BRAZILIAN AND PERUVIAN AMAZONIAN WILDLIFE

Drawing for the Planet's ongoing Brazilian and Peruvian Amazonian Wildlife project in partnership with medical relief charity Global First Responder celebrates the diverse and vibrant wildlife of the Amazon. Through drawings by children, the project raises awareness of the region’s many threatened species.

Led by artist and Drawing for the Planet founder Jane Lee McCracken, children from Brazil, Peru and the UK are invited to learn about Amazonian wildlife and create ballpoint pen drawings in workshops run by Jane and Global First Responder volunteers. Over 330 children and adults have participated in the project.

Scroll down to view the following sections:

• The Project
• The Artworks
• The Amazon
• The Wildlife
• The Artists
• Kirsten Rogers Interview
• Project Partners

Drawing for the Planet would like to thank Zeda, Lea, Sterling and Lottie Stone for generously gifting sponsorship of this project to the Lessard and Rohani families, California.  

THE PROJECT

Image: Scarlet macaws flying over the Amazon rainforest

OVERVIEW

The project was created in 2025 in conjunction with Global First Responder's missions to the Brazilian and Peruvian Amazon, where its volunteers, including doctors, nurses and dentists, provided medical treatment to local communities.

Global First Responder volunteers took Drawing for the Planet's drawing kits to give children the opportunity to make drawings of local species while they waited in queues for treatment.

The kits had to be light to carry. They consisted of a project flyer featuring a selection of images of wildlife with environmental information on the back and eco-friendly ballpoint pens and eco-friendly colour pencils. 

Many of the children who participated had never drawn before.

 

BRAZIL MISSION

Image: Riverboat dental clinic, Brazil

Global First Responder is an entirely volunteer-run medical relief organisation. Volunteers apply from across the world and offer their skills, time and dedication to work in challenging environments. They are often required to adapt to roles outside of the normal medical field.

In March 2025, one of Drawing for the Planet's directors, Dr Kirsten Rogers, a British dentist, volunteered on Global First Responder's Brazil mission. The mission consisted of a thirteen-strong team, mostly doctors and dentists. 

Images: Kirsten Rogers providing dental treatment in a village and on the riverboat, Brazil

The team arrived in Manaus, the Amazon's largest city and joined the Amor Beatriz riverboat a hundred miles to the west. The volunteers visited five villages along the Amazon and its tributaries. They set up clinics onboard the boat, in village halls and in a hut deep in the Amazon rainforest—where they found a tarantula resting on a beam! Around a thousand people received medical treatment and advice during the week-long mission.

Kirsten directed volunteers to run the drawing workshops. The volunteers also created drawings for the project. Scroll down to read the full story of the trip and see more images from the Amazon in Kirsten Rogers Interview. 

Image: Sports hall drawing workshop, Brazil

Over 100 children and 20 adults from Brazil created drawings. To view photos of the Brazilian artists, scroll down to The Artists.

 

PERU MISSION

Image: Community centre drawing workshop, Peru

In January 2025, Global First Responder volunteers visited Iquitos, Peru, to travelling by boat to provide medical and dental care and health education to small communities along the waterways. 

Novelist and Global First Responder volunteer Janie Croucher ran Drawing for the Planet's drawing workshops to local children while they waited for medical treatment. 

Although Global First Responder clinics are extremely busy, the volunteers managed to take photographs of many of the children with their drawings.

Image: Girl looking in wonder at her friends drawing of a red-and-green macaw, Peru

Around 45 children from Peru participated in the project. Scroll down to view photos of the Peruvian artists in The Artists.

 

UK WORKSHOPS

Image: Jane, far right, and King Edward VI School teachers with their drawings

Beginning in May 2025, Jane began delivering environmental education and drawing workshops in UK schools, providing British children and teachers with the opportunity to take part in the project and learn about Amazonian wildlife and make drawings. 

As part of the project Jane is creating montages of the children’s drawings for each UK school. Scroll down to The Artworks. 

To learn about some of the magical species that inhabit the Amazon, as illustrated in the UK children's drawings, scroll down to The Wildlife.

