rivers and wetlands are usual haunts for fishing enthusiasts to glimpse this mighty species . The tropical weather is perfect for arapaimas . These are found mostly in the southwestern part of the country and are wellknown in the oxbow lakes and waters of the Rewa River .
Harpy Eagle – Guyana ’ s Most Majestic Bird
The harpy eagle is one of
Harpy Eagle © Amanda Richards the world ’ s most powerful birds of prey and the largest raptor in the South American subcontinent . Often on the birders ’ wish list , it is seen in the Kanuku Mountains and Iwokrama Rainforest . Untouched tropical forests are a perfect home for the harpy eagles , offering them ample prey to feed on , such as monkeys and sloths . Iwokrama River Lodge , Surama Eco Lodge and Rewa Eco Lodge are ideal launch pads to spot this species . largest and often times the hardest to spot except in a few hotspots . Guyana ’ s giant river otters were first documented at the Karanambu Ranch in the North Rupununi 1988 . Here , the exemplary work on rehabilitating the otters was taken up by world-famous conservationist Diane McTurk at Karanambu Ranch . Since then , a stable population has been present in the Rupununi and neighbouring areas like the Rewa River , giving wildlife enthusiasts wonderful opportunities to witness these extraordinary creatures in the wild .
Black Caiman - World ’ s Largest Alligatoridae
Black Caiman North Rupununi © Foto Natura
Giant Anteater - World ’ s Largest Anteater
With tiny eyes and ears that greatly contrast its large snout , body and tail , the world ’ s largest anteater is truly an extraordinary animal . Giant anteaters are found in the Iwokrama Rainforest and the Rupununi Savannahs . Spotting these unique and quintessentially South American animals takes a trained eye . You can stay at a ranch like Saddle Mountain , Wichabai Ranch , Waikin Ranch or Karanambu and step out multiple times a day into the savannahs to get a glimpse and get up early before sunrise to go out on foot , by vehicle or on horseback in search of these lolloping nocturnal creatures before they go to bed .
Giant River Otter - World ’ s Largest and Rarest Otter Of all the otter species in the world , the giant otter is the
Giant River Otter Region 9 © David DiGregorio
Cruising with the caimans is extremely likely in Guyana . The black caiman is a large crocodilian and the biggest extant member of the Alligatoridae family . It is a carnivorous reptile that lives along South America ’ s slowmoving rivers , lakes and other freshwater habitats . It is the largest predator in the Amazon ecosystem , preying on various fish , reptiles , birds and mammals . Any river in the heart of the country offers sightings . You can stay at Karanambu , Iwokrama River Lodge , or Surama for spotlighting trips at night , or most famously , go to Caiman House for unforgettable caiman tagging in the evenings .
Capybara – World ’ s Largest Rodent
As far as statistical superlatives go , even the rodents do not disappoint . The world ’ s largest one , the capybara , is found in the savannahs , dense forests and near water sources . It looks like a humongous rat but is much cuter .
Victoria Amazonica — World ’ s Largest Lily
Guyana ’ s national flower can be found in oxbow lakes and the shallow waters of the Amazon Basin . The leaves sprawl up to three metres in diameter – big enough to support a human baby . The flowers are white on the first night ; they open and emit a strong scent to attract beetles to pollinate them before they turn pink on the second night and then die . This process is a fascinating addition to the many natural wonders you will see in Guyana . https :// www . guyanatourism . com / copy-of-about
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