There is a large variety of animals in Venezuela. It is extremely biodiverse, being home to more than 1400 species of birds, over 300 kinds of mammals, and nearly a thousand different fish. Most are familiar with animals such as anacondas, boas, piranhas,
stingrays,
electric eels, river otters, foxes, and porcupines. All these can be found within the boundaries of Venezuela, and some could likely be seen near your own home.
Some animals you may be less familiar with are the
capybara, river dolphins, spectacled caimans,
ocelots, peccaries, tapirs, and tamanduas. The capybara is the largest rodent in the world and resides primarily in the eastern countries of South America. Ocelots are a beautiful feline, similar to the leopard or
jaguar but much smaller in size. Peccaries and tapirs are snouted animals that resemble hogs. These animals can be found in their natural habitats within Venezuela.
Venezuela is able to cater to such a large variety of animals because there are so many varying habitats. Venezuela has the mild, windy Andes mountains in the west. The Amazon Basin and its rich rainforest lies to the south. The llanos plains is a woodland and grassland area in central Venezuela. On the Caribbean coast, mountains and shrubland can be found. To the east there is the fertile Orinoco River Delta. These areas each offer a unique ecosystem that allows the animals therein to flourish. They make an especially ideal home for these animals which can be found nowhere in the world but Venezuela: Rusty-flanked Crake,
Fiery Squirrel, Zulia Toad-headed Turtle, and the
Saberfin Killie.
Life is teeming in every region of the country. From the coastal grasslands to the peaks of the Andes Mountains, a different animal waits at every turn. With so many animal species being found within its borders, Venezuela is a truely unique and beautiful country.