Learn about the animals that live in the Amazon jungle
Peru’s Amazon rainforest is one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth. Stretching across more than half of the country, this lush expanse is home to millions of species – from majestic jaguars and colourful macaws to elusive river dolphins and rare amphibians.
For nature lovers and adventurers alike, the Peruvian Amazon offers a front-row seat to some of the most astonishing wildlife encounters on the planet.
Keep reading to learn more about animals that live in the Amazon jungle – and why exploring the rainforest with a local guide is the best way to truly experience its wonders.
Plus, we’ve got pictures of animals in the Amazon rainforest so you can see some of the incredible wildlife in Peru for yourself!
Table of contents
- What animals live in the Amazon rainforest?
- Mammals of the Amazon rainforest
- Birds that live in the Amazon
- Amazon rainforest reptiles and amphibians
- Insects in the Amazon rainforest
- 5 animals that live in the Amazon River
- 7 fascinating facts about animals in the Amazon rainforest
- Endangered animals in the Amazon rainforest
- FAQs about animals that live in the Amazon rainforest
- Why using a local guide is the best way to experience wildlife
What animals live in the Amazon rainforest?
Often called the “lungs of the Earth” because of its vast forests, the Amazon rainforest is a sanctuary for an astonishing array of wildlife. Scientists estimate that around 10% of all known species call the Amazon home.
Peru’s section of the Amazon, especially areas like Manu National Park and Tambopata, is considered among the richest in species diversity. Researchers and visitors alike can spot rare mammals, exotic birds, vibrant reptiles, and fascinating insects.
So, what species of animals live in the Amazon rainforest?
Let’s find out. Here are some of the animals found in the Amazon rainforest.
Mammals of the Amazon rainforest
The Amazon rainforest is home to some of the most iconic and unusual warm-blooded creatures on Earth.
Jaguar
The rainforest’s apex predator, jaguars are elusive cats known for their incredible strength and stealth. They’re solitary hunters that prefer to ambush prey, often attacking from the water’s edge or from tree cover.
Jaguars have the strongest bite of any big cat, capable of piercing turtle shells and crushing skulls. They’re also excellent swimmers and climb trees with ease, making them formidable across land and river alike.
Giant river otter
Social and intelligent, giant river otters live in family groups called pods and hunt cooperatively in rivers. They can reach up to 1.8 metres in length, have webbed feet for swift swimming, and use vocal calls to communicate with family members.
Giant otters primarily feed on fish but will occasionally hunt small caimans.
Capybara
The world’s largest rodent, capybaras are highly social, often forming groups of 10–20 individuals near rivers and wetlands. They’re excellent swimmers and spend much of their time in the water to escape predators.
Capybaras feed mainly on grasses and aquatic plants, and they play an important role in the ecosystem by spreading seeds through their droppings.
Sloth
Famous for their slow, deliberate movements, sloths spend almost their entire lives hanging upside down in the trees. Fortunately, their camouflage makes them hard for predators to spot.
Some species also host algae on their fur, which provides additional camouflage.
Howler monkey
Recognisable by their loud, guttural calls that can travel up to three kilometres through dense forest, howler monkeys are important seed dispersers. They live in social groups and feed on leaves, fruits, and flowers.
The monkeys have impressive vocal abilities from an enlarged hyoid bone in the throat, which acts like a resonating chamber. These powerful calls allow them to mark territory, communicate with other groups, and avoid conflicts without the need for physical confrontation.
Birds that live in the Amazon
The Amazon rainforest is a paradise for bird watchers, home to a dazzling array of colourful species with remarkable behaviours and adaptations.
Scarlet macaw
These striking birds have bright red, yellow, and blue plumage and are highly social, often seen flying in pairs or flocks.
Scarlet macaws are intelligent and capable of mimicking sounds. They feed mainly on fruits, nuts, and seeds, helping to disperse them across the forest.
