Animals in French Guiana
Brocket Deer
Mazama spp.
French Guiana has no official national animal, but the brocket deer is often used as a symbol of its forest wildlife. It is a small, shy deer, about the size of a large dog, with a reddish brown coat, short straight antlers and a rounded back that helps it slip through dense undergrowth. It follows narrow paths through the forest and feeds on leaves, fallen fruit and tender shoots, mostly at dawn and dusk. Brocket deer live alone and are hard to see, so their presence is usually noticed through tracks and feeding marks rather than sightings.
View details→Wildlife in French Guiana
French Guiana is an overseas department of France on the northern coast of South America, and it is the most forested territory in the European Union: rainforest covers close to 99 percent of its land, and almost everyone lives on the coastal strip. The Guiana Amazonian Park, the largest national park in the European Union, protects 41 percent of the territory. Under the canopy live cougars, ocelots, margays, jaguarundis, spider monkeys, anteaters, armadillos, brocket deer and white tailed deer, with harpy eagles, scarlet macaws and toucans above them. Along the rivers and in the Kaw marshes, caimans, anacondas and boa constrictors hunt in the shallows, and scarlet ibises fly in red flocks over the reeds. On the coast, manatees feed in muddy estuaries, dolphins and humpback whales pass offshore, and leatherback turtles, the largest sea turtles in the world, come ashore to nest.
Most Dangerous Animals in French Guiana
French Guiana has wild animals that can be dangerous if people surprise them at close range, mainly in the remote forest and along the rivers. Cougars live across the territory, but they avoid people and attacks are extremely rare. Caimans, including the black caiman, rest in the channels of the Kaw marshes, and anacondas and boa constrictors hunt in the swamps; these snakes are not venomous and are rarely a threat to people. The real risk comes from venomous snakes, above all lanceheads, called grage in French Guiana, which cause most snakebites in the territory, usually among people working in the forest or in gold mining camps far from a hospital. Off the coast, bull sharks and tiger sharks swim in muddy Atlantic water, but incidents are very uncommon. Wearing boots, watching where you step and walking with a guide greatly reduce the risks.
Top 10 Animals in French Guiana
The top animals of French Guiana come from the rainforest, the rivers and the Atlantic coast. In the forest, the cougar is the largest predator, and ocelots, margays and jaguarundis hunt smaller prey in the undergrowth, while spider monkeys travel through the canopy and anteaters and armadillos dig along the forest floor. Harpy eagles, scarlet macaws and toucans live in the treetops. In the Kaw marshes, one of the largest wetlands in the territory, caimans float in the channels at night and thousands of scarlet ibises roost in the vegetation. On the coast, the beach at Awala-Yalimapo is one of the most important leatherback nesting sites in the world, and green turtles nest there too. Manatees, dolphins and humpback whales live in the waters just offshore.
Ocelot
Leopardus pardalis
French Guiana is covered largely by intact Amazonian rainforest, making it one of the better preserved corners of South America for wildlife. Ocelots thrive here, benefiting from dense forest cover, abundant prey, and relatively low levels of human disturbance. The Guiana Amazonian Park, one of the largest protected areas in the world, covers much of the country's southern interior and provides strong protection for ocelots and the broader forest ecosystem they depend on.
Sloth
Folivora
Two kinds of sloth live in the rainforests of French Guiana: the three toed sloth and the two toed sloth. Both spend almost their whole lives in the trees, feeding on leaves and moving so slowly that algae grow in their fur and help hide them among the branches. They are found across the territory's forests, including patches close to Cayenne and the coastal towns, where they are sometimes seen crossing roads. Both species are widespread in the region. IUCN status: Least Concern.
Spider Monkey
Ateles spp.
In French Guiana, spider monkeys inhabit the dense Guiana Shield rainforest, a region of remarkable biological richness. Much of this territory falls within protected areas, including the vast Guiana Amazonian Park, which offers them significant refuge. They forage in the upper canopy, relying almost entirely on ripe fruit. Low human population density in the interior has helped keep their forest habitat relatively undisturbed compared to other parts of their range.
White tailed Deer
Odocoileus virginianus
In French Guiana, the white tailed deer is found in forest clearings, savanna patches, and the edges of the coastal zone. It tends to avoid the dense interior rainforest and instead favors open or transitional habitats. The species is less commonly observed here than in other parts of its range. French Guiana's extensive protected areas, including the Guiana Amazonian Park, provide undisturbed habitat that benefits the local deer population.
