Ecuador has over 350 documented species of mammals. Of these, there are over 130 bat species and almost 20 primates. Ecuador also boasts 30 endemic mammal species -- astounding given the relatively small size of the country.

Ocelot - Leopardus pardalis:

Worth Noting - The tail of the tigrillo (little tiger, as it's called in Ecuador) is longer than its rear leg, which makes for easy identification. Although occasionally active during the daytime, ocelots are predominantly nocturnal. During the daytime they often sleep in trees. Prime Viewing - Lowland and mid-elevation forests throughout Ecuador, although most common in the Amazon basin.

Jaguar - Panthera onca:

Worth Noting -- The largest cat in the New World, the jaguar measures from 1 to 1.8m (3 1/2-6 ft.) plus tail, and is distinguished by its tan/yellowish fur with black spots. Habitat destruction and hunting have placed the jaguar on the endangered-species list in Ecuador, and throughout the Americas. Prime Viewing - Although they exist throughout much of Ecuador's lowlands, on both sides of the Andean cordillera, jaguars are extremely hard to see in the wild. Nocturnal and extremely well camouflaged, jaguars are most commonly found in the Amazon basin, as well as the rainforests of the north Pacific lowlands.

Capybara - Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris:

Worth Noting - The capybara is the largest living rodent in the world. It can reach over 1.2m (4 ft.) in length and weigh as much as 60 kilograms (130 lb.). Capybaras are almost always found in or around water, often in large groups. Prime Viewing - Throughout the Amazon basin, Jungle of Ecuador

Paca-- Agouti paca:

Worth Noting - Known as guanta in Ecuador, this rodent inhabits the forest floor, feeding on fallen fruit, leaves, and tubers dug from the ground. The paca is the second-largest rodent in the New World (after the capybara). Prime Viewing - Most often found near water throughout many forest habitats of Ecuador, from river valleys to swamps to dense tropical forest. But since pacas are nocturnal, you're much more likely to see their smaller cousin, the diurnal black agouti or Dasyprocta fuliginosa.

Brazilian Tapir - Tapirus terrestris:

Worth Noting - Known as the danta or macho de monte, the tapir is the largest land mammal native to South America. Tapirs are active both day and night, foraging along riverbanks, streams, and forest clearings. Prime Viewing - Throughout the Amazon basin,Jungle of Ecuador. A related sister species, the mountain tapir (Tapirus pinchaque), is slightly smaller and found in mid-elevation cloud forests and rainforests. Baird's tapir (Tapirus bairdii) is actually the largest of the tapir species, and can occasionally be found in the moist lowland forests of the Pacific coast.

Giant Otter - Pteronura brasiliensis:

Worth Noting -- This endangered species is the largest otter species in the world and can reach up to 1.8m (6 ft.) in length, and weigh 34 kilograms (76 lb.). The fur is thick and soft and highly prized, contributing to the precarious status of this magnificent creature. Carnivorous, the giant otter feeds mainly on fish but will occasionally hunt caiman and snakes, including small anaconda. In Ecuador, the giant otter is sometimes called lobo del río (river wolf). Prime Viewing - In lakes, lagoons, rivers, and streams throughout the Amazon basin, Jungle of Ecuador.

South American Coatimundi - Nasua nasua:

Worth Noting - Primarily diurnal, this raccoonlike mammal is one of few with the ability to adapt to habitat disturbances and is often inquisitive around humans. Although mostly terrestrial, coatimundi sleep, mate, and give birth in trees. Unrelated females and their respective young often travel together in large packs, while males tend to be solitary. Prime Viewing - Lowland to mid-elevation forests throughout the Amazon basin, Jungle of Ecuador. At higher elevations, you'll find mountain coatimundi (Nasuella olivacea).

Collared Peccary - Tayassu tajacu:

Worth Noting - Also called saino or chancho de monte, the collared peccary is a black or brown piglike animal, with a distinct white band or collar around its neck. It travels in small groups and has a strong musk odor. Prime Viewing - Lowland moist and dry forests on both sides of the Andes, and throughout the Amazon basin, Jungle of Ecuador.

Nine-Banded Armadillo - Dasypus novemcinctus:

Worth Noting - This is the most common armadillo species. Armadillo is Spanish for "little armored one," and that's an accurate description of this hard-carapace mammal. The nine-banded armadillo can reach 65 centimeters (25 in.) in length and weigh up to 4.5 kilograms (9.9 lb.). The female gives birth to identical quadruplets from one single egg. Prime Viewing - Lowlands and mid-elevations and along the Andean slopes, in both forests and clearings, Jungle of Ecuador.

Giant Anteater - Myrmecophaga tridactyla:

Worth Noting - This species can reach 1.6m (5 ft.) in length. The giant anteater has a long, thin nose and long front claws, and is active both day and night. This anteater is terrestrial and its tail is not prehensile. Prime Viewing - Throughout the Amazon basin, Jungle of Ecuador and the moist lowland forests of the Pacific coast.

