5 Fabulous Fauna of Central America

We hope that each of you, our readers, will enjoy and appreciate this article we present about these 5 Fabulous Fauna of Central America. It was certainly our pleasure to compile the information for you. May it provide you with both education and increased awareness.

These few species listed herein represent only a portion of the natural wonders found throughout the region, though. Yet, it’s our belief that they serve as excellent representations of the wonders found here. Check out some of our other articles for similar marvels.

Cougar

Cougar Facts

• Leading off this article about these 5 Fabulous Fauna of Central America is the first of two wild felines on the list, the amazing Cougar.
• The short term it’s given serves as but one of the common names assigned to this magnificent wild feline. It other common names include the mountain lion, puma, painter, panther, and catamount. The variety of names occur due to its wide range.
• Scientists, meanwhile, know the stunning feline by the term Puma concolor. Regardless of the name one uses for it, the animal remains one of the most recognizable of the smaller wild felines. It’s also the most widespread of any in its Hemisphere.
• The renowned Swedish zoologist, Carl Linnaeus, holds the credit for the first acknowledged scientific recognition and naming of the species. This achievement he accomplished in 1771. The name he chose, however, later changed several times.
• This breathtaking feline obviously evolved as a slender and agile member of the cat family. It also holds a unique distinction. That’s because, though not technically one of the so-called big cats, it’s the fourth largest of all known wild felines.
• Even though its population doesn’t compare to past numbers, this appears stable throughout its range. The IUCN, therefore, currently lists it as Least Concern. It does face several threats, including the ever-increasing danger posed by climate change.

Cougar Physical Description

Unlike some species, the breathtaking Cougar actually impresses us with its size, in addition to other factors. The animal also, however, displays the physiological characteristic of sexual dimorphism. In this, in fact, it mirrors virtually all know types of feline, wild and domestic.

In its specific case, though, this trait manifests in terms of size, with males of the species attaining slightly greater lengths and weights. Mature adults of both genders, however, vary greatly in height, averaging between 24 -35 in (60 – 90 cm) tall at the shoulders.

In terms of length, meanwhile, is where the size differences appear the most obvious. The males of this feline attain an average nose-to-tail length equaling roughly 7.9 ft (2.4 m). Females, however, generally reach an overall length of about 6.7 ft (2.05 m).

It bears pointing out, though, that of this total measurement, the tail itself comprises 25 – 37 in (63 – 95 cm) of this. The males, meanwhile, typically reach a weight of between 115 – 220 lb (53 – 100 kg). Females, on the other hand, average 64 – 141 lb (29 – 64 kg).

The Cougar also boasts other impressive statistics. Its rounded head displays erect ears. The feline has a jaw and forequarters powerful enough to grasp large prey. It also has five retractable claws on the forepaws, and proportionately the largest hindlegs in the cat family.

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Mammalia
• Order: Carnivora
• Family: Felidae
• Genus: Puma
• Species: P. concolor

Cougar Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

Pleasantly surprisingly, the gorgeous Cougar inhabits a comparatively large section of the globe. More precisely, it appears in a range that extends from parts of Canada to the Andes in South America. Its greatest concentration, however, remains concentrated in North America.

Aiding in its continued existence as a species is the fact that it evolved as a highly adaptable creature. This flexibility allows it to inhabit a wide variety of habitat types within its native range. Most notably, though, these include forests, lowlands, mountains, and arid climates.

Its incredible physique allows the impressive feline some of the greatest leaping and short-sprint ability of any animal. Individuals have the ability to jump as high as 18 ft (5.5 m) in one bound. These also evolved the capacity to leap as far as 40-45 ft (12-14 m) horizontally.

But Nature did not stop there. This animal also boasts some extremely impressive speeds. The top running velocity of the animal also ranges between 40-50 mph (64-80 kph). They remain, however, best capable of short, powerful sprints as opposed to long chases. 

The remarkable Cougar also feeds entirely as a carnivore. As a supremely successful generalist predator, the mammal further feeds opportunistically. Specimens therefore eat any animal they can catch, from insects to large ungulates in excess of 1,100 lbs (500 kg). 

