Tikal is one of the best places for wildlife watching in Guatemala. The entire area of the park is protected, meaning that hunting and poaching are strictly prohibited. This has allowed the wildlife in the park to thrive and has made it a sanctuary for many rare and endangered species. The park has implemented a number of conservation efforts to protect its wildlife, including reforestation projects, the establishment of wildlife corridors, and the development of sustainable tourism practices.
Wildlife in Tikal
So, animals you might see in Tikal? Primarily monkeys, ocellated turkeys, toucans and, of course white-nosed coatis, a lot of them. According to one of the park rangers, they also see jaguars there quiet often as well as ocelots. Unfortunately (of fortunately) we didn’t have a chance to see jaguar but we had a chance to watch plenty of coatis, spider monkeys, toucans and lizards.
Where to find white-nosed coatis in Tikal?
Well, you don’t need to put any efforts into finding them cause they will find you first. We saw couple coatis along the trail as we walk toward Grand Plaza. As we get to the Plaza, I was surprised to see whole bunch of them just hanging out around the area. They get close to people, I mean really really close. Try to stay away as they are wild animal and you cannot predict their behavior. Also, make sure to keep you snacks away.
White-nosed coatis are members of the raccoon family, and are known for their distinctive long snouts. They are typically active during the day, and can often be seen foraging for food on the forest floor.
Other animal you might see in Tikal
Howler Monkeys
Howler monkeys are one of the most common animals in Tikal. They are known for their loud, guttural calls, which can be heard from up to 3 miles away. Howler monkeys are typically active in the early morning and late afternoon, and can often be spotted high up in the trees.
Spider Monkeys
Spider monkeys are another common sight in Tikal. They are known for their long, lanky limbs and prehensile tails, which they use to swing from tree to tree. Spider monkeys are typically active during the day, and can often be seen foraging for food in the trees.
Toucans
Toucans are easily recognized by their large, colorful bills. They are typically active during the day, and can often be spotted high up in the trees. Toucans feed on fruit, and are often seen plucking fruit from branches with their bills.
Scarlet Macaws
Scarlet macaws are large, brightly colored parrots. They are typically active during the day, and can often be seen flying overhead or perched high up in the trees. Scarlet macaws feed on fruit, nuts, and seeds.
Ocelots
Ocelots are small, spotted cats that are rarely seen in the wild. They are typically active at night, and are most often spotted by the light of a flashlight or headlamp. Ocelots feed on small mammals, birds, and reptiles.
Jaguars
Jaguars are the largest cats in the Americas, and are also rarely seen in the wild. They are typically active at night, and are most often spotted by the light of a flashlight or headlamp. Jaguars feed on a wide variety of prey, including deer, peccaries, and monkeys.
Ocellated turkey
Ocellated turkey is a species of turkey that is found in parts of Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala. It is a distant cousin to the more wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) found in North America. The Ocellated turkey is a large bird with a distinctive appearance. It has iridescent feathers that are a mix of green, blue, and copper, and its tail feathers are long and pointed. The bird also has a bright blue head and neck, with orange and red wattles on its neck.
Tips for wildlife watching in Tikal
Here are some tips for watching wildlife in Tikal, along with some details about the animals you may encounter:
- Choose the Right Time of Day: Many animals are most active in the early morning or late afternoon, so try to plan your wildlife watching during these times.
- Hire a Guide: Consider hiring a local guide to accompany you on your wildlife watching adventures. They will have extensive knowledge of the local flora and fauna, and will be able to help you spot animals that you might otherwise miss.
- Stay Quiet and Still: When you spot an animal, approach slowly and quietly, and try to stay as still as possible. This will help prevent the animal from becoming frightened or disturbed.
- Bring Binoculars: Wildlife can often be spotted high up in the trees or far away, so bring a pair of binoculars to help you see them more clearly.
- Bring insect repellent and sunscreen
Remember to always respect the animals you encounter, and never attempt to touch or feed them. With patience and a keen eye, you can have a truly unforgettable wildlife watching experience in Tikal.