 

THE ARTWORKS

Brazilian and Peruvian Amazonian Wildlife montages created by Jane feature drawings of Brazil and Peru's dazzling wildlife by participating children from the UK. A selection of the drawings illustrate species information in The Wildlife section—scroll down to learn about many of the animals children and adults championed through their beautiful drawings. 

 

KING EDWARD VI SCHOOL

Jane delivered workshops for 33 Year 9 students at King Edward VI School, Morpeth, as part of the school's Enrichment Week. Staff also created drawings.

 

NEWMINSTER MIDDLE SCHOOL

Workshops for 124 Year 6 children at Newminster Middle School, Morpeth, were run as part of the school's Health and Wellbeing Day. Staff also created drawings.

 

THE LINK SCHOOL

Around 20 Years 1-6 children from The Link School, Sunderland attended workshops. Staff also created drawings.

THE AMAZON

Image: Ucayali Bald-headed Uacari (Vulnerable, IUCN Red List)

Home to around 10% of all known species on Earth, the Amazon is the largest tropical rainforest in the world. From the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Andes in the west, its vast forests span 6.7 million kilometres across Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana.

Within the Amazon's dense tropical forests live a myriad of spectacular species. The 450 mammal species include, the Ucayali bald-headed uacari and six species of sloth including the brown-throated sloth. The 1300 species of birds include the iconic hoatzin. The 2.5million species of insects include the peanut-headed lanternfly. And new species are still being discovered, with hundreds discovered in the last 10 years.

Image: Brown-throated Sloth (Least Concern, IUCN Red List)

The Amazon River is 6,400 kilometres long, with over 1,100 tributaries. It is inhabited by 3,000 species of fish—as well as the Amazon river dolphin, also known as the pink river dolphin, and the tucuxi dolphin, both of which are listed as endangered.

Renowned for its vividly coloured frogs, such as the red-backed poison frog, the Amazon is a haven for over 400 species of amphibians. Among the 378 species of reptile are such remarkable species as the rainbow boa and parrot snake.

Image: Red-backed Poison Frog (Least Concern, IUCN Red List)

The Amazon's superstar species—the largest cat in South America and the third largest on Earth—is the magnificent jaguar. Represented in paintings, sculptures and pottery, the jaguar was revered as a deity by ancient Mesoamerican cultures, including the Mayans and the Aztecs.

In the 1960s the jaguar was ruthlessly hunted for its fur, with its sought-after ‘rosette’ markings. Around 15,000 pelts were sold every year until the trade was banned in the 1970s. The fur trade contributed to the decline in jaguar populations which have still not fully recovered. The jaguar is listed as 'near threatened' on the Red List of the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature). It is still hunted for body parts used in traditional medicine in South America and Asia.

Image: Jaguar (Near Threatened, IUCN Red List)

Over 40,000 species of plants including many medicinal plants grow in the Amazon. The region is vital to global climate regulation, and contributes to global oxygen production and helping us breathe.

But the Amazon is in trouble. Human activity, including deforestation for agriculture and mining, illegal logging, forest fires, climate change, pollution, hunting and poaching are major threats to the green heart of Earth and its inhabitants. Over 10,000 species at risk of extinction.

HOW YOU CAN HELP PROTECT THE AMAZON

Here is a list of 8 simple actions you can take to protect the Amazon and its wildlife:

1. Eat responsibly: check food labels for Rainforest Alliance certified food including chocolate and coffee; eat locally produced food; eat less red meat and a more plant-based diet (Brazil is the no.1 exporter of beef requiring vast areas of land for cattle farming) 
2. Reduce paper and wood consumption: choose recycled paper and wood products (logging companies cut down forest in the Amazon for paper and wood products); use both sides of paper and avoid disposable paper products; recycle and reuse. 
3. Save energy: drive less—walk, cycle and use public transport.
4. Travel responsibly: use sustainable tourist companies; research threats to local wildlife so you can avoid purchasing goods that harm wildlife; help support local community eco-activities and continue to support when you return; don’t get too close to wildlife—respect it and enjoy it from a distance; say NO to activities like swimming with Amazon river dolphins—it can cause health risks and stress to dolphins.
5. Learn about the Amazon: learning more about the Amazon's wildlife is not only exciting; it also helps us appreciate the beauty and importance of each species in its ecosystem, why it is threatened and ways we can take positive action to help. Humans need wildlife for our survival. It is also for our own benefit that wildlife should be protected.
   