Investigations in Yellowstone National Park showed that elk, followed by mule deer, were the animal’s primary targets. The mammal further evolved as adept at climbing, allowing it to evade canine competitors. Although not strongly associated with water, it does swim.

Great Potoo

Great Potoo Facts

• Next up in this compilation of 5 Fabulous Fauna of Central America comes the intriguing bird known as the Great Potoo.
• This extraordinary avian, with its seemingly bizarre appearance, most frequently goes by the deceptively simple common name we’ve used here. It does have at least one alternate title, though. That’s the very similar moniker of grand potoo.
• Among scientific professionals, however, it’s more often referred to by its technical name. Thankfully, that’s a comparatively easy term for the layperson to pronounce. That’s because this intriguing bird holds the short official title of Nyctibius grandis.
• It received that blessedly simple formal title due to the efforts of the German naturalist, Johann Friedrich Gmelin. This noted researcher achieved the first acknowledgement of it as a separate and distincts species. He managed that noteworthy feat in 1789.
• No matter which of these various appellations one uses, it remains an impressive creature. It also holds the distinction of being the largest of all known varieties of potoo. Currently, six related species exist, placed within the same genus, Nyctibius.
• Luckily, the Great Potoo seems to be maintaining a population base that’s both stable and sufficient. That pleasant situation further appears to hold true throughout the entirety of its range. The IUCN thus presently lists it as Least Concern on its Red List.
• The animal nonetheless faces a few potential threats to its existence, however. The most immediate of these consists of habitat loss due to deforestation. It’s also potentially endangered by the same effects of ongoing climate change as other species.

Great Potoo Physical Description

The remarkable Great Potoo fully merits appreciation for being the marvel of evolution that it is. In this creature, Nature created a truly intriguing animal. It earns its notice mainly due to its appearance, however. In terms of size, it’s a roughly average-sized bird.

It does stand out physically in one respect, though, other than how it looks. That’s in the fact that, unlike many species, it displays no noticeable degree of the physiological trait known as sexual dimorphism. Both genders thus remain nearly indistinguishable to the eye.

Individuals of both sexes therefore attain approximately the same measurements in all respects. An average body length for this amazing bird ranges from 19 – 24 in (48 – 60 cm). Mass also naturally varies accordingly, but averages 0.81 – 1.44 lb (0.37 – 0.65 kg).

The typical wingspan for the animal also varies, regardless of sex. Interestingly, it does not do so to as great of a degree as the weight, though. This measurement ranges from 27.6 – 31.7 in (70.0 – 80.4 cm). A general average for this equals about 28.93 in (73.5 cm).

In terms of coloring, the Great Potoo presents a distinctive pattern. Its feathers typically present a pattern of color that varies between individuals. This generally consists of a mixture of gray, white, black, and burgundy. White bars also cross the tail in a lateral manner.

Yet its eyes remain its most striking feature. These develop as quite large in relation to the head. They also appear a dark brown and display a yellow iris. The head additionally grows large in relation to the body. Its wings are elliptical in shape, and the tail grows elongated.

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Aves
• Order: Nyctibiiformes
• Family: Nyctibiidae
• Genus: Nyctibius
• Species: N. grandis

Great Potoo Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

The unusual bird known as the Great Potoo evolved as native to a moderate-sized expanse of the globe. Its exact zone of habitation likely won’t surprise many people, however. That’s because the animal shares its general range with all other known species of potoo.

That range consists of parts of both North America and South America. The most northerly known section of its territory reaches up to southern Mexico. From there, it appears in most of Central America. To the south, it lives as far as southeast Bolivia and Brazil.

The winged wonder also evolved very specific preferences in terms of its habitat. If necessary, though, it’s proven itself to be quite adaptible, as well, in this regard. Principally, however, the avian prefers to make its home in either humid or semi-humid forested regions.

Most specimens live in dense forest, preferably in lowland regions. Some do, though, appear at altitudes of up to 4,921 ft (1,500 m). It’s also seen around edges of forest and clearings. The creature sometimes ventures into open meadows, but only if the forest is nearby.