Harpy eagle
One of the largest and most powerful eagles in the world, harpy eagles can weigh up to nine kilograms and have talons as long as a human hand. They hunt monkeys, sloths, and other medium-sized mammals, requiring vast tracts of old-growth forest to survive.
Their incredible vision and strength make them top predators of the canopy.
Hoatzin
Known as the “stinkbird” because of its distinctive smell, the hoatzin is a prehistoric-looking bird that primarily feeds on leaves. Its digestive system ferments vegetation in a way similar to cows, producing a distinct odour.
Toucans
Toucans are famous for their oversized, colourful bills, which they use to reach fruit on branches that might otherwise be inaccessible. These bills are also surprisingly light and help regulate body temperature.
Like many of the birds in the Amazon rainforest, Toucans play a crucial role in seed dispersal, helping maintain the ecosystem.
Amazon rainforest reptiles and amphibians
From the treetops to the riverbanks, reptiles and amphibians thrive in the humid Amazon environment.
Green anaconda
One of the largest snakes in the world, green anacondas can exceed five metres in length and weigh over 100 kilograms. They’re excellent swimmers and ambush predators, feeding on fish, birds, and mammals.
Anacondas are generally solitary and rely on stealth and patience to capture prey.
Poison dart frog
These tiny, brightly coloured frogs produce potent toxins through their skin, used by some indigenous tribes on blowgun darts. The vibrant colours act as a warning to predators.
There are many species of poison dart frogs, some of which are so toxic that their poison could kill multiple humans if ingested!
Jesus lizard
Also known as the basilisk lizard, this reptile can run across water for short distances thanks to its speed and specially adapted feet. This ability allows it to escape predators and move quickly between trees near water sources.
Insects in the Amazon rainforest
The Amazon’s insect diversity is staggering, with countless species playing critical ecological roles.
Take a look at some of the most remarkable insects that live in the rainforest.
Blue morpho butterfly
These butterflies are known for their iridescent blue wings, which appear almost metallic in the sunlight. Blue morphos glide gracefully through the forest understory and play a role in pollination, although their stunning colours also serve to startle predators.
Giant bullet ant
Named for their extremely painful sting, giant bullet ants are among the largest and most feared insects in the rainforest. Their sting is said to be one of the most intense of any insect and acts as a strong deterrent against predators.
Hercules beetle
One of the biggest beetles in the world, the Hercules beetle can grow up to 17 centimetres long, including its impressive horn. Males use their horns to battle rivals for mates, lifting and throwing opponents in dramatic contests.
These beetles feed on rotting wood and fruit, playing an important role in nutrient recycling within the rainforest.
5 animals that live in the Amazon River
The Amazon River, which winds its way through Peru and across South America, is one of the most biodiverse waterways on Earth. Its slow-moving waters and vast floodplains provide habitats for countless creatures.
These species form part of a complex food web that sustains countless other organisms, making the river system one of the planet’s richest ecological treasures.
So what can you expect to find in these epic waters? Here are some of the common animals found in the Amazon River.
1. Amazon River dolphin (pink dolphin)
These freshwater dolphins are playful, highly intelligent, and famous for their distinctive pinkish skin, which becomes brighter with age and excitement. They can grow up to three metres long and weigh around 150 kilograms.
Pink dolphins feed on fish and freshwater crustaceans, using echolocation to navigate the murky waters of the Amazon. Locals often regard them as mystical creatures, and they’re known for their curious and sometimes social interactions with humans.
2. Pirarucu (or arapaima)
One of the world’s largest freshwater fish, the pirarucu can grow up to three metres long. Yes, you read that right – a fish that’s three metres long. This ancient fish from prehistoric times is a true giant of the waterways, feeding primarily on fish and small animals.
This fish also breathes air, surfacing regularly to gulp oxygen and survives in oxygen-poor waters.
3. Piranha
Famous for their razor-sharp teeth and powerful jaws, piranhas are small but fearsome predators. They often hunt in schools, which increases their efficiency when capturing prey.