Cougar
Puma concolor
The cougar is present in French Guiana's vast stretches of lowland Amazonian rainforest, which remain among the least disturbed in South America. Dense canopy cover and an abundance of prey, including deer and peccaries, support a healthy population. Because much of French Guiana is protected and sparsely settled, the cougar here faces fewer direct threats than in many other parts of its range across the continent.
Anteater
Myrmecophaga tridactyla
The giant anteater is present in French Guiana, where it inhabits coastal savannas, open forests, and forest edges across the territory. French Guiana's high forest cover and low human population density provide relatively stable conditions for the species. The coastal savannas near Cayenne and the interior lowlands are among the areas where the species has been documented in recent years.
Armadillo
Dasypodidae spp.
French Guiana is home to several armadillo species, including the nine banded armadillo, the giant armadillo, and the greater long nosed armadillo, distributed across the country's largely intact Amazonian forest. The giant armadillo inhabits lowland tropical forest and depends on large termite and ant colonies for food. French Guiana's high forest cover and relatively low human population density provide some of the best-preserved armadillo habitat in the Guiana Shield region. The species faces limited hunting pressure here compared to other parts of South America.
Jaguar
Panthera onca
French Guiana is almost entirely covered by rainforest, and its jaguars live in one of the largest intact forest blocks left in South America. The Guiana Amazonian Park, the largest national park in the European Union, protects a big part of their range in the south. Jaguars also hunt along rivers and in the coastal marshes, where they take caimans and other prey near the water. Gold mining in the interior is the main pressure on their habitat. IUCN status: Near Threatened.
Tapir
Tapirus spp.
The South American tapir lives throughout the forests of French Guiana, from the coastal lowlands to the remote interior, and it is often found near rivers and swamps, where it feeds and cools off in the water. With close to 99 percent of the territory under forest, tapirs have plenty of space, but they breed slowly and are sensitive to hunting, which is regulated in the territory. Gold mining camps along the rivers are a growing threat to their habitat. IUCN status: Vulnerable.
Brocket Deer
Mazama spp.
French Guiana's largely intact Amazonian rainforest provides some of the most secure habitat for brocket deer in South America. The red brocket is the dominant species, roaming through dense primary forest and along forest edges near rivers. With over 90 percent of the territory covered by forest, and much of it under protection, brocket deer face relatively lower pressure here than elsewhere. Subsistence hunting by local communities remains a factor to monitor.
Jaguarundi
Herpailurus yagouaroundi
French Guiana's vast and largely undisturbed Amazonian rainforest gives the jaguarundi ample territory in which to live. Much of the country is covered by protected forest, including the Guiana Amazonian Park, one of the largest national parks in the world. The jaguarundi is present here but, like many forest cats, is rarely observed directly. It hunts small birds, mammals, and reptiles along forest edges and in more open areas within the jungle.
Margay
Leopardus wiedii
French Guiana's vast and largely intact Amazonian rainforest makes it one of the more secure strongholds for the margay in South America. With over 90 percent of the territory covered by forest, this small spotted cat has access to continuous canopy across much of the country. Hunting pressure and gold mining activity in interior forests pose localized threats. The IUCN lists the margay as Near Threatened, though French Guiana's forest integrity supports relatively stable populations.
Iguana
Iguana iguana
The green iguana is native to French Guiana, found along the Oyapock, Maroni and other rivers that run through the tropical interior. It is a familiar sight in coastal vegetation and along forested waterways, basking on overhanging branches and diving into the water when disturbed. The species plays a role as a seed disperser and is a regular part of the wildlife landscape across the country's lowland forests.
Sea Turtle
Cheloniidae & Dermochelyidae (families)
French Guiana hosts one of the most important leatherback sea turtle nesting sites in the world. Awala-Yalimapo beach, within the Guiana Amazonian Park, sees thousands of leatherback females arrive between March and July, making it one of the top three leatherback nesting beaches globally. Olive ridley and green turtles also nest along the coast. The site is strictly protected and monitored, and local Amerindian communities have been involved in conservation efforts for decades.
Anaconda
Eunectes murinus
The green anaconda is present throughout French Guiana, inhabiting swamps, flooded forests, and slow rivers across the territory. French Guiana retains one of the highest rates of forest cover in South America, providing relatively intact habitat for the species. The anaconda shares these waterways with caimans, giant river otters, and a rich variety of fish that form the base of its diet.
Caiman
Caiman spp.
French Guiana's tropical rivers and flooded forests are home to the spectacled caiman and the black caiman. The Maroni and Oyapock rivers, which border Suriname and Brazil respectively, are among the most important habitats for these species. As an overseas territory of France, French Guiana applies European Union environmental regulations, offering caimans a degree of legal protection not always available elsewhere in the region. Populations here appear stable.
Lancehead
Bothrops spp.
French Guiana's vast Amazonian rainforest is prime habitat for lanceheads, particularly Bothrops atrox. These snakes shelter beneath fallen leaves and roots along rivers and forest trails, where humidity stays high year round. They are a genuine concern for fieldworkers and hikers in remote areas. Their role as predators of small mammals and frogs helps maintain the ecological balance of these rich tropical forests.
Boa Constrictor
Boa constrictor
In French Guiana, the boa constrictor is part of the rich reptile fauna of the Guiana Shield, inhabiting the dense humid rainforests that cover most of the territory. It is encountered along forest edges, riverbanks, and in clearings near human settlements. The species is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. The relatively low level of deforestation in French Guiana means local populations remain comparatively stable.
Barn Owl
Tyto alba
The barn owl is present in French Guiana mainly in open farmland, coastal savanna, and areas near human settlements along the coast and in the interior lowlands. It is far less common in the vast tropical rainforest that covers most of the territory, where suitable open hunting habitat is scarce. It nests in old buildings and hollow trees and hunts rodents at night. Its presence is concentrated in the more settled and agricultural coastal strip between Cayenne and Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni.
Scarlet Ibis
Eudocimus ruber
French Guiana's largely undisturbed coastline, lined with extensive mangrove forests, provides excellent habitat for the Scarlet Ibis. The bird is a regular presence along the estuaries and mudflats of this French overseas territory. Its diet of crabs and other crustaceans, abundant in these coastal shallows, fuels the vivid red plumage that makes it one of the most recognizable birds of the Guiana coast.
Scarlet Macaw
Ara macao
French Guiana's vast and largely intact Amazonian rainforest provides excellent habitat for the scarlet macaw. The species is found throughout the country's interior lowlands, nesting in large trees and visiting clay licks along the region's many rivers. Human pressure on the forest remains relatively low compared to neighboring countries, giving local populations room to thrive. The IUCN lists the scarlet macaw as Least Concern.
Peregrine Falcon
Falco peregrinus
The peregrine falcon occurs in French Guiana as a migratory visitor, passing through the northeastern coast of South America during the northern winter. It has been recorded along the Atlantic coastline and over the forest canopy, hunting shorebirds and smaller birds on the move. The vast Amazon basin forest and coastal wetlands provide temporary foraging habitat during its long migration. Its IUCN status is Least Concern.
Harpy Eagle
Harpia harpyja
French Guiana's vast and largely undisturbed rainforest makes it one of the strongholds for the harpy eagle in the Guiana Shield. The territory has very low human population density outside of its coastal zone, which means large tracts of interior forest remain intact. This Vulnerable raptor has been recorded in several areas, and the relatively low deforestation rate here gives scientists reason for cautious optimism.
Southern Lapwing
Vanellus chilensis
The southern lapwing occurs in the coastal savannas and open grasslands of French Guiana, particularly around Cayenne and the agricultural lowlands near the coast. It is not as abundant here as it is further south, but small populations are well established. The bird favors short-grass areas near wetlands and is often heard before it is seen. Its IUCN status is Least Concern.
Toucan
Ramphastos spp.
French Guiana's vast, largely untouched rainforest makes it one of the finest places in South America to encounter toucans. Species such as the channel-billed toucan move through the canopy in small, vocal groups, feeding on fruit and occasionally raiding other birds' nests. The Guiana Shield forests here remain dense and rich in biodiversity, giving toucans plenty of food and nesting cavities. IUCN status: Least Concern.
Southern Caracara
Caracara plancus
In French Guiana the southern caracara lives in the open areas along the coast, such as savannas, grasslands and farmland. Most of the territory is covered by thick rainforest, which this bird avoids, so it is mostly seen in the coastal strip and around cleared land near towns and farms. Carrion and insects are easier to find there. It is not one of the most common birds of prey here, but it is seen regularly in open country.
Lesser Kiskadee
Philohydor lictor
Along the coastal rivers, marshes, and interior waterways of French Guiana, the lesser kiskadee is a regular presence. It perches just above the water on low branches or stumps, watching for insects before making quick flights to catch them on leaves or at the surface. The largely forested and well watered landscape of French Guiana provides ideal habitat, and the species is considered common throughout the territory. IUCN status: Least Concern.
Humpback Whale
Megaptera novaeangliae
The Atlantic waters off French Guiana lie within a migration corridor used by humpback whales travelling between their feeding grounds near Antarctica and breeding areas in the Caribbean. These whales can reach 16 metres in length and are known for the haunting songs of males, which carry vast distances underwater. The humpback's recovery since the ban on commercial whaling is considered a major conservation achievement. The IUCN lists it as Least Concern.
Manatee
Trichechus manatus
West Indian manatees have been recorded in the rivers and coastal wetlands of French Guiana, including areas near the Maroni and Oyapock rivers along the country's borders. The warm, vegetation-rich waters of these river mouths provide suitable habitat. This population is poorly documented and considered small. As in neighboring countries, fishing gear entanglement and habitat disturbance are the main concerns. The species holds Vulnerable status on the IUCN Red List.
Bottlenose Dolphin
Tursiops truncatus
Bottlenose dolphins inhabit the coastal and estuarine waters of French Guiana, where rivers carrying sediment from the Amazon basin create turbid, food-rich environments. They are often seen near river mouths and in the shallow waters of the continental shelf. The species shares these productive habitats with other dolphin species. Research on cetaceans in this part of the South American coast remains limited. The IUCN lists the species as Least Concern.
Tiger Shark
Galeocerdo cuvier
The Atlantic coast of French Guiana, shaped by sediment from the Amazon basin and freshwater outflows from rivers like the Maroni, forms a unique coastal habitat where tiger sharks have been recorded. These murky, productive waters attract a variety of fish and other prey. As a French overseas territory, French Guiana falls under European conservation frameworks, though fishing pressure in the wider region remains a concern for the Near Threatened tiger shark.
Bull Shark
Carcharhinus leucas
The warm, shallow coastal waters and river estuaries of French Guiana provide suitable habitat for bull sharks along South America's northeastern Atlantic coast. Rivers such as the Maroni and Oyapock carry large volumes of freshwater and sediment into the sea, creating the turbid inshore conditions that bull sharks favor. The species is listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN, and fishing pressure across the Guiana coast poses an ongoing concern.
Frequently Asked Questions
What animals live in French Guiana?
French Guiana's animals include cougars, ocelots, margays, jaguarundis, anteaters, armadillos, opossums, spider monkeys, brocket deer and white tailed deer. Its birds include harpy eagles, scarlet macaws, toucans, scarlet ibises, caracaras, barn owls and peregrine falcons. Its reptiles include caimans, anacondas, boa constrictors, iguanas, lanceheads and sea turtles, including the leatherback, which nests on its beaches. Along the coast live manatees, bottlenose dolphins, humpback whales, bull sharks and tiger sharks.
What is the national animal of French Guiana?
French Guiana is an overseas department of France, so it has no national animal of its own, but the brocket deer is often used as a symbol of its forests. It is a small reddish deer with short straight antlers and a rounded back, built to move through dense undergrowth. It lives alone, feeds on leaves and fallen fruit at dawn and dusk, and is so shy that it is usually detected by its tracks. The scarlet ibis and the leatherback turtle are the other animals most associated with the territory.
Where can you see leatherback turtles in French Guiana?
The beach at Awala-Yalimapo, in the far west of French Guiana, is one of the most important leatherback nesting sites in the world. Females come ashore at night, mainly from April to July with a peak in May and June, to dig their nests in the sand. The leatherback is the largest sea turtle on Earth: it can measure two meters and weigh more than 500 kilograms. Green turtles nest on the same beach, and turtles also nest at Rémire-Montjoly, near Cayenne. Visitors watch them at night with local guides.
What animals live in the French Guiana rainforest?
Rainforest covers close to 99 percent of French Guiana, and the Guiana Amazonian Park, the largest national park in the European Union, protects 41 percent of the territory. Cougars, ocelots, margays and jaguarundis hunt there, and anteaters, armadillos, brocket deer and white tailed deer move along the forest floor. Spider monkeys travel through the canopy, where harpy eagles hunt monkeys and other prey among the branches, and scarlet macaws and toucans are common in the treetops. Most of this forest has no roads and is reached only by river.
Are there dangerous animals in French Guiana?
The main risk in French Guiana is venomous snakes, above all lanceheads, called grage, which cause most snakebites, usually among people working in the forest or in mining camps far from a hospital. Cougars live across the territory but avoid people, and attacks are extremely rare. Caimans rest in the channels of the Kaw marshes, and anacondas and boa constrictors hunt in the swamps; neither is venomous and both are rarely a threat if left alone. Bull sharks and tiger sharks swim off the coast, but incidents are very uncommon.
Researched and written by Juan Pablo. Sources: IUCN Red List, scientific literature and regional field guides. Last updated: .