16 Awesome Animals From Colombia And Where to See Them

These mighty creatures are the largest species of crocodile and predator in the Americas. They are also critically endangered, having been mercilessly hunted for their skins in the 19th and 20th centuries. Seeing an Orinoco crocodile in the wild is extremely unlikely and only really possible in the isolated Tuparro National Park on the Venezuelan border. However, luckily for all budding herpetologists, there is a thriving Orinoco crocodile breeding and reintroduction program at Wisirare Park in the eastern plains of the Casanare department – where visitors can get up close and personal with some of these 17ft (5.18m) giants.

With over 1,600 known species, Colombia is one of the most butterfly-diverse countries in the world – and any hike through the jungles and forests of the country will yield sightings of myriad species of brightly colored insects. The weirdest and most wonderful though is the Diaethria Phlogea, a native species also known as the 89’98 butterfly due to the distinct number patterns on its outer wings.

The capybara – known in Colombia as the chigüiro – is the largest rodent species in the world. Although they are not unique to Colombia – occurring in all South American countries except Chile – seeing wild capybaras is an unmissable experience for wildlife enthusiasts visiting Colombia. They are widespread in the Eastern plains of Colombia – where they are also considered a real delicacy – and especially easy to see in the dry season when vast family groups of up to 100 individuals gather around watering holes.

With the largest number of amphibian species on earth, Colombia is probably the best place on earth to see wild frogs. But these aren’t just any frogs – Colombia is home to some of the most colorful and poisonous frogs on the planet. Known colloquially as poison dart frogs or arrow frogs – due to indigenous peoples once using their venom as a weapon during hunting – there are many different species unique to Colombia. The most spectacular species is the bright yellow golden poison frog:the most venomous vertebrate in the world and endemic to the Pacific coast of Colombia.

Probably the most surreal native species in Colombia, the giant anteater is like something from a children’s cartoon show, with its strange long nose and giant bushy tail. Found roaming the wide-open plains of Colombia’s eastern departments, these anteaters – also known locally as ant bears – can measure up to 7ft (2.13 m) in length, and weigh almost 100lbs (45kg). They feed primarily on termites and ants, using their massive claws and long, sticky tongues to eat thousands of insects every day.

Another member of the anteater family, the Tamandua is much smaller than the Giant Anteater and is semi-arboreal, but that doesn’t make them any more weird and unusual! With strong, partially prehensile tails, and a long snout, they also possess strong claws designed for clawing at termite nests. The Tamandua also has an endearing habit of standing on its hind legs and spreading its arms in a “come at me!” gesture when threatened.

The only bird in the world with a beak longer than its body, the Sword-billed Hummingbird couldn’t have a much more appropriate name. Their long, bizarre beak curves slightly upward and is designed for feeding at hanging, pendulous flowers, but this amazing evolutionary adaptation doesn’t make seeing one for the first time any less odd!

There are two species of cock-of-the-rock birds in Colombia: the Andean and Guianan cock-of-the-rock. These bizarre and beautiful birds are both bright red and orange, and the males have an odd habit of gathering together to dance and make noise in a behaviour known as ‘lekking.’ A cock-of-the-rock lek, with all the flashes of colour and strange noises, is one of the most surreal natural experiences you can have in Colombia.

The same Chocó region where the whales arrive every year is also a preferred spot for sea turtles to lay their eggs. The Pacific Coast of the Chocó is favored by Green and Hawksbill turtles, while the Caribbean Chocó hosts the annual arrival of the largest species of sea turtle on earth: the majestic Leatherback. Tours from the small Caribbean village of Capurgana can be arranged to visit nearby Acandi in the dead of night to observe these two-meter beasts drag themselves onto the beach to lay their eggs. It’s a truly once-in-a-lifetime spectacle.