Lots of animals live in the rainforests.  Many of them are large predators such as the jaguar, puma, mountain lion, and baird’s tapir.  The baird’s tapir is closely related to the hog but can weigh up to 900 pounds.

 

 

                                                               Baird’s Tapir

There are also a lot of monkeys in the rainforest including howler and spider monkeys. Howler monkeys get their name because they shout when other monkeys enter their territory. 

Other animals abundant in the rainforest are anteaters, raccoons, and coatimundis, which are similar to raccoons.

Howler Monkey

                                          Coatimundi

As you know, the Quetzal is the national bird of Guatemala.  These birds are fairly small, averaging just 14 inches, but their tails can add another 36 inches to their length.  The males and females are shiny and green, and the males have a red chest.  The Quetzal live in the cloud forests but are threatened because their habitats are being destroyed. 

Is this a male or female Quetzal?

The Quetzal is not the only prominent bird in Guatemala.  They have over 750 species of birds including harpy eagles, hummingbirds, parrots, macaws, and jabirus. 

 

Jabirus, a type of stork, are one of the largest birds in the western hemisphere and can grow up to 5 feet tall.  They fly to Guatemala from Mexico every November to build nests in the tree tops.  

Jabirus