Guatemala : flora and fauna |
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Guatemala is a small country which is home to 19 different ecosystems, ranging from the mangrove forests on both Pacific and Caribbean coasts to the pine forests of the mountainous interior, to the cloud forests at higher altitudes and to the sub tropical jungle at lower altitudes. These ecosystems include 250 species of mammals, 600 species of birds and 200 species of reptiles and amphibians, many species of butterflies and other insects... and more than 8,000 species of plants !
Here are some examples of this diversity.
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Terciopelo, fer-de-lance, barba amarilla (Guatemala), yellow-jaw tommygoff (Belize). The name fer-de-lance is commonly used in North America to refer to this species, as well as to B. atrox, despite the fact that the name has no legitimate origin and is not used in countries inhabited by this species.
The name terciopelo means velvet in Spanish.
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| It chiefly inhabits tropical rainforest and evergreen forest, but it also occurs in dryer areas of tropical deciduous forest, thorn forest and pine savannah near lakes, rivers and streams. |
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This species is mostly nocturnal, hiding in leaf litter or among roots during the day. They can strike from a coiled or uncoiled position. They usually flee from danger, but may turn abruptly and strike. During a strike, they may aim to the side of their target and quickly bring their head around to bite from behind. |
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They eat small animals; a study in Brazil found frogs, mammals, lizards, snakes, centipedes, and birds, in decreasing order. |
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| Parts of this text are from Wkipedia |
