Guyana – A Veritable Wealth of Flora and Fauna

Guyana has more than eighty per cent of its area covered with forest land, and many of this is virgin forest area. The country is thus one of the best ecotourism destinations in the entire Americas. It is a whole different story when compared to the run of the mill eco tourism destinations.

There are a huge number of excellent destinations that are famous for offering eco tourism. There are many lodges and eco resorts on the numerous islands and river banks in the interiors.

The creeks and rivers of the country exhibit a cola color in places. This is due to the fallen vegetation and leaves in the waters. These waters are home to a huge number of freshwater fauna, and this is inclusive of Black Caiman, Antillean Manatee, West Indian Manatee, Yellow-spotted River Turtle, Amazon River Dolphin, Giant Otter and last but not the least the Aripama, which is the biggest fresh water fish in the world.

The forests in Guyana are home to a variety of animal life, and this is inclusive of such species as the Howler Monkey, Bush Dog, Deer, Agouti, South American Tapir, Little Spotted Cat, Giant Anteater, Brazilian Giant Tortoise, Giant Armadillo and Jaguars.

There are seven hundred and ninety six bird species as well. This includes Snail Kites. Maguari Storks, Orinoco Goose, Crested Eagle, Blue-cheeked Amazon, Canjie pheasant,Scarlet Macaw, Cock of the Rock, as well as the Harpy Eagle, the world’s largest eagle.

The Turtle population in Guyana is no less significant. You can see these nesting on the shores of the country.  There are Hawksbill Turtles, Leatherback Turtles, Olive Ridley and Green Turtles in plenty. Shell Beach is among the prime nesting spots. The Shell Beach Conservation Project is a conservation project that has seen quite a bit of success, as is evident from the thriving population.

Even if you do not have enough time to go on a full blown eco tour, a visit to the zoos in the cities may be enough.