6. Fundraise: organise an art-sale of children’s wildlife drawings, or bake-sale, or sponsored walk, to raise funds to donate to reputable rainforest conservation organisations that believe in keeping wildlife in the wild where it belongs.
7. Report animal abuse:  take action when you see abuse on social media or on your travels: wild animals kept captive in small cages or used as entertainment; monkeys and other wild animals dressed in human clothes—this is not okay or cute. Wild animals deserve dignity and respect, and can suffer significant stress in captivity or when handled. Report images/incidents of wild animal abuse to Born Free's Raise the Red Flag campaign here.
8. Tell others: telling others what you have learned can inspire them to get involved in the conservation of wildlife and the environment. Other effective ways you can raise awareness: share conservation organisations posts; sign petitions and share them; start an environment club. 

 

THE WILDLIFE

Image: Black Squirrel Monkey (Endangered, IUCN Red List)

Each of the 124 species featured from Brazil and Peru—beautifully illustrated in drawings by children and adults from the UK—plays a vital role in its ecosystem. Like humans, they live their lives according to their needs. Imagine what their eyes have seen in the rainforests of the Amazon.

Many of these remarkable animals are threatened with extinction. It is up to all of us to protect and cherish them. Learn more about each species with information provided by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and other sources:

MAMMALS

PIED TAMARIN

Extant: Brazil
Drawing: Georgia, Year 6, Newminster Middle School

One Earth/Pied Tamarin:

"Only in and around the Amazonian city of Manaus can be found a monkey with massive ears that resemble the “Bat-Signal.” While the pied tamarin may be modest in size and range, they “come to the rescue” in their ecosystem, eating pests and dispersing seeds...Rather than hands with nails, pied tamarins have specialized claws that are well-adapted for latching onto branches and bark as they roam the rainforest. They also aid in extracting gums and saps from trees..." Read the complete description: oneearth.org/species-of-the-week-pied-tamarin

 

WHITE-WHISKERED SPIDER MONKEY

Extant: Brazil
Drawing: Olivia, Year 6, Newminster Middle School

IUCN Red List/White-whiskered Spider Monkey:

[The white-whiskered spider monkey] is endemic to the Brazilian Amazon, occurring between the Rio Tapajós (right bank) and its tributary, the Rio Teles Pires (right bank) and the Rio Xingu (left bank), south of the Rio Amazonas. This is the least known of the Amazonian spider monkeys...This species occurs in primary lowland rain forest. Spider monkeys travel and forage in the upper levels of the forest. They spend much time in the canopy and also use the middle and lower strata but are rarely seen in the understorey. In accordance with their use of the highest levels of the forest, they are highly suspensory. When travelling they spend more time hanging from branches, moving by brachiation and arm swinging, and climbing than they do walking or running on all fours...Spider monkeys live in groups of up to 20-30 individuals. However, they are very rarely all seen together, and nearly always to be found travelling, feeding and resting small in groups of varying size and composition (most usually 2-4), the only persistent association being that of a mother and her offspring..." Read the complete description: iucnredlist.org/species/2282/191689524

 

BLACK BEARDED SAKI

Extant: Brazil
Drawings: Deacon, Year 4, The Link School, Sunderland; Thomas and Anonymous, Year 6, Newminster Middle School

IUCN Red List/Black Bearded Saki:

"[The black bearded saki] is endemic to Brazil, and is present exclusively in the states of Maranhão and Pará, where it is resident and native...The eastern and southern boundaries of the original distribution area have retreated, and the occurrence of the species area is completely fragmented, coinciding with one of the most disturbed areas of the Brazilian Amazon”. Global Forest Watch data suggest that, should forest loss continue at the same rate that has impacted the previous generation (2009-2018), 30% or more of this species’ suitable habitat is likely to be lost by the year 2048...Like other species of the genus Chiropotes, black cuxiús are predominantly frugivores and seed predators, but may occasionally consume flowers and arthropods. They prefer upland forests and are most often in the middle strata and higher. They form large groups, with about 40 individuals primarily in high tropical rain forest land in the Amazon eastern plains and mangroves, but they are also adept at surviving in small secondary forest fragments..." Read the complete description: iucnredlist.org/species/39956/191704509