The Great Potoo evolved as nocturnal in nature. The carnivorous predator typically perches high in the canopy, waiting to pounce on unsuspecting prey. It mainly consumes larger flying insects, such as katydids and beetles, but sometimes bats and smaller birds.

Breeding generally occurs between February to August. Females usually lay a single egg, yet relatively little is known about their brooding behavior. Hatchlings mature quickly, reaches two-thirds of the size of an adult within 5 weeks! An average lifespan remains unknown.

American Crocodile

American Crocodile Facts

• Next up in this gathering of these 5 Fabulous Fauan of Central America we give you the powerful reptile known as the American Crocodile.
• Perhaps most notably, the title used here serves as the descriptive common name for a particular species of crocodilian found in the Neotropics. The amazing reptile also goes by the somewhat cumbersome scientific name of the Crocodylus acutus. 
• The remarkable creature additionally holds yet annother distinction. That’s due to the fact that it appears to be the most widespread of the four extant species of crocodile from the Americas. That distinguishes it from its many relatives around the world.
• This situation has its unique aspects, however, Within the boundaries of its greatest area of concentration, the distribution of the American Crocodile remains extremely limited. This range includes only Puerto Rico and the southern half of Florida.
• This animal is extremely powerful and highly dangerous if provoked. Currently though, it only has an estimated population of 2,000 individuals. For the moment, therefore the IUCN lists it as Vulnerable on its Red List of Threatened Species.

American Crocodile Physical Description

Like all crocodilians, the fascinating American Crocodile developed as a quadruped, with four short, splayed legs, and a long, powerful tail. This majestic work of Nature also possesses a thick, scaly hide with rows of ossified scutes running down its back and tail.

The snout of the impressive reptile also grows highly elongated, like its brethren. This also includes a remarkably strong pair of jaws. The eyes further develop covered by nictitating membranes for protection, along with lachrymal glands, which produce tears.

The nostrils, eyes, and ears grow situated on the top of its head, so the rest of the body can be concealed underwater for surprise attacks. As a larger species of crocodile, some males reach lengths of as much as 20 ft (6.1 m) and weigh in excess of 2,000 lbs (907 kg).

On average, mature males of the American Crocodile remain more in the range of  13 ft (4.1 m) in length and weigh about 880 lbs (400 kg). Like many animals, sexual dimorphism is present. As a result, females develop smaller, rarely exceeding 12 ft (3.8 m) in length.

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Reptilia
• Order: Crocodilia
• Family: Crocodylidae
• Genus: Crocodylus
• Species: C. acutus

American Crocodile Habitat

As recently as 1970 experts determined that the population of the American Crocodile appeared to be highly threatened. Estimates placed its population at no more than 200 individuals. The habitat of the powerful crocodile consists largely of coastal areas.

Individuals most frequently make their home in river systems. They do, however, have a tendency to prefer some level of salinity in the water. This usually results in the species congregating in brackish lakes, coastal swamps, lagoons, even cays, and small islands.

Some other crocodiles also have this natural tolerance for salt water, due to salt glands underneath the tongue. The American Crocodile, though, remains the only known species other than the saltwater crocodile to commonly live and thrive in saltwater.

Like any other large species of crocodilian, the American Crocodile continues to be potentially dangerous to humans. The reptile does not, though, appear to be a very aggressive species. That holds true due to the fact that attacks on humans rarely occur. 

American Crocodile Distribution and Ecology

Populations of the American Crocodile occur across a realtively wide swathe of its region. Populations mainly exist along the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of southern Mexico. Some, however, appear to live as far away as Peru and Venezuela, in South America.

This amazing species remains most prevalent in the United States, in North America, however. The powerful reptile also occasionally occurs on many of the Caribbean islands. But it presently remains unclear if this forms part of its natural range, or an aberration.

The well-known reptile also constitutes one of the larger known crocodile species. This species also has a more V-shaped snout compared to other large crocodiles that usually have a slightly wider snout. But the evolutionary reason for this is still unknown.

Despite its large size, this incredible reptile does not commonly prey upon large animals. In this, it differs from the majority of its relatives. Fish, reptiles, birds and small mammals appear make up the majority of the diet of most individual specimens.

