Candelaria Caves National Park

Popular

Candelaria Caves National Park in Guatemala is known for its extensive cave system, lush tropical rainforest, and diverse wildlife. This protected area is home to a variety of fascinating mammals and reptiles that thrive in its dense forests and subterranean environments. Below are some of the popular species found in the park.

Jaguar (Panthera onca)
The jaguar is the largest wild cat in the Americas and a top predator in the park. It is a solitary and elusive animal that thrives in dense forests, often hunting at night for prey such as deer and peccaries.

Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis)
This medium-sized wild cat has a striking spotted coat and is known for its agility. The ocelot is primarily nocturnal and preys on rodents, birds, and reptiles.

Baird’s Tapir (Tapirus bairdii)
As the largest land mammal in Central America, Baird’s tapir is a rare but vital species in the park. It plays a key role in seed dispersal and is usually found near water sources.

Collared Peccary (Pecari tajacu)
These pig-like mammals roam the forest in small groups, foraging for fruits, roots, and small invertebrates. They have a strong musk scent used for communication and defense.

Geoffroy’s Spider Monkey (Ateles geoffroyi)
An acrobatic primate with long limbs and a prehensile tail, the spider monkey moves effortlessly through the treetops. It primarily feeds on fruits and plays an essential role in forest regeneration.

Paca (Cuniculus paca)
This nocturnal rodent is known for its burrowing habits and excellent swimming ability. It is an important prey species for large predators like jaguars and ocelots.

Morelet’s Crocodile (Crocodylus moreletii)
Found in rivers and wetlands, this medium-sized crocodile preys on fish, birds, and small mammals. It is known for its relatively docile nature but remains a formidable predator.

Fer-de-Lance (Bothrops asper)
A highly venomous pit viper, the fer-de-lance is one of the most dangerous snakes in Central America. It is known for its aggressive nature and camouflaged appearance, which helps it ambush prey.

Yucatan Banded Gecko (Coleonyx elegans)
A small, nocturnal lizard with distinctive banded patterns, this gecko thrives in the humid caves and forest floor of the park. It preys on insects and other small invertebrates.

Nine-Banded Armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus)
This armored mammal is known for its ability to dig burrows and its nocturnal foraging habits. It feeds on insects, larvae, and small amphibians.

Birds

The park’s rich biodiversity also extends to its avian population, with many colorful and rare bird species inhabiting the dense forests and cave entrances. These birds contribute to the ecological balance of the park by dispersing seeds and controlling insect populations.

Keel-Billed Toucan (Ramphastos sulfuratus)
Known for its vibrant, multi-colored beak, the keel-billed toucan is a striking bird that thrives in the park’s canopy. It primarily feeds on fruits but also consumes insects and small reptiles.

Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao)
One of the most recognizable parrots in the world, the scarlet macaw boasts brilliant red, blue, and yellow feathers. It forms strong pair bonds and is highly vocal in the rainforest.

Slaty-Tailed Trogon (Trogon massena)
This bird is known for its vibrant green body and contrasting red belly. It prefers dense forests and feeds mainly on fruit and insects.

Black-Headed Trogon (Trogon melanocephalus)
Easily identified by its black head and bright yellow belly, this trogon is commonly seen in lowland forests. It nests in tree cavities and has a soft, repetitive call.

White-Fronted Amazon (Amazona albifrons)
A medium-sized parrot with a distinctive white forehead, this species is highly social and often travels in noisy flocks. It feeds on seeds, nuts, and fruits.

Great Curassow (Crax rubra)
This large, ground-dwelling bird is primarily black with a distinctive curled crest. It forages for fruit and small invertebrates on the forest floor.

Collared Aracari (Pteroglossus torquatus)
A relative of the toucan, this small, colorful bird has a long, curved beak and is commonly seen in groups. It primarily eats fruit but occasionally preys on insects and small vertebrates.

Blue-Crowned Motmot (Momotus coeruliceps)
With its stunning blue crown and racket-shaped tail, this motmot is often spotted near caves and riverbanks. It hunts insects, small reptiles, and fruit.

Bat Falcon (Falco rufigularis)
A skilled aerial predator, the bat falcon specializes in catching bats and birds in mid-flight. It is small but incredibly fast, often seen perched on high branches near open spaces.

Laughing Falcon (Herpetotheres cachinnans)
Recognized for its distinctive, laughing call, this falcon preys primarily on snakes. It perches in tall trees, scanning the forest floor for movement.

Candelaria Caves National Park is a sanctuary for these incredible species, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.