Nicaragua is located in the center of Central America and is characterized by a very high level of biodiversity. Nicaragua is known as the land of lake and volcanoes but also has countless valleys, mountains, canyons, beaches, and kilometers of tropical forests and jungles. It has a total of 78 protected areas that covers almost 20% of its landmass. Thousands of species of animals and plants thrive in Nicaragua due to its diverse and rich landscape. Nicaragua’s biodiversity is second only to the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil. Take a look below to learn a little more about Nicaragua’s animal diversity and what you can expect when visiting the natural utopia.
Mammalian Nicaragua’s Biodiversity
Nicaragua is host to almost 200 species of mammals, ranging from monkeys right down to manatees and other marine mammals. It’s home to several species of the so-called “new world monkeys” which include capuchin monkeys, howler monkeys, and spider monkeys. Other iconic species that are found in Nicaragua are felines such as jaguars, cougars, margay, ocelots, and jaguarundis. Natural sightseeing in Nicaragua offers a once in a lifetime experience as you will also be able to see three-toed sloths, tamanduas, armadillos, wild boar and tapir just to name a few. There are more than 10 endangered species of mammals that make their home in Nicaragua, including Van Gelder’s Bat, Margay, Long-tailed Otter and Geoffroy’s Spider Monkey just to name a few.
Birds
Nicaragua offers a great chance for bird watchers to see some of the rarest and most beautiful species in the world. There are about 700 different bird species in Nicaragua, 8 of which are considered endangered species. Although not all of them are endemic to Nicaragua they have all made a home in the jungles, mountains, and lakes that crowd Nicaragua’s landscape. Some of the most notable examples of Nicaragua’s biodiversity are the turquoise-browed motmot (national bird), the great tinamou, the wedge-tailed shearwater and the magnificent frigatebird among others.
Marine Life
One of Nicaragua’s main natural attraction is its marine life which does make a lot of sense. Nicaragua is home to the largest lake in all of Central America, and the only country to have fresh water sharks far inland. Some of the species found in Nicaraguan waters offshore are black marlin, blue marlin and striped marlin, yellowfin tuna, dorado, wahoo, and sailfish. You can also find rooster-fish, bonito, hound fish, snapper, grouper, snook and mackerel. There are 38 total endangered species of fish in Nicaragua, however, none of them are actively fished and there are efforts in place to help the protection of these fish.
Reptile & Amphibians Biodiversity
There are about 180 species of reptiles and about 150 species that inhabit Nicaragua. They range from common house geckos to lizards, salamanders, frogs, alligators, crocodiles and of course turtles. Nicaragua is home to sea turtle nesting beaches, with various species showing up every one or two years such as hawksbill sea turtle, leatherback sea turtle, loggerhead sea turtle, olive ridley sea turtle and the pacific green turtle.
Nicaragua’s biodiversity offers an incredible opportunity to witness some of mother nature’s most beautiful creatures. If you are interested in taking a holiday in Nicaragua and experiencing it for yourself give us a call today. Our team of qualified experts will help you plan the vacations of your life. Contact us now!
