Flora and Fauna of Guyana
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The Hoatzin AKA Canje Pheasant, Guyana’s National Bird
The hoatzin (Opisthocomus hoazin), also known as the Canje Pheasant in Guyana, is a fascinating and unusual bird native to the Amazon and Orinoco river basins in South America. Recognized as Guyana’s national bird, the hoatzin is famous for its unique appearance, specialized diet, and distinct evolutionary traits that make it one of the most peculiar birds in the world.
The Jaguar, Guyana’s National Animal
The jaguar (Panthera onca), the national animal of Guyana, is an impressive and powerful predator found in the Americas with a cultural and ecological significance that spans centuries. Known for its strength, stealth, and adaptability, the jaguar plays a critical role in the ecosystems of the tropical rainforests, wetlands, and savannas it inhabits. This article will delve into the jaguar’s geographical distribution, population in Guyana, physical characteristics, behavior, diet, and insights on how humans can stay safe if they encounter one.
Yes, the Cactus Fruit is Edible, and its Healthy!
And its that last question that we are going to address in this article! Are the cactus fruit edible? And how nutritious or healthy are they? Should you risk pricking your finger to pick one?
Watch: Toe-Toed Sloth in Action
Be sure to like our Facebook Page: Guyana, South America for more! Published: 11th of July, 2024 by Patrick Carpen Now here’s something you don’t see everyday! The two-toed sloth is one of the earth’s most rarely seen and strangest creatures. The sloth generally sleeps an average of 22 out of 24 hours. It has […]
Guyanese Traditionally Used the Black Sage Plant to Clean their Teeth
While toothbrush and toothpaste technology have doubtless evolved to the point of no return, it definitely wouldn’t hurt to preserve traditional knowledge of natural alternatives to oral health and hygiene. Yes, the toothpaste of today are well formulated to leave the mouth clean, fresh, and nice smelling, and toothbrushes have also evolved to be more far reaching and thorough. But who knows if humankind will one day find themselves in a situation where they once again need to resort to the simple tools provided by nature? Whether or not that might be, its always good to preserve traditional knowledge and try these primitive methods at least once…because we never know when we might need it again!
Amaranthus Dubius is Colloquially Called Red Stem Callaloo in Guyana
It is a hardy perennial plant that grows wild as bush with little care in tropical regions of the world. This plant grows to an average six feet in height with slender reddish branches and stems, and green leaves. It often appears almost magically in some places without being planted. The plant can survive harsh climates and grow on almost any type of soil.
Video: Giant Anteater Runs for Dear Life
An Essequibo resident was out fishing by the river one day when a fluffy, furry, giant anteater popped out of nowhere. The resident quickly grabbed his camera, but the anteater got scared and started to run for dear life. The enthusiastic resident ran behind it trying to get a good video of this rare and beautiful creature.
The Red Paper Wasp is Colloquially Called “Maribunta,” “Malibunta,” and “Marabunta”
Have you ever had a firsthand encounter with this critter? Trust me, they are terrible! This is called the red wasp or the red paper wasp. They are prolific in Guyana especially along the coastal areas. In Guyana, the locals call them marabunta, maribunta, or malibunta, although I’m not sure of the etymology of the colloquial expressions.
Basella Alba, Colloquially Referred to as “Poi Callaloo” or “Poi Bhajee” in Guyana
Malabar Spinach, colloquially called “poi” by the people of Guyana is a vine with edible leaves that grows as easily as wild bush in all kinds of soil and climatic conditions. It is a plant that requires very little care for growth, but may be susceptible to insects and other pests which chew away at the leaves, sometimes rendering them unsightly and uncookable. If you want to avoid toxic, expensive, and potentially destructive man-made pesticides, the presence of pest around poi can be combated by planting “fine thyme” or “oregano” within close proximity to the poi plants.
Video: Trinidadian Woman Picks Up Deadly Bushmaster Snake
The bushmaster is one of the most feared and deadliest snakes known to man. Most people wouldn’t touch a bushmaster with a 20-feet pole. Upon sight, the dreadful creature causes fright and panic. Its bite is deadly. Its venom contains enough neurotoxins to kill an elephant.
Bothrops Atrox, Commonly Called Labaria or Fer de Lance
The reptile which goes by the scientific name Bothrops Atrox is known in Guyana s the labaria snake. It is also variably called fer-de-lance, lancehead, and barba amarillia. In Venezuela it is called mapanare. In Trinidad, it is called mapepire balsain and in Brazil it is called Jararaca.