Exceptions to this do nevertheless occur, as is often the case. That’s because, on occasion, large mammals such as deer and domestic animals do get taken. The dietary habits of the American Crocodile in coastal regions remain poorly studied, at least for now.

Harpy Eagle

Harpy Eagle Facts

• Our next choice for inclusion in this collection of 5 Fabulous Fauna of Central America is the next winged wonder, the Harpy Eagle.
• The magnificent raptor presently ranks as the largest and most powerful of all known types of eagles living in a rainforest. This huge and truly stunning variety of raptor also ranks as one of the largest species of eagle found anywhere on earth.
• Some confusion does surround the animal, however, in regards to its common name. Some refer to it as the American harpy eagle. This occurs due to the desire to avoid confusing it with another species of eagle inhabiting the same habitat range.
• Quite unfortunately, the IUCN now lists this incredible bird as Near Threatened on its Red List of Threatened Species. This lamentable fact occurs due to a combination of factors. Chief among these is the ongoing destruction of much of its natural habitat.
• In fact, in parts of the range it previously inhabited, the gorgeous animal has now disappeared entirely. In addition to this, the magnificent bird known as the Harpy Eagle also faces various other threats to its continued existence.
• Even in the regions it still appears in, its numbers appear to be reduced. The fabulous bird also faces the same dire threat as many other species around the world today. This consists of the ongoing threat of climate change, which looms over countless species.

Harpy Eagle Physical Description

The truly stunning Harpy Eagle possesses an extremely visually striking physical appearance. This easily sets it apart from related species. This statement holds true for several reasons. Its sheer physical size only represents one of these factors, however.

But, as remains true of many species, this bird displays the trait of sexual dimorphism. In its case, though, this means that the female of the species reaches a significantly greater size than her male counterpart. Both genders also have the largest talons of any type of eagle.

The female of the marvelous species, usually being the larger of the two, typically attains a maximum body length measuring about 3.5 ft (1.07 m). The smaller male of the species pales in comparison. He rarely exceeds a body length of 2 ft 10 in (86.5 cm).

The impressive females further attain a much greater mass than the males. The body weight of the female achieves an average totaling as much as 18. 3 lb (8.3 kg). Yet the males, however, only reach a maximum known weight of 13.1 lb (5.95 kg), and average much less.

Both genders of the Harpy Eagle do share many characteristics. This includes displaying the same overall physical appearance. The upper portions of the body present dark black feathers. Yet, the underside of the bird remains primarily white in color.

The exception to this tendency is that of the presence of thin black stripes on each of its legs. But, the remarkably majestic head displays a pale gray color, along with a double crest. Finally, the upper side of the tail shows a black color, with three gray stripes.

• Kingdom: Animala
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Aves
• Order: Accipitriformes
• Family: Accipitridae
• Genus: Harpia
• Species: H. harpyja

Harpy Eagle Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

The native habitat range of the magnificent Harpy Eagle measures quite extensive. In point of fact, it extends from Mexico, in North America, to Argentina, in South America. In the country of Mexico, though, the fabulous creature appears to be nearly extinct.

Very sadly, though, this marvelous bird continues to have a thinly scattered population. This lamentable fact further apparently holds true throughout the entirety of its known range. The loss of much of its native habitat negatively impacts it as much as other species.

The animal additionally has a very specific type of region in which it makes its home. The majestic predator primarily inhabits regions of lush tropical rainforests. Not surprisingly, then, the majority of its numbers appear in this habitat in the country of Brazil.

The bird also requires a very particular range of height above sea level for its range. Most individuals, live in areas with an elevation lower than 3,000 ft (900 m). Scattered individuals do appear at altitudes of as much as 6,600 ft (2,000 m), in areas of similar vegetation.

The powerful Harpy Eagle still remains one of the top predators in every area it lives in. Its prey, furthermore, mainly consists of various tree-dwelling mammals. Yet, it also occasionally hunts such animals as squirrels, porcupines, and opossums, to name a few.

More precisely, however, sloths and monkeys comprise the majority of its food supply. In this respect, its great size and power provide it with a significant advantage. Meanwhile, the deadly creature itself understandably has very few natural predators.