 

SCHNEIDER'S MARMOSET

Extant: Brazil
Drawing: Ella, Year 9, King Edward VI School

IUCN Red List: Schneider's Marmoset:

"[Schneider's Marmoset] is endemic to the Amazonian forests within the arc of deforestation, Mato Grosso State, Brazil, and the species' range is limited by the Juruena River to the west and by the Teles Pires River to the east, proceeding north to their confluence..." (This species was discovered in 2021) Read the complete description: iucnredlist.org/species/210363264/222945240

 

BLACK SQUIRREL MONKEY

Extant: Brazil
Drawings: Lily, Year 9, King Edward VI School; Connor, Year 3, The Link School, Sunderland

IUCN Red List/Black Squirrel Monkey:

"This species is highly endemic, occurring exclusively in flooded forests, mostly limited to the Mamirauá Sustainable Development Reserve. It probably has the smallest geographic distribution of any known Neotropical primate, with an area of occupancy of only 870 km²...Typically, this species prefers seasonally inundated forests, river edge forests, floodplain forests and secondary forests. The monkeys use all levels of the forest, but forage and travel mainly in the lower canopy and understory. Locomotion involves predominantly quadrupedal walking and running. Squirrel monkeys are small frugivorous-insectivores. They spend most of their time (60%) travelling and foraging for insects and fruit... Saimiri groups are multi-male-multi-female and can be large, up to 100 animals (larger groups are believed to be temporary and may be mergers of two smaller groups) but most frequently are of 20–75 individuals..." Read the complete description: iucnredlist.org/species/19839/17940474 

 

GIANT OTTER

Extant: Bolivia, Plurinational States of; Brazil; Colombia; Ecuador; French Guiana; Guyana; Paraguay; Peru; Suriname; Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of
Drawings: Jess and Jacob T., Year 6, Newminster Middle School

World Land Trust/Giant Otter:

"The Giant Otter (sometimes called the Brazilian Otter) is the larger of the two subspecies of Giant Otter and is part of the mustelid (Weasel) family...Giant Otters have dark brown, water repellent fur, with white patches on the chest, neck and throat that are unique to each individual. They have short legs with webbed feet and a long powerful tail to propel them through the water. Giant Otters also have large eyes and long whiskers to help detect prey in the water, and nostrils and ears that close in the water...Giant Otters are highly social, living in family groups of between five and eight individuals and, sometimes up to 20...So far, nine vocalisations of the Giant Otter have been distinguished, including screams of excitement and coos made on close contact with family members..." Read the complete description: worldlandtrust.org/species/mammals/giant-brazilian-otter

 

WHITE BELLIED SPIDER MONKEY

Extant: Brazil (Amazonas, Roraima); Colombia (Colombia (mainland)); Ecuador (Ecuador (mainland)); Peru; Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of
Drawings: Jess and Anonymous, Year 6, Newminster Middle School

World Land Trust/White-bellied Spider Monkey:

The White-bellied or Long-haired Spider Monkey has a head and body length of 46-50 cm and a tail 74-81 cm long...The furless face is dark, with many individuals having a white or yellowish-brown triangular patch on the forehead...This social species lives high in the forest canopy in troops of 15-55 individuals. They have a home range between 150-400 ha (371-988 acres) and move through the forest through brachiation—using their arms to swing from tree to tree limb. Subgroups use loud calls to communicate with other subgroups, information such as their location as well as to proclaim their territory, with males calling more frequently than females...Although remaining common within protected areas, the White-bellied Spider Monkey population is declining due to habitat loss through deforestation as well as hunting for food and the local pet trade in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. The population is expected to decrease by at least 50% between 2005-2050..." Read the complete description: worldlandtrust.org/species/mammals/white-bellied-spider-monkey

 

BLACK SPIDER MONKEY

Extant: Bolivia, Plurinational States of; Brazil (Acre, Amazonas, Mato Grosso, Rondônia); Peru
Drawing: Esme, Year 6, Newminster Middle School

IUCN Red List/Black Spider Monkey:

"Black-faced Black Spider Monkey is found in the northern and central lowlands of Bolivia, western Brazil and north-eastern Peru...The Black-faced Black Spider Monkey is widespread and relatively common where not hunted for its meat...The population decline and local extinction of Ateles in most areas with human activity are the result of hunting pressure that is often associated with habitat destruction and degradation...Spider monkeys travel and forage in the upper levels of the forest. They spend most time in the upper canopy, sometimes using the middle and lower strata but are rarely seen in the understory. Due to the use of the highest levels of the forest, they spend more time hanging from branches, moving by brachiation, arm swinging, and climbing, than walking or running on all fours. They are highly frugivorous and feed largely on the mature, soft parts of a very wide variety of fruits...Spider monkeys live in large, territorial, multi-male/multi-female groups of 37-55 individuals. However, they are rarely seen together, and almost always found travelling, feeding and resting in subgroups of varying size and composition (usually 2-4 individuals)..." Read the complete description: iucnredlist.org/species/41547/191685783

 

RED-FACED BLACK SPIDER MONKEY

Extant: Brazil (Amapá, Pará, Roraima); French Guiana; Guyana; Suriname
Drawings: Aurora, Year 6, Newminster Middle School; Charlie, Year 3, The Link School, Sunderland

IUCN Red List/Red-faced Black Spider Monkey:

"[The red-faced black spider monkey] occurs north of the Rio Amazon, east of the Rios Negro and Branco. In Guyana, it is known from the far south and from the east of the River Essequibo, and east from there through Suriname and French Guiana, excluding the lowland coastal plains...[The red-faced black spider monkey] is very much a canopy species...When travelling they spend more time hanging from branches, moving by brachiation and arm swinging, and climbing than they do walking or running on all fours. [The red-faced black spider monkey], like all spider monkeys, is highly frugivorous and feeds largely on the mature, soft parts of a very wide variety of fruits, which comprise 83% of their diet and are found mainly (77% of its feeding time) in the emergent trees and upper part of the forest canopy..." Read the complete description: iucnredlist.org/species/2283/191691902

 

GIANT ANTEATER

Extant: Argentina; Bolivia, Plurinational States of; Brazil; Colombia; Ecuador; French Guiana; Guyana; Honduras; Nicaragua; Panama; Paraguay; Peru; Suriname; Venezuela Drawings: Mrs Thompson, King Edward VI School; Louie, Year 3, The Link School, Sunderland

World Land Trust/Giant Anteater:

"The Giant Anteater, as its name suggests, is the largest of the 4 species of anteaters...and can measure up to 240 cm in overall length. All anteaters are insectivorous and Giant Anteaters have a long tube-shaped nose, with a tiny mouth and a long, sticky tongue. They use their strong front claws to open termite hills and also for defence; when walking their claws are tucked under and they walk on their knuckles. They live in forests and open plains and are active by day and night depending on weather conditions. Male and females are alike in appearance; females give birth to a single young which may continue to ride around on its mother’s back for up to a year... Giant anteaters require large areas for their survival. They are found in a wide variety of habitats from tropical moist and dry forest to savanna habitats and open grasslands. However, all habitat types need to contain forested patches..." Read the complete description: worldlandtrust.org/species/mammals/giant-anteater

 

LOWLAND TAPIR

Extant: Argentina; Bolivia, Plurinational States of; Brazil; Columbia; Ecuador; French Guiana; Guyana; Paraguay; Peru; Suriname; Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of
Drawing: Mrs McMaha, Newminster Middle School

World Land Trust/Lowland Tapir:

"Belonging to the same family as rhinoceros, tapir are odd toed ungulates, with four toes at the front and three at the back...What sets them apart is their long nose. Tapirs have a fleshy, prehensile trunk, which can be used to grab leaves or act as a snorkel if they are swimming. Lowland Tapir (also known as Brazilian or South American Tapir) have a muscular crest on top of their head on which is a mane that stretches between their forehead and shoulders...All baby tapirs are dark brown with pale stripes and spots that provide good camouflage on the forest floor...All tapir instinctively attempt to escape predation by moving into water and Lowland Tapir are able to stay submerged in deep water long enough to make any predator clinging to its back, let go. Lowland Tapir are strong swimmers and may walk along the bottom of river beds to find food...These shy and mostly docile creatures are semi-nocturnal, meaning they are active at night in the wild. Tapirs make shrill whistles and clicks, shrieking to express pain and snorting to express irritation..." Read the complete description: worldlandtrust.org/species/mammals/lowland-tapir