Kinkajou - Potos flavus:

Worth Noting - The nocturnal, tree-dwelling kinkajou has a long prehensile tail and looks a bit like a cross between a monkey and a weasel. Kinkajous average around 63 centimeters (25 in.) in length and can weigh between 6.6 to 18 kilograms (3-8 lb.). Prime Viewing - Strictly nocturnal and extremely hard to see in the wild, the kinkajou is found in lowland forests on both sides of the Andes, Jungle of Ecuador.

White-Bellied Spider Monkey - Ateles belzebuth:

Worth Noting - This is a large monkey (64cm/25 in.) with dark brown fur on its back and lighter, at times nearly pure white, fur on its belly and limbs and over its eyes. One of the more acrobatic monkey species, the spider monkey is active both day and night, and travels in small to mid-size bands or family groups. This species is particularly prized by Amazonian indigenous peoples for its meat. Prime Viewing - Found in the high canopy throughout the Amazon basin, Jungle of Ecuador.

Squirrel Monkey - Saimiri sciureus:

Worth Noting - Active in the daytime, these frisky monkeys travel in small to midsize groups. Squirrel monkeys do have a prehensile tail as infants, but the tail loses this ability as they enter adulthood. The squirrel monkey is known locally as barizo. Prime Viewing - Lowland rainforests of the Amazon basin, Jungle of Ecuador.

Mantled Howler Monkey - Alouatta palliata:

Worth Noting - The highly social mantled howler monkey grows to 56 centimeters (22 in.) in size and often travels in groups of 10 to 30. The loud roar of the male of this species can be heard as far as 1.6km (1 mile) away. Prime Viewing - Wet and dry forests along the entire length of Ecuador's Pacific coastal lowlands. Almost entirely arboreal, howler monkeys tend to favor the higher reaches of the canopy.

False Vampire Bat - Vampyrum spectrum:

Worth Noting - The false vampire bat has an average body size of around 15 centimeters (6 in.) and an impressive wingspan that can reach a whopping 86 centimeters (35 in.), making it the largest bat in the Western Hemisphere. Although not surviving on blood, like a true vampire bat, this species is in fact carnivorous, feeding on other bats and small birds and rodents. Prime Viewing - Found in lowland to mid-elevation forests on both sides of the Andes and along Andean slopes, Jungle of Ecuador.

Three-Toed Sloth - Bradypus variegatus:

Worth Noting - The largest and most commonly sighted of Ecuador's sloth species, the three-toed sloth has long, coarse brown-to-gray fur and a distinctive eye band. They have three long and sharp claws on each foreleg. Except for brief periods during which they defecate, these slow-moving creatures are entirely arboreal. Prime Viewing - Lowland moist forests and rainforests on both sides of the Andean cordillera, Jungle of Ecuador. While sloths can be found in a wide variety of trees, they are most commonly spotted in the relatively sparsely leaved cecropia.

Amazonian Manatee - Trichechus inunguis:

Worth Noting - The Amazonian manatee is an entirely fresh-water species. These "sea cows" are much smaller than their West Indian and West African brethren. The Amazonian manatee can reach lengths of 2.1 to 2.7m (7-9 ft.) and weigh up to 350 kilograms (770 lb.). The Amazonian manatee is mostly gray, with a prominent white or pink streak on its belly. Prime Viewing - Active both day and night, the manatee can be found throughout the Amazon basin, Jungle of Ecuador. It prefers calmer lakes, lagoons, channels, and mangroves, although during the dry season, it will head to larger rivers and tributaries.

Amazon River Dolphin - Inia geoffrensis:

Worth Noting - Also known as the pink dolphin, or boto, this is the largest fresh-water dolphin in the world. It reaches lengths of up to 2.6m (8 1/2 ft.), and weighs as much as 180 kilograms (400 lb.). The Amazon river dolphin can range in color from pink to dull gray and lacks the pronounced dorsal fin of its salt-water brethren. Prime Viewing - Throughout the Amazon basin, Jungle of Ecuador.

AMPHIBIANS

Frogs, toads, and salamanders are actually some of the most beguiling, beautiful, and easy-to-spot residents of tropical forests. With over 450 recorded species, Ecuador is home to nearly 10% of the entire planet's amphibian species. Only Brazil and Colombia have more amphibian species, although species density is far greater in Ecuador.

Ecuadorian Poison-Dart Frog - Epipedobates bilinguis:

Worth Noting - With prominent yellow markings on each limb and a granular texture to its back, this is a small to midsize member of the poison-dart family. Although not closely related, the Ecuadorian poison-dart frog is often confused with the ruby poison-dart frog (Epipedobates parvulus), which is very similar in appearance. Prime Viewing - On the ground, around tree roots, amid leaf litter, and under fallen logs in rainforests around the Río Napo and its surroundings, in the Amazon basin, Jungle of Ecuador.

Amazon Poison-Dart Frog - Ranitomeya ventrimaculata:

Worth Noting - This small diurnal frog can range from dark blue to black, with red- or yellow-striped markings. The markings become less defined and more greenish toward the rear legs of the Amazon poison-dart frog. Prime Viewing - On the ground, around tree roots, amid leaf litter, and under fallen logs in rainforests of the Amazon basin, Jungle of Ecuador.

