Jeff's Photos of Mammals, Reptiles, & a few Fish in Brazil

One of the coolest animals on the planet, Giant Anteaters are found in parts of Central and South America and feed mostly on ants and termites.

We watched this one cruise from termite mound to terminte mound. Their strategy is to dig into a mound, lap up as many termites as they can as quickly as possible, and then move on once the termite colony mobilizes enough soldiers to attack and bite the anteater.

We came across this anteater in a small tree as the sun was setting.

We were fortunate to have 20 sightings of 12 different Jaguars. Each Jaguar has been given a name by the Jaguar Identificiation Project.

One of the most endangered mammals in the western hemisphere, Giant Otters live in rivers in central and northern South America.

Each individual otter can be identified by the unique pattern of its throat.

Giant Otters are apex predators with no significant "enemies" other than humans. They primarily eat fish.

Colloquially known as River Wolves they work together in packs and will defend their territories agains all invaders including Jaguars!

iPhone photo. Sugarloaf Moutain in Rio is the only place we saw these interesting primates.

Endemic to the Atlantic forests of southeastern Brazil and northeastern Argentina, this monkey is also known as the Black-horned Capuchin and was formerly considered a subspecies of Tufted Capuchin (Sapajus apella).

Previously classified by scientists as Cebus nigritus.

Also known as Hooded Capuchin or Paraguayan Capuchin

Azara's Capuchins, at least in the Pantanal where we were, were fairly shy and retreated to, or remained in, the distance when we encountered.

Distant troop under the trees

This species of howler monkey occurs only in central South America.

Not commonly seen on the ground, we were fortunate to watch this family group quickly scamper across the road.

Females are quite golden colored, hence the alternate common name of Black-and-gold Howler.

Capybaras are the largest rodent in the world.

Thanks to various viral videos and marketing schemes, Capybaras have become one of the most popular "cute" animals across the globe.

We ended up seeing many, and they definitely lived up to their newfound reputation with their cuteness.

This individual emerged from the marsh with his camouflage and a Cattle Tyrant standing guard.

"Hey Frank."
"Hey Bill."

Endemic to the east coast of Brazil, the species was introduced to the island of Fernando de Noronha where they live in social groups in large rock formations along the coast.

Grainy nighttime photo with no flash, Canon R5m2 f/8 1/200 ISO 51200, RF100-500

iPhone photo

iPhone photo

Also known as Paraguayan Caiman, Piranha Caiman, Red Caiman, and Southern Spectacled Caiman, these crocodilians are primarily fish eaters and are not significantly dangerous to humans, at least in the Pantal region.

iPhone photo

GoPro video screenshot

GoPro video screenshot

GoPro video screenshot

GoPro video screenshot

GoPro video screenshot

GoPro video screenshot

GoPro video screenshot

With a Tilapia photobombing

Endemic to this single island east of mainland Brazil in the Atlantic Ocean.

My tegu identifications are based mostly in iNat suggestion. Please let me know if any of these need changing.

This individual was on the beach at the tide line as if s/he just surfed in!

Unfortunately, they are not native to this island.

This is all we saw of the animal. Still, very cool!

iPhone photo

iPhone photo in tidepool

GoPro video screenshot

Adult males can become quite blue. GoPro video screenshot

GoPro video screenshot

GoPro video screenshot

GoPro video screenshot

GoPro video screenshot

GoPro video screenshot

GoPro video screenshot

GoPro video screenshot