 

GOELDI'S MONKEY

Extant: Bolivia, Plurinational States of; Brazil; Columbia; Peru
Drawing: Elizabeth, Year 9, King Edward VI School

IUCN Red List/Goeldi's Monkey:

"[Goeldi's Monkey] travels and forages with saddleback tamarins and moustached tamarins...They are understorey specialists spending 84% of their time foraging below 5 m above the ground..." Read the complete description: iucnredlist.org/species/3564/191700340

 

NANCY MA'S NIGHT MONKEY

 

Extant: Brazil; Columbia; Peru
Drawings: Nyumas, Year 6, Newminster Middle School; Andrew, Year 4, The Link School, Sunderland

IUCN Red List/Nancy Ma's Night Monkey:

"Nancy Ma’s Night Monkey is part of the red-necked group of night monkeys...They are found in flooded and un-flooded tropical forest. Night monkeys are generally nocturnal: they are most active at dawn and dusk. They are omnivorous; their diet includes fruit, nectar and flowers, leaves, and small animal prey such as insects...They are socially monogamous, with extensive male care of offspring, living in small groups of an adult pair and offspring of different ages (infant, one or two juveniles and sometimes a subadult)..." Read the complete description: iucnredlist.org/species/41540/115578713 

 

UCAYALI BALD-HEADED UACARI

Extant: Brazil; Peru
Drawings: Kyle, Year 9, King Edward VI School; Ollie and Luke, Year 6, Newminster Middle School

IUCN Red List/Ucayali Bald-headed Uacari:

"[The Ucalyali bald-headed uacari] is found mostly south of the Amazon River in Peru between the Ucayali and Yavarí Rivers...[It] occurs in a variety of habitats, including palm swamps (aguajal), flooded and unflooded forests of different altitudes. As with other bald uakaris, [it] is specialized in seed predation, with fruits and immature seeds making up the bulk of the diet..." Read the complete description: iucnredlist.org/species/3420/258887967

 

WHITE-LIPPED PECCARY

Extant: Argentina; Belize; Bolivia, Plurinational States of; Brazil; Peru; Colombia;Costa Rica; Ecuador; French Guiana; Guatemala; Guyana; Honduras; Mexico; Nicaragua; Panama; Paraguay; Peru; Suriname; Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of
Drawing: Eva, Year 9, King Edward VI School

World Land Trust/White-lipped Peccary:

"The White-lipped Peccary...is so called because of the white fur around its mouth, chin and lower cheek. In size and shape the White-lipped Peccary is like a domesticated pig...The White-lipped Peccary feeds on fruit, nuts, snails and sometimes fish. It prefers to stay close to water sources where fruits are abundant. The species is mostly diurnal (active during the day), forming large herds of 50 to 300 or more individuals. Herds of peccaries produce loud sounds by screaming and cracking their teeth, which can be heard from hundreds of metres away. They have poor vision, and avoid humans..." Read the complete description: worldlandtrust.org/species/mammals/white-lipped-peccary

 

SHORT-EARED DOG

Extant: Bolivia, Plurinational States of; Brazil; Colombia; Ecuador; Peru; 
Drawing: Lily, Year 9, King Edward VI School

Discover Wildlife/Short-eared Dog:

"[In] the dense Amazon Rainforest – a haven for rare and sneaky species – these pups are so shy and uncommon that they’ve earned the nickname 'ghost dogs'. Until recently, the short-eared dog was almost a complete mystery to scientists. Much of what is now known is thanks to Renata Leite Pitman, a biologist and veterinarian who became obsessed with these unusual canines around 2000..." Read the complete article: discoverwildlife.com/animal-facts/mammals/short-eared-dog

 

MANED WOLF

Extant: Argentina; Bolivia, Plurinational States of; Brazil; Paraguay; Peru
Drawings: Imogen and Rosie, Year 6, Newminster Middle School

World Land Trust/Maned Wolf:

"The Maned Wolf is one of the largest members of the canine (dog) family in South America, standing at nearly a metre tall at the shoulder...Its appearance is similar to that of the Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes), with a highly recognisable golden-red coat, large ears and white throat. The black mane runs from the back of the head to the shoulders. The Maned Wolf’s long, thin legs are an adaptation that allows the animal to see above tall grass when hunting. Maned Wolves can be nocturnal or crepuscular (most active at dawn and dusk) and rest in dense vegetation during the day...Their diet is highly variable depending on food availability. The Maned Wolf is an omnivore meaning it eats a variety of foods including plants and other animals..." Read the complete description: worldlandtrust.org/species/mammals/manedwolf

 

MARGAY

Extant: Argentina; Belize; Bolivia, Plurinational States of; Brazil; Colombia; Costa Rica; Ecuador; El Salvador; French Guiana; Guatemala; Guyana; Honduras; Mexico; Nicaragua; Panama; Paraguay; Peru; Suriname; Uruguay; Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of  
Drawings: Frankie, Year 9, King Edward VI School; Salem, Year 6, Newminster Middle School

World Land Trust/Margay:

"A mid-sized cat with beige fur, black and gold rosettes and dark stripes down the back, at first glance the Margay could be confused with the ocelot. However, the Margay has several unique features to suit its nocturnal lifestyle spent prowling the forest canopy, including bulging brown eyes, broad paws and long tail. Margays are extremely agile, with adaptations which allow it to manoeuvre easily between branches, including hind feet which can rotate 180 degrees, making the Margay the only cat able to descend a vertical tree head first...Their large paws aid their jumping and allow them to grip tree bark and narrow walkways. The agility of Margays enables them to prey on small mammals that would otherwise be hard to catch in their arboreal habitat, such as small primates and squirrels...They are also intelligent and opportunistic predators. Researchers in Brazil found Margays feeding on bats caught in mist nets and there are also reports from field researchers and Amazonian inhabitants of Margays attracting pied tamarin prey by mimicking the calls of tamarin pups...The adaptations of the Margay to their forest habitat is such that they are badly affected by their contracting ranges due to deforestation and land conversion as they refuse to cross open areas with no cover..." Read the complete description: worldlandtrust.org/species/mammals/margay-tree-ocelot/

 

JAGUAR

Extant: Argentina; Belize; Bolivia, Plurinational States of; Brazil; Colombia; Costa Rica; Ecuador; French Guiana; Guatemala; Guyana; Honduras; Mexico; Nicaragua; Panama; Paraguay; Peru; Suriname; United States; Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of  
Drawings: Jack, Matilda and Willow, Year 6, Newminster Middle School; Bea and Emmanuel, Year 9, King Edward VI School; Lenny, Year 2, The Link School, Sunderland

World Land Trust/Jaguar:

"The Jaguar is the largest cat in the Americas. They can be more than 2 metres from nose to tail and 70 cm tall. Visually, Jaguars are often confused with Leopards, as they have golden yellow coats with black spots and blotches. They may also be black (a melanistic form), but then, despite being the same species, are often called Panthers. (Confusingly, Black Leopards may also be referred to as Panthers). Jaguars are formidable hunters. They stalk or ambush their prey and then drag their kill to cover. They are not very fussy eaters and will eat both large animals, such as peccaries and tapirs, and smaller ones, such as birds and fish. They will even eat snakes, turtles, porcupines and caiman. Jaguars can roar, but are more likely to be heard grunting or growling...Jaguars like water and are very good swimmers and are often found near rivers. They are also good climbers..." Read the complete description: worldlandtrust.org/species/mammals/jaguar

 

SHOCK-HEADED CAPUCHIN

Extant: Bolivia, Plurinational States of; Brazil; Peru
Drawings: Kate and Sienna, Year 6, Newminster Middle School

IUCN Red List/Shock-headed Capuchin:

"[The shock-headed capuchin]occupies lowland terra firma and seasonally inundated forests in the upper Amazon, as well as montane forest on the western slopes of the Andes up to 1,800 m asl. Capuchins are frugivores-insectivores, including a wide variety of fruits, seeds and arthropods, frogs, nestlings and even small mammals, supplemented by stems