Spilotes Pullatus, or Caninana, a Scary but Non-Venomous Snake
Caninana (scientific name: Spilotes Pullatus) is a very hard to find snake of the Rupununi Savannahs. It is sometimes seen on the trails. Because of its size, it scares. It can reach 2.5m. But it is far from being a dangerous snake. It doesn’t have poison inoculating fangs, so it’s not venomous.
Beautiful Frogs?
The idea of a beautiful frog might seem paradoxical. Frogs aren’t exactly known for being beautiful, cuddly, and loveable. But needless to say, life and nature never ceases to amaze us. These photos of beautiful, exquisite frogs were taken in the interior region of Guyana near to Venezuela by Guyanese citizen Stephen Dunbar Amsterdam.
Latrodectus, also called the Black Widow Spider
They say “size doesn’t matter.” And the black widow spider is living proof of that. The size of a paperclip, the black widow is more feared than the rattlesnake since it does not have a rattle to warn you off and injects venom15 times stronger than the bite of a rattlesnake.
The Coconut Tree Has Been Called “The Tree of Life” – Here’s Why
The coconut tree is a part of Guyana’s rich flora and also a part of the country’s rich cultural heritage. The two major ethnic groups, East Indians and Africans, have made very good use of the coconut tree. Other ethnic groups might have also utilized the coconut tree, but to a lesser extent. Historical records show very little affiliation of the Europeans, Chinese, Portuguese, and Amerindians with the coconut tree. In addition to the hectares up hectares of coconut farms across the country of Guyana, almost every Guyanese have several coconut trees growing within their yards.
The Mexican Flannel Moth Caterpillar, Colloquially Called “Hairy Worm”
The Mexican Flannel Moth Caterpillar, also called the Stinging Flannel Moth Caterpillar, is known in Guyana as “hairy worm.” It is found on trees, especially the guava and mango trees. Loaded with poison, it inflicts excruciating pain on anyone who mistakenly touches it. It soon forms a cocoon and transforms into a beautiful moth.
The South American Tapir, Also Called Bush Cow
The South American Tapir is one of the four recognized species of tapir. The species can be found in Guyana, Brazil, Venezuela, Suriname, French Guiana, Colombia, Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia, Peru, and Ecuador. In Guyana, the tapir is colloquially referred to as “bush cow.”
The Jaguar, Guyana’s National Animal
It is not clear why the jaguar was nominated Guyana’s national animal, but it might have something to do with its strength and courage. Nevertheless, the jaguar is a vicious predator which bites through the neck of its prey. The jaguar is bold and fearless and an encounter with one can easily turn deadly. Nevertheless, a brave Guyanese citizen, Melly Allicock, met one on the forest trails in early 2023 and didn’t run away in fear. Instead, she took out her phone and started videoing. This citizen is certainly bolder than the jaguar itself. And she gives us the luxury of watching a jaguar roar up close and personal. Looking at the video, you can get a feel of the jaguar’s enormous strength and unshakeable courage.
The Three-Fingered Sloth
According to the Sloth Conservation Society, there are 4 living species of three-fingered sloths, all of which live within the forests of Central and South America where the tropical climate maintains relatively warm temperatures all year round.
Guyana’s Victoria Amazonica No Longer World’s Largest Water Lily
Guyana’s National Flower, the Victoria Amazonica, has lost its record as the world’s largest water lily. Up to July, 2022, the Victoria Amazonica had boasted the title of the world’s largest water lily. However, a new water lily, called the Victoria Boliviana, has blown the Victoria Amazonica out the water and taken its spot as the world’s largest water lily.
Hoplias Aimara, Known in Guyana as the Haimara or Wolf Fish
The species of freshwater fish, Hoplias Aimara, is known in Guyana as the haimara or wolf fish. In other parts of the world, it is called anjumara, traira, trahira, manjuma, anjoemara, and wolf fish. The haimara is a freshwater fish which grows to more than 4 feet in length, but the average length is 3 feet. It weighs on average 88 lbs. The haimara is native to northern South American countries including Brazil, Guyana, Venezuela, Colombia, French Guiana, and Suriname. It is also found in the rivers of neighboring Trinidad and Tobago.