Marine Toad - Bufo marinus:

Worth Noting - The largest toad in the Americas, the 20-centimeter (8-in.) wart-covered marine toad is also known as sapo grande (giant toad). The females are mottled, the males uniformly brown. These voracious toads have been known to eat small mammals along with other toads, lizards, and just about any insect within range. They also have a very strong toxic-chemical-defense mechanism. Prime Viewing -- This terrestrial frog can be found in lowland moist and dry forests on both coasts.

Fleischmann's Glass Frog - Hyalinobatrachium fleischmanni:

Worth Noting - This is a small lime-green frog with numerous pale yellow spots on its back. The belly of the Fleischmann's Glass Frog is transparent, allowing you to see the workings of internal organs, especially in captivity against a glass terrarium. Prime Viewing - This nocturnal frog can be found in forests along the western coast and Andean slope, up to 1,500m (5,000 ft.).

Smoky Jungle Frog - Leptodactylus pentadactylus:

Worth Noting - Also known as the South American Bullfrog, this bulbous brown frog can reach over 18 centimeters (7 in.) in length. The smoky jungle frog has prominent skin folds on its back and long, thin fingers that lack webbing. Prime Viewing - This nocturnal, terrestrial frog is abundant in lowland rainforests on the Pacific coast, and throughout the Amazon basin, Jungle of Ecuador.

Mushroom Tongue Salamander - Bolitoglossa equatoriana:

Worth Noting - Also known as the Ecuador mushroomtongue salamander, the Ecuadorian salamander is a small, smooth-skinned amphibian with a long detachable tail. Prime Viewing - Either on or near the ground, throughout the Amazon basin, Jungle of Ecuador to about 700m (2,300 ft.).

REPTILES

Ecuador has over 400 species of reptiles, ranging from the frightening and justly feared fer-de-lance pit viper to a wide variety of non-venomous snakes, turtles, and lizards.

Fer-de-Lance - Bothrops asper:

Worth Noting - Known as equis (or "X") in Ecuador, the aggressive fer-de-lance can grow to 2.4m (8 ft.) in length. Beige, brown, or black triangles flank either side of the head, while the area under the head is a vivid yellow. Arboreal at the beginning of their life, these snakes become increasingly terrestrial as they grow older and larger. Prime Viewing - Countrywide up to 1,200m (4,000 ft.).

Anaconda - Eunectes murinus:

Worth Noting - This massive constrictor can weigh over 225 kilograms (500 lb.) and be more than 30 centimeters (12 in.) in diameter. Anacondas range in size from around 4 to nearly 10m (12-30 ft.), with females being much larger than males. Their skins are a beautiful olive green, with large oval black spots. Prime Viewing - In streams, lakes, rivers, and lagoons, throughout the Amazon basin, Jungle of Ecuador. Forget the sensationalist namesake movie, the anaconda is one of the most amazing creatures of the tropical forest, and consider yourself lucky if you spot one.

Boa Constrictor - Boa constrictor:

Worth Noting - Adult boa constrictors average about 1.8 to 3m (6-10 ft.) in length and weigh over 27 kilograms (60 lb.). Their coloration camouflages them, but look for patterns of cream, brown, gray, and black ovals and diamonds. Ecuador has numerous other boa species, including the Amazon tree boa and the beautiful rainbow boa. Prime Viewing - In lowland forests and mangroves on both sides of the Andean cordillera, Jungle of Ecuador. They also often live in rafters and eaves of homes in rural areas.

Fer-de-Lance - Bothrops asper:

Worth Noting - Known as equis (or "X") in Ecuador, the aggressive fer-de-lance can grow to 2.4m (8 ft.) in length. Beige, brown, or black triangles flank either side of the head, while the area under the head is a vivid yellow. Arboreal at the beginning of their life, these snakes become increasingly terrestrial as they grow older and larger. Prime Viewing - Jungle of Ecuador. Countrywide up to 1,200m (4,000 ft.).

Basilisk - Basiliscus vittatus:

Worth Noting - The basilisk can run across the surface of water for short distances by using its hind legs and holding its body almost upright; thus, the reptile is also known as "the Jesus Christ lizard." Prime Viewing - In trees and rocks located near water in moist forests and rainforests along the western coast, Jungle of Ecuador.

Green Iguana - Iguana iguana:

Worth Noting - Green iguanas can vary in shades ranging from bright green to a dull grayish-green, with quite a bit of orange mixed in. The iguana will often perch on a branch overhanging a river and plunge into the water when threatened. Prime Viewing - All regions of the country, along rivers and streams. Jungle of Ecuador.

Spectacled Caiman - Caiman crocodilus:

Worth Noting - This is the most common Crocodylia species in Ecuador. It can grow to a length of 2.4m (8 ft.), although the average spectacled caiman measures around 1.5 to 1.8m (5-6 ft.). Prime Viewing - In streams, lakes, rivers, and lagoons, throughout the Amazon basin, Jungle of Ecuador.