Guyana ’ s
Giants
By Guyana Tourism Authority
Giant Anteater North Rupununi Karanambu © Becca Fields
The thick forests and river systems are home to iconic animals and birds . 820 plus species of birds , 228 species of mammals , 900 species of fish and more than 6500 plants back the country ’ s reputation have given Guyana its deserved reputation as a serious wildlife and birding destination . Travellers often come with extensive checklists when visiting the protected areas and pristine rainforests . Visitors come to Guyana hoping for glimpses of giants such as jaguars , arapaima ( the world ’ s largest-scaled freshwater fish ), giant anteaters , harpy eagles , capybaras , giant river otters , black caimans and the world ’ s largest lily , Victoria Amazonica . Other heart-stoppers include puma , leatherback turtles , bird-eating spiders , several species of monkeys and a host of snakes – bushmasters , anacondas , rattlesnakes , labarias and corals .
Jaguar - King of the Jungle
The elusive jaguar is probably the most famous animal in South America . It is the largest cat and top terrestrial predator that walks the continent . Audubon Magazine says , “ the Iwokrama Forest may be the best place in the world to see a wild jaguar ”. Jaguars are found throughout the country , especially along the rainforest belt in the heart of the country ’ s interior . Base yourself at one of the ecolodges to test your luck . You might not see them , but they will certainly see you .
Arapaima - World ’ s Largest Scaled Freshwater Fish
Jaguar Walking © FotoNatura
The network of Essequibo , Rupununi and the Amazon River Basin is home to the arapaima . Isolated pools ,
76 | TOURISM GUYANA 2024