!

Senepol Cattle

Senepol cattle have a distinctive red color and no horns.

Sharp-Shinned Hawk

In captivity, sharp-shinned hawks can live up to 13 years. However, in the wild, this number is significantly reduced to 3 years!

Sheep

Around 35 million in the English countryside!

Short-Eared Owl

The short-eared owl is one of the most widespread owl species in the world, covering five continents.

Shrew

The spinal column of the shrew Scutisorex somereni is so strong and reinforced that it can support the weight of an adult human.

Shrimp

There are 2,000 different species worldwide!

Silver Dollar

Closely related to the Piranha

Skeleton Tarantula

50-100

Skink Lizard

Some skinks lay eggs in some habitats while giving birth to skinklets in other habitats.

Skunk

Also known as the Polecat!

Sloth

It's body temperature is between 30 - 34 degrees!

Slug

They glide around on one foot, which is aided by the slime they produce

Smokybrown Cockroach

Has up to 45 eggs per egg case

Snail

There are nearly 1,000 different species!

Snake

There are around 4,000 known species worldwide

Southern House Spider

Large web making house spider

Sparrow

There are 140 different species!

Spider Monkey

Belongs to the only family of primates in the world with full prehensile tails!

Spider Wasp

They prey on spiders to feed their larvae or they parasitize other spider wasps.

Spinosaurus

The Spinosaurus is the biggest carnivorous dinosaur ever discovered!

Squirrel

Small rodents found in woodlands worldwide!

Squirrel Monkey

Lives in groups of up to 500 individuals!

Stick Insect

There are more than 3,000 different species!

Stork

They can’t sing like other birds.

Stromatolite

Stromatolites played a key role in the development of life on Earth.

Stupendemys

The largest freshwater turtle known to have ever lived!

Summer Tanager

They remove bee stingers by rubbing them against a tree

Swainson’s Hawk

Their wings form a “V” shape when flying.

Swallowtail Butterfly

N/A

Swan

Populations have been affected by pollution!

Tapir

Most closely related to horses and rhinos!

Tarantula Hawk

Tarantula hawks are excellent pollinators, especially for milkweed.

Termite

Their mounds can be up to 9 meters tall!

Tetra

Native to the freshwater streams of South America!

Theropod

Some theropods had feathers and may have been ancestors of modern birds.

Thrush

The American robin is called the robin because its red breast reminded European settlers of the robin back in the old country.

Tick

They inject hosts with a chemical that stops them from feeling the pain of the bite

Tiger Beetle

The adult tiger beetle is one of the fastest land insects in the world

Titan Beetle

Their jaws can bite through a wooden pencil.

Tortoise

Can live until they are more than 150 years old!

Toucan

There are more than 40 different species!

Toxodon

Tree Cricket

They make music with their wings

Tree Frog

Found in warmer jungles and forests!

Tufted Coquette

They are tame and easy to approach

Turtles

Some species of aquatic turtles can get up to 70 percent of their oxygen through their butt.

Uakari

Have a very short tail for their size!

Uaru Cichlid

The color of the Uaru cichlid changes during the spawning season

Umbrellabird

Migrates up and down the mountains!

Unau (Linnaeus’s Two-Toed Sloth)

Its top speed is 0.17mph

Upland Sandpiper

They make jerky movements as they walk through the grass, searching for food.

Urutu Snake

The female Urutu snake grows longer and heavier than males of the same species

Vampire Bat

Have a heat sensor on the end of their nose!

Veery

The veery is named for its sharp "veer" call.

Vermilion Flycatcher

They have a fast song that lasts up to 10 syllables at max.

Vinegaroon

Vinegaroons can spray 19 times before the glands are depleted

Vulture

There are 30 different species worldwide!

Wasp

There are around 75,000 recognised species!

Wattled Jacana

They are typically noisy birds but take on a soft tone with their young.

Whiptail Lizard

Many whiptail species reproduce asexually.

White Ferret / Albino Ferrets

There are two different types of white ferrets!

Whitetail Deer

Although deer are herbivores, they will sometimes eat mice and birds when they can catch them.

Wolf Spider

Carnivorous arachnid that hunts its prey.

Wood Turtle

Temperature determines the sex of turtle eggs

Woodlouse

This animal can roll up into a ball

Woodpecker

There are 200 different species!

Woolly Monkey

Has a long, strong prehensile tail!

Worm

Doesn’t have eyes.

X-Ray Tetra

Yellow, black and white striped fins!

Xingu River Ray

The Xingu River ray is only found in the Xingu River in Brazil.

Yarara

Females are much larger than males

Yellow Anaconda

Anacondas take prey much bigger compared to body weight than other snakes.

Yellow Crazy Ant

One of the top 100 worst invasive species!

Zebra Pleco

The zebra pleco is a bottom feeder with a sucker mouth.

Brazilian Animals List

About the Author

Heather Hall

Heather Hall is a writer at A-Z Animals, where her primary focus is on plants and animals. Heather has been writing and editing since 2012 and holds a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture. As a resident of the Pacific Northwest, Heather enjoys hiking, gardening, and trail running through the mountains with her dogs.

Animals in Brazil FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What Kind of Animals Live in Brazil?

Many different kinds of animals live in Brazil because of the diverse ecosystems found there. The country is home to the world’s largest rodent, the capybara. It is also home to the world’s second-largest flightless bird, the rhear and the pink dolphin, one of the world’s largest river dolphins.

What Exotic Animals Live in Brazil?

Many exotic animals live in Brazil. Many people travel here to see Brazil’s Big Five, the Brazilian tapir, giant anteater, maned wolf, giant river otter, and jaguar.

What is the Biggest Animal in Brazil?

One of the biggest animals in Brazil is the spectacled bear. This bear can weigh up to 355 pounds and stand up to almost 6-feet tall. This species lives mainly in the cloud forests in southeastern Brazil. It dines on fruit and is a solitary animal. Researchers estimate that there are only about 18,000 spectacled bears left in the wild.

What Animals Live in the Brazilian Amazon?

The Brazilian Amazon is home to many animals. Many of these animals are just now being discovered, and scientists have a lot more work to do. Since 1999, they have found more than 2,000 new plants and animals.

What Animals Live in the Brazilian Rainforest?

Many different types of animals live in the rainforest, and scientists are discovering more all the time. One of the most amazing is the Caqueta titi monkey, whose young purr like cats when they are content. Another is the Tometes camunani, a fish that can be up to 20-inches wide and weigh 9 pounds.