Margay

Margay Facts

• Finishing up this article about these 5 Fabulous Fauna of Central America we present the last mammal appearing, the lovely Margay.
• Perhaps most notably, the short term applied here serves as the generally accepted common name of a truly stunning species of wildcat. The magnificent feline also goes by the hard to pronounce scientific name of the Leopardus wiedii, however.
• Regardless of the name one uses to refer to it, though, the creature remains an impressive animal, for many reasons. To begin with, this remarkable feline also remains a predominantly nocturnal animal within most of its territory.
• The species also typically prefers to spend the majority of its time in extremely remote sections within its native range. As a result this stunning marvel of Nature remains rarely seen by casual visitors to the region in which it appears.
• Currently, the IUCN lists the marvelous Margay as Near Threatened. Sadly, this unfortunate evaluation of its situation holds true throughout the entirety of its natural range. This status is reflected on the organization’s Red List of Threatened Species.
• The highly lamentable situation the beautiful small wildcat finds itself in further occurs due to a combination of several factors. Firstly, in some regions, people still slaughter an average of 14,000 of these beautiful wildcats annually for the fur.
• Quite understandably, this regrettable action has resulted in an extreme decrease in its population base. Secondly, the twin perils of habitat loss and climate change continue to present extreme challenges to the reclusive small mammal.

Margay Physical Description

Although it certainly qualifies as an impressive animal, the amazing Margay does not attain this status due to physical size. That’s because the feline only attains a small size in terms of sheer mass. In fact, it reaches a maximum known weight of as much as 8.8 lb (4 kg).

The body length of mature adult specimens further averages about 31 in (79 cm). The tail, meanwhile, somewhat surprisingly grows to a length equal to a significant percentage of the length of the body. This generally measures 20 in (51 cm) in length.  

Its fur also displays a distinctive pattern. This consists of a light brown that appears splotched with dark brown or black blotches and streaks. In the meantime, the stomach of this creature generally displays an off-white, and the tail has multiple bands, with a black tip.

Perhaps the most distinctive feature of the Margay remains the fact that it has a remarkable evolutionary adaptation in its ankles. These evolved to be so flexible that the cats can actually walk down a tree trunk headfirst. It’s one of only two known to possess this ability.

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Mammalia
• Order: Carnivora
• Family: Felidae
• Genus: Leopardus
• Species: L. wiedii

Margay Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

Quite unfortunately, the gorgeous animal known as the Margay only inhabits a relatively small section of the world. This holds true because of the fact that it only appears in a limited area composed of sections of North America, Central America, and South America.

However, evidence also indicates that this beautiful creature once ranged as far north as the states of Georgia and Florida, in the United States.  Even within this range of habitation, though, amazing the creature has very specific preferences for its choice of habitat.

That’s true, first, since this truly amazing wildcat lives almost exclusively in areas of dense forest. Second, though, this includes such typical habitats as the numerous prominent tropical dry forests, evergreen forests, and cloud forests, sometimes known as fog forest.

The beautiful and truly remarkable Margay also evolved to be principally arboreal in its base nature, quite amazingly. In point of fact, and incredibly, the great majority of individuals often spend their entire lives within the canopy, never coming down.

Finally, the tantalizing wildcat also occasionally establishes its territory in a somewhat hard to believe location. To the amazement of many people, this consists of commercial plantations. Unfortunately, this only further increases its vulnerability to hunting.

5 Fabulous Fauna of Central America

We hope that each of you enjoyed reading, and hopefully learning from, this article we’ve written about these 5 Fabulous Fauna of Central America. It’s also our hope that doing so has left you with either a new or renewed appreciation for such wonders of Nature.

Unfortunately, however, many of their kindred around the world now find themselves facing strong threats to their continued existence as a species. Many of those dangers, in fact, stem from the actions of mankind. We must do all we can to protect and preserve them all.

Checkout our other articles on 7 Intriguing South Carolina Insects, Wonderful Wild Cats of the World, 6 Mysterious Natural Phenomena, Earth’s Many Stunning Waterfalls