Fish
Nurse Shark
The docile reef bottom-dweller
Animals in Peru
Peru's Andes and Amazon hold spectacled bears, jaguars, macaws, and the world's highest navigable lake wildlife.
18 species in our guide are native to Peru.
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Mammal
Guinea Pig
The gentle social rodent from the Andes
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Mammal
Jaguar
The Americas' largest and most powerful cat
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Mammal
Chinchilla
The soft-furred rodent of the Andes
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Mammal
Spectacled Bear
The only bear native to South America
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Reptile
Spectacled Caiman
The common crocodilian of the Americas
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Mammal
Llama
The Andean pack animal and flock guardian
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Mammal
Alpaca
The Andean fleece specialist
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Amphibian
Poison Dart Frog
Tiny, brilliantly colored, and among the most toxic animals alive
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Mammal
Capybara
The world's largest rodent
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Mammal
Cougar
The wide-ranging big cat with many names
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Fish
Red-bellied Piranha
The sharp-toothed fish of the Amazon
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Reptile
Green Anaconda
The heaviest snake in the world
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Fish
Bull Shark
The shark that swims into freshwater
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Fish
Electric Eel
The fish that generates powerful electric shocks
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Bird
Scarlet Macaw
The brilliant red parrot of the rainforest
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Mammal
Uakari
The crimson-faced monkey of the flooded Amazon
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Fish
X-ray Tetra
The see-through fish of the Amazon
FAQs about animals in Peru
What animals are native to Peru?
Peru is home to 18 species in our guide, including Nurse Shark, Guinea Pig, Jaguar, Chinchilla, Spectacled Bear, and more. Each profile covers habitat, diet, and conservation status.
Where can I learn about wildlife in Peru?
Browse the species below for answer-first guides with range maps, FAQs, and comparison pages. For broader context, see our Animals of South America region page.
Are any animals in Peru endangered?
Several species native to Peru are listed as Vulnerable, Endangered, or Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Check individual profiles for current status and how to help.