While many species are primarily scavengers, they can strip flesh quickly when hungry. Piranhas play a critical role in keeping the river ecosystem healthy by controlling populations of weaker or dead animals.
4. Electric eel
Despite its name, the electric eel is actually a type of knifefish, which can generate electric shocks to stun prey or defend itself.
Electric eels hunt by sending pulses to locate and incapacitate fish and other small animals in murky waters. They’re also capable of delivering repeated shocks, making them one of the river’s most deadly predators.
5. Black caiman
The black caiman is the top predator of the Amazon River, capable of exceeding five metres in length. It preys on fish, birds, mammals, and occasionally larger animals – including jaguars.
Black caimans are nocturnal hunters, ambushing prey from the water’s edge with incredible stealth.
7 fascinating facts about animals in the Amazon rainforest
Home to millions of species, the animals that live in the Amazon forest are as colourful, strange, and remarkable as the forest itself.
Here are some Amazon rainforest wildlife facts:
1. The Amazon rainforest covers an astonishing 6.7 million square kilometres, spanning eight countries and one overseas territory across South America. That’s twice the size of India – or roughly 28 times the size of the UK!
2. The Amazon region supports a population of approximately 47 million people, including more than two million indigenous individuals and over 400 indigenous groups (the highest concentration in the world).
3. The area is home to around 427 species of mammals, 1,300 species of birds, 378 species of reptiles, and more than 400 species of amphibians.
4. New species are still being discovered every year. In fact, over 10,000 species of beetles have been identified in this region over the past decade!
5. Around 15% of all the world’s bird and butterfly species are found in the Amazon rainforest.
6. Some Amazonian frogs can change colour depending on temperature and mood, like the red-eyed tree frog.
7. Jaguars are excellent swimmers, often hunting in rivers rather than just on land.
Endangered animals in the Amazon rainforest
Sadly, many species face severe threats from deforestation, illegal hunting, and climate change.
In 2024, wildfires were the leading cause of tropical primary forest loss. Peru saw a 135% rise in forest loss from fires compared to 2023, driven largely by intentional burning to clear land for agriculture.
This rapid loss of habitat has a profound impact on the Amazon’s wildlife. Many animals are losing the forests and waterways they depend on for food, shelter, and breeding.
Fragmented habitats make it harder for species to find mates, evade predators, and survive the pressures of human activity. As a result, populations of some of the rainforest’s most iconic and unique species are declining at alarming rates.
Here are some of the animals suffering from the consequences of these threats:
- Amazonian manatees are slow-moving herbivores that depend on clean, undisturbed waterways. They are threatened by hunting for meat, accidental capture in fishing gear, and habitat loss due to deforestation and river damming.
- Giant river otters numbers are dwindling from deforestation, water pollution, and overfishing, which reduces their food supply. Hunting for their pelts in the past drastically reduced populations. Although illegal today, some poaching unfortunately still occurs.
- Black-faced black spider monkeys are highly sensitive to deforestation, which limits access to fruiting trees. Their reliance on large territories make them particularly vulnerable to population decline.
- Harpy eagles need large tracts of undisturbed rainforest to hunt and nest. Deforestation and logging fragment their habitats, making it harder to find prey such as monkeys and sloths. Their slow breeding rate (raising only one chick every two years) makes population recovery difficult.
Conservation efforts (including protected reserves and reforestation projects) are safeguarding these species and the fragile ecosystems they depend on.
FAQs about animals that live in the Amazon rainforest
Do you still have some unanswered questions about the animals in the Amazon rainforest?
You’re in luck! Here are the answers to some of the most commonly-asked questions about wild animals in the Amazon.
1. What are the biggest animals in the Amazon rainforest?
The Amazon is home to some truly huge creatures – but what is the largest animal in the Amazon rainforest?
Among mammals, the biggest animal in the Amazon rainforest is the South American tapir at 300 kilograms. The green anaconda is one of the biggest reptiles, often exceeding five metres in length.
