Animals in Guatemala

Guatemala is a country in South America where the climate is tropical, meaning it is lush with plenty of water and high heat temperatures. This type of environment is a rich environment for many species of reptiles, mammals, fish and the like. The habitats found in Guatemala are plentiful and rich. The animals that have become extinct or endangered have done so because of hunting or habitat destruction, not because of the lack of resources in the natural environment.

Animals found in Guatemala include the intriguing Howler monkeys. Howler monkeys typically live in troops that contain from four to eight monkeys. They have their own territory within which they will all live and feed together. Howler monkeys eat fruits, leaves and flowers. The name comes from the booming howling voice used by males to defend their territory. Birds such as the bright and colorful Toucans and the exotically beautiful Quetzal are also found in Guatemala. The Quetzal is an endangered species due to habitat destruction in recent years. Another common animal found in Guatemala is the Tarantula. Unlike other spiders, the tarantula does not spin a web but hunts its prey upon the ground.

Some animals that are unique to Guatemala only are:

'Big Deer Mouse
'Jewel Scarab Beetles
'Guatemalan Redrumped Tarantula
'Guatemalan Black Iguana

Guatemala is well known for its tropical climate and heavy population of snakes, reptiles, bird and mammals. A less appreciated dense population of mosquitoes, flies and chiggers exists there as well. Crocodiles perform their magic camouflage tricks in the swamps and rivers while the Owl's Eye Butterfly performs feats of mimicry that protect it from various predators'especially those afraid of owls. This tropical country has many more species of various animals to enjoy, preserve and protect.