The Tarpon Fish is Colloquially Called Cuffum
The tarpon may be described as a “euryhaline species” because it can survive in a wide variety of salinity and therefore lives in both the ocean and in fresh waters. The tarpon breeds mostly in the oceans in salt water. The females can lay up to 12 million eggs at once. They spawn their eggs between the months of March and July. Tarpons tend to swim upriver from the ocean and often inhabit rivers, creeks, tidal pools, and salt marshes. Some return to the ocean but others stay in freshwater locations.
The Ocelot or Painted Leopard
The ocelot is a mammal native to the North, South, and Central Americas as well as the Caribbean Islands of Trinidad and Margarita. Ocelots are carnivores meaning they eat other animals. Since it prefers to hunt during the night, the ocelot is described as a nocturnal animal.
The Giant River Otter or Waterdog
The giant river otter is only found South America, and Guyana is one of the countries in which it is found. Each giant river otter has a signature mark on its throat: the pattern at the bottom of the throat is different for each giant otter so you can tell one from the other. This helps scientists to keep track of the number of giant otters present in a particular location.
Leptophis Ahaetulla, also Called Parrot Snake or Lora
Leptophis ahaetulla, called Parrot Snake or Lora, is a venomous and dangerous serpent found in various parts of Guyana, especially the Rupununi Savannahs. The species is also found in many other countries across South and Central Americas.
The Hydrolycus Armatus or Payara Fish
The hydrolycus armatus, or payara, is a predatory fish that preys on smaller fishes. It uses its sharp fangs to impale preys. The payara can grow to up to 1 meter in length. The hydrolycus armatus is often confused with its smaller cousin which only grows up to 1.7 feet, the hydrolycus scomberoides, also called payara and vampire fish.
The Peacock Bass is Known in Guyana as the Lukunani Fish
The peacock bass fish is colloquially called Luckanani by the people of Guyana, South America. It belongs to the genus cichia. In Brazil, the peacock bass is called tucanare, and the Spanish refer to it as pavon.
The Giant Anteater of Guyana is the World’s Largest Anteater
Guyana is known as the land of the giants, and the giant anteater, the world’s largest anteater, is one of the six or seven reasons why. The giant anteater goes by the scientific name Myrmecophaga tridactyla. It is a mammal which feeds on insects and has an average lifespan of 14 years. About two to three feet in height, the giant anteater weighs between 40 and 140 pounds. The giant anteater can reach as long as eight feet from the tip of its snout to the end of its tail.
Electrophorus Electricus or Electric Eel
The electric eel is living proof of a fact we all know: that God invented electricity long before humans discovered it. The electric eel is a natural marvel which produces electricity through bodily functions. It can electrocute other animals, but is never affected by the electrical shocks it delivers.
The Victoria Amazonica, Guyana’s National Flower
The flower of Victoria Amazonica, previously called the Victoria Regia, and also known as the Giant Water Lily is Guyana’s National Flower. Victoria Amazonica is the world’s second largest water lily with its leaves measuring a whooping 10 feet in diameter floating on the surface of the water. The stalk of the Victoria Amazonica extends as much as 26 feet (8 meters) below the surface of the water. The flower of the Victoria Amazonica, which it bears almost every week during the summer months, is also the largest flower in the world. The flower of the Victoria Amazonica stays in blossom for just two to three days – long enough to facilitate pollination.
The Green Anaconda – the World’s Heaviest Snake
The green anaconda is a species of reptiles found throughout South America including Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, and Brazil. The species is especially prolific in the northern part of Brazil. In Guyana, the Green Anaconda was spotted by photographer Keanu Thomas in the wetlands of the Essequibo Coast where these photos were taken.
The Arapaima, One of Guyana’s “Giants,” is the World’s Largest Freshwater Fish
Guyana is known as the land of the giants, and the arapaima, the world’s largest freshwater fish, is one of the reasons why. The arapaima is a “gentle giant” with a suction power that is damaging to smaller fish up to four feet away. The arapaima can grow as long as 3 meters and weigh up to 440 pounds. In 2015, a monster arapaima was caught in Guyana which weighed 416 pounds!
The Bushmaster – One of the World’s Deadliest Snakes
Known in some places as the Dumb Rattler, the bushmaster is one of the largest vipers in the world. A member of the rattlesnake family, the bushmaster is more dangerous than the rattlesnake because it has no rattle to warn off its potential victim.