Sierra del Lacandón National Park

Popular

Sierra del Lacandón National Park, located in Guatemala, is a vast and biodiverse area known for its rich array of wildlife, including large mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. This protected region, part of the Maya Biosphere Reserve, provides a crucial habitat for many endangered and iconic species.

Jaguar (Panthera onca)
The jaguar is the largest big cat in the Americas and a key apex predator in the park. With its powerful build and distinctive spotted coat, this elusive feline plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem by controlling herbivore populations.

Baird’s Tapir (Tapirus bairdii)
Known as the largest land mammal in Central America, Baird’s tapir is a nocturnal, herbivorous species that thrives in the dense forests of the park. Despite its size, this shy creature is often hard to spot, as it prefers to stay hidden in thick vegetation near water sources.

Puma (Puma concolor)
The puma, or mountain lion, is another top predator of Sierra del Lacandón. Adaptable and highly elusive, it preys on deer, rodents, and other small mammals, ensuring a balanced food chain within the forest.

White-lipped Peccary (Tayassu pecari)
These pig-like animals travel in large, noisy groups and are a vital prey species for large predators. They play a key role in seed dispersal, which helps maintain the park’s diverse plant life.

Central American River Turtle (Dermatemys mawii)
Critically endangered, this freshwater turtle is locally known as the “hicatee.” It is one of the most ancient turtle species and is highly valued in the region. Due to habitat destruction and hunting, conservation efforts are crucial for its survival.

Morelet’s Crocodile (Crocodylus moreletii)
This medium-sized crocodile inhabits the rivers and wetlands of the park. Morelet’s crocodiles are opportunistic predators that feed on fish, birds, and small mammals, playing a critical role in the aquatic ecosystem.

Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis)
A smaller, nocturnal wild cat, the ocelot is known for its beautiful, rosette-patterned fur. It is an agile predator, hunting small mammals, birds, and reptiles under the dense forest canopy.

Yucatán Black Howler Monkey (Alouatta pigra)
One of the loudest land animals, the Yucatán black howler monkey is a social primate that lives in the treetops. Its eerie calls can be heard echoing through the rainforest, signaling its presence to other groups.

Spider Monkey (Ateles geoffroyi)
A highly agile primate, the spider monkey is essential for seed dispersal in the forest. With its long limbs and prehensile tail, it moves effortlessly through the canopy in search of fruits and leaves.

Fer-de-lance (Bothrops asper)
This highly venomous snake is one of the most feared reptiles in the park. With its excellent camouflage and aggressive nature when threatened, the fer-de-lance plays a key role in controlling rodent populations.

Birds

Sierra del Lacandón National Park is home to a dazzling variety of bird species, many of which are rare and endangered. The park’s vast forest and wetland ecosystems provide ideal conditions for raptors, parrots, and wading birds, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.

Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao)
One of the most striking birds in the park, the scarlet macaw is famous for its vibrant red, blue, and yellow plumage. These social and intelligent parrots form strong bonds with their mates and play an essential role in seed dispersal.

Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja)
A top predator in the rainforest canopy, the harpy eagle is one of the largest and most powerful eagles in the world. It preys on monkeys, sloths, and other arboreal mammals, keeping the ecosystem balanced.

King Vulture (Sarcoramphus papa)
This striking vulture is known for its multicolored head and impressive wingspan. It helps clean up the forest by scavenging carrion, preventing the spread of disease.

Keel-billed Toucan (Ramphastos sulfuratus)
With its large, colorful beak, the keel-billed toucan is one of the most recognizable birds in the region. It feeds mainly on fruit and plays a crucial role in dispersing seeds throughout the forest.

Crested Guan (Penelope purpurascens)
Often spotted in the treetops, the crested guan is a large, turkey-like bird that forages for fruits and insects. Its loud calls can often be heard before it is seen.

Great Curassow (Crax rubra)
This rare and elegant bird is primarily black with white belly feathers and a curly crest. Due to habitat loss and hunting, the great curassow is considered vulnerable in the wild.

White Hawk (Pseudastur albicollis)
A striking bird of prey, the white hawk is often seen soaring above the rainforest in search of small mammals, reptiles, and large insects. Its bright white plumage makes it stand out against the dense green canopy.

Mealy Parrot (Amazona farinosa)
A large and noisy parrot, the mealy parrot is named for its slightly powdery-looking green feathers. These birds are highly social and are often seen in flocks, chattering loudly in the treetops.

Rufous-tailed Hummingbird (Amazilia tzacatl)
One of the more common hummingbirds in the park, the rufous-tailed hummingbird is known for its iridescent green plumage and reddish tail. It plays a vital role in pollination as it feeds on nectar from tropical flowers.

Black-and-white Owl (Strix nigrolineata)
A nocturnal predator, this owl is known for its striking black-and-white plumage and haunting calls. It preys on insects, small mammals, and even other birds during the night.

Sierra del Lacandón National Park is an incredible refuge for wildlife, making it one of Guatemala’s most important conservation areas. Its diverse habitats provide sanctuary for a wide range of species, many of which are under threat due to deforestation and human activities.