Guatemala Flora and Fauna

There is a great variety in the Guatemala climatedue to the large difference in altitudes that it presents in its territory, passing from sea level in coastal areas to 4,220 meters of mountainous relief.

On the coasts of the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean, the weather is humid and warm-tropical, respectively. On the other hand, the country’s central plateau area is tempered, while in the high regions the weather is mountain cold and in the eastern, arid and dry areas.

This country full of wildlife. In fact, it has 32% of its territory under the National System of Protected Areaswhere a total of 243 areas house different national parks and forest reserves, as well as biosphere reserves and wildlife.

His most precious natural resource is undoubtedly his soil. Of great fertility and rich in minerals, the Guatemalan soil is responsible for Guatemala being in essence a forest country. We tell you the natural resources of Guatemala, here.

We already know the main geographical characteristics and climate of the country, let’s know the Guatemala Flora and Fauna In the following sections.

Guatemala’s flora includes more than ten thousand different species of plants. In recent years new species have been described within The Magnolias (Genus of plants that appeared and evolved on Earth more than 95 million years ago).

In addition, we also find the Tillandsias, one of the native species of plants in Central America, with epiphyte growth, that is, they are epiphytic plants or that grow on another plant or object that they use as a support.

Within the Guatemala plants More representative stand out:

• Las Palmas Oils de Corozo (Elaeis oleifera).
• The Pinabete (Abies Guatemalensis).
• The Ceibas (Ceiba speciosa).

The latter is the national tree of Guatemala, being considered by the local population as a sacred tree. It is large and its pink flowers are commonly used as ornamentation.

Among the Guatemala tree speciesnumerous medicinal plants and timber resources stand out, such as:

• The Chicozapote (Manilkara Zapota).
• The ebony (Godpyros Ebenum).
• The mahogany (Swietenia Macrophylla).

You may want to know more about the types of magnolias below.

Among the species that constitute the Guatemala’s fauna biodiversity We can find:

• About 720 species of birds.
• Around 244 mammals.
• Approximately 245 reptiles.
• About 147 different species of amphibians.
• More than 1,000 species of fish that swim in the Atlantic and peaceful waters that bathe the coasts of the country.

The Guatemala endemic species We can find them mainly within the groups of amphibians and reptiles. Stand out:

• The salamander Bolitoglossa Pacaya: Inhabits the slopes of the Pacaya volcano.
• He lizard scorpion (Heloderma Charlesbogerti): known for being one of the most poisonous lizards that inhabit the dry forests of the east of the country. This lizard is one of the endangered animals in Guatemala, currently being critical, since there are less than 500 copies, being considered one of the most threatened lizards in the world.

Other endemic animals of Guatemala that are part of the reptile group are:

• The Iguana Ctenosau Palearis: It is easy to find it in the country’s semi -arid regions.
• The poisonous snake known as volcano coral (Micrurus Stuarti): which presents striking scales with black, yellow and red bands; colors that indicate that it is a dangerously poisonous species.

We could not finish this section on the Guatemala animals without naming the majestic and incredible jaguar (Panthera onca). This feline is revered in the Guatemalan culture since pre -Hispanic time, although it is currently part of the group of animals in danger of extinction in Guatemala, due to numerous threats they suffer in their natural habitats.

Now that you know some native species of Guatemala, you can learn more about the jaguar and discover why the jaguar is in danger of extinction.

If you want to read more articles similar to Guatemala Flora and Faunawe recommend that you enter our biodiversity category.