One of the largest animals in the Amazon River is the pirarucu (arapaima), the world’s biggest freshwater fish – it can grow up to three metres long. The tambaqui is also a hefty fish in the Amazon River, reaching around one metre in length.
Fun fact: The tambaqui belongs to the piranha family, but it isn’t a carnivore! This freshwater fish only eats hard nuts, aquatic plants and fruits, or seeds, earning it the nickname, “the vegetarian piranha”.
2. What are the deadliest animals in the Amazon rainforest?
Some of the most dangerous animals in the Amazon rainforest include:
- Jaguars. The top predator of the rainforest, their bite is one of the strongest of any big cat, capable of piercing skulls and even turtle shells. They hunt silently, often ambushing prey from the shadows or water’s edge.
- Green anacondas. These enormous snakes use their immense strength to constrict and suffocate prey such as capybaras, caimans, and even jaguars. They are expert swimmers and can remain hidden beneath the surface for long periods before striking.
- Black caimans. The largest predator in the Amazon’s rivers, black caimans use stealth and explosive power to ambush prey. They drag animals into the water with their crushing jaws.
- Poison dart frogs. Despite their tiny size, these vividly coloured frogs secrete powerful toxins through their skin. A single frog carries enough poison to paralyse or kill larger animals – a defence mechanism that deters most predators.
- Piranhas. These carnivorous fish have razor-sharp teeth and strong jaws, making them formidable scavengers that can strip prey to the bone quickly.
- Electric eels. These fish use electric shocks of up to 600 volts to stun prey, defend themselves, and navigate through murky water. A strong shock can incapacitate small animals.
3. How many animals live in the Amazon rainforest?
While an exact number is impossible to determine due to ongoing discoveries, it’s safe to say the Amazon is a rich hub for diverse wildlife. Scientists estimate that 10% of all known species on the planet live here, which includes thousands of species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects.
4. What is the population of animals in the Amazon rainforest?
The population varies widely depending on the species and region. Some species, like certain insects, exist in the millions or even billions. Others, such as the giant otter or harpy eagle, are much rarer and critically endangered.
Seasonal changes and flooding cycles also influence animal numbers, especially in riverine areas.
5. What is the wildlife like in the Amazon rainforest?
The Amazon rainforest teems with life in a dizzying array of shapes, sizes, and colours.
From the soaring harpy eagle to the crawling green anaconda, every corner of the forest hosts fascinating species. Birds fill the canopy with colour and song, insects pollinate plants and recycle nutrients, and mammals roam both the forest floor and waterways.
This incredible diversity makes the Amazon one of the planet’s richest ecosystems but also one of its most fragile, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts.
Experience the wildlife of the Amazon rainforest with a local guide
Local guides not only help you navigate dense and challenging terrain safely, but they also have a deep understanding of the Amazon rainforest wildlife, sounds, and rhythms. They can spot hidden creatures high in the canopy, identify bird calls, and explain how plants and animals interact in this complex ecosystem.
Guided adventures also support sustainable tourism and conservation, helping to protect fragile habitats while providing income to local communities.
Whether it’s spotting a sloth slowly making its way through the trees or hearing the distant roar of a howler monkey, a local guide transforms an ordinary trip into an unforgettable Amazon adventure.
Here’s what Deborah had to say about her experience with a Kandoo guide:
“Our guide, Elvis, was amazing. Incredibly knowledgeable about jungle wildlife and enthusiastic to share what he knew. His enthusiasm was infectious and you soon found yourself independently spotting birds, animals and plants.” - Terrie, Trustpilot.
Book a Peruvian adventure with Kandoo
Kandoo offers incredible trips to South America, and there’s no better way to experience the Amazon rainforest than from Peru.
Stay in an ecolodge deep in the forest, listen to the dawn and dusk chorus of wildlife, and explore the rainforest by boat and on foot. With Kandoo, you can create unforgettable memories in the Amazon and discover a world few have the chance to see.