The rainforest is home to some of the most incredible species on Earth. A variety of unusual wildlife and exotic species fascinate scientists and nature enthusiasts alike. Here are 18 of the most extraordinary creatures that live in the rainforest.
The Aye-Aye
The unique-looking aye-aye has many distinctive features, including large eyes, bat-like ears, and a long, thin middle finger. From Madagascar, these rare animals use echolocation to find their food. According to National Geographic, “many people native to Madagascar consider the aye-aye an omen of ill luck.”
Glass Frog
Glass frogs are peculiar creatures whose name comes from their translucent skin, which reveals their internal organs. These see-through amphibians are mainly found in Central and South American rainforests and are known for their unique reproductive behavior, in which the male guards the eggs.
Electric Eel
Able to produce up to 600 volts of electricity, the electric eel is pretty scary! Electric eels live in the murky waters of the Amazon Basin, and they use their powerful generation of energy to shock and stun their prey, as well as for self-defense.
Okapi
The okapi, also known as the forest giraffe, looks like a cross between a giraffe and a zebra, with its long neck and stripes! Native to the dense rainforests of the Democratic Republic of Congo, these animals use their long tongues to strip leaves from trees.
Harpy Eagle
One of the largest and most powerful eagles in the world, the harpy eagle preys on monkeys and sloths high up in trees. The WWF says that the harpy eagle “is considered by many Brazilian indigenous tribes as the personification of tribal chiefs, a symbol of eagerness and prowess.”
Vampire Bat
The vampire bat is the Count Dracula of animals! It feeds exclusively on the blood of other animals and has heat sensors that help it locate blood vessels near the surface. This spooky bat is found in the rainforests of Central and South America.
Blue Morpho Butterfly
The beauty of the blue morpho butterfly is striking! They live across the tropical rainforests of South and Central America. Known for its iridescent blue wings, these butterflies use their bright color to startle predators and blend into the sky.
Poison Dart Frog
Poison dart frogs might look pretty, but they pack a punch! To other animals, the poison dart frog’s vibrant colors are more scary than beautiful, as they warn predators of its toxicity. Indigenous people use the frog’s poison for hunting darts.
Leaf-cutter Ant
Science Direct informs us that “leaf-cutter ants belonging to the genus Atta are important ecosystem engineers.” These tiny farmers cultivate fungus by cutting and carrying leaves back to their nests and play a crucial role in the rainforest’s decomposition process.
Potoo Bird
Found throughout Central and South American rainforests, the potoo bird is an odd-looking creature. It is famous for its incredible ability to camouflage with branches and its haunting call. So, while it may be difficult to see these birds, you’ll definitely be able to hear them!
Pink Dolphin
The pink dolphin, also known as the boto, lives in the freshwater rivers of the Amazon Basin. It is similar to other dolphins in many ways, including being highly intelligent and social animals; however, it is pink!
Basilisk Lizard
You might have heard of basilisks from myths or Harry Potter, but the basilisk lizard is nowhere near as scary! Found near rivers and streams, basilisk lizards are great swimmers and climbers and are also capable of running on water to escape predators.
Sloth
Sloths spend most of their lives hanging upside down in trees, and “on average, a sloth will fall out of a tree once a week for its entire life”, says the BBC. These mammals also have a slow metabolism and move at a leisurely pace. Don’t we all?
Capybara
The world’s largest rodent, the capybara, is native to the rainforests and wetlands of South America. These animals live in large groups and are known to be very social. The capybara is also semi-aquatic and is often found near bodies of water.
Tarsier
The tarsier is known for its strange, enormous eyes and its incredible ability to leap about! These nocturnal residents of Southeast Asian rainforests eat mainly insects. Interestingly, these creatures also communicate with high-pitched sounds and ultrasound.
Maned Wolf
You might find the maned wolf in the grasslands and scrub forests bordering the Amazon rainforest. This creature looks a bit like a fox on stilts, with its signature red coat and long legs. It has an omnivorous diet that includes fruits, vegetables, and small mammals.
Goliath Bird-Eating Spider
If you don’t like spiders, you definitely don’t want to come face-to-face with this one! The goliath bird-eating spider is one of the largest spiders in the world, capable of making small birds their prey. They use their powerful venom to hunt insects and small animals.
Kinkajou
Found in the rainforests of South and Central America, kinkajous are nocturnal mammals with tails that can grasp things. These creatures love fruit, especially figs, and have extremely long tongues that are specifically designed to extract honey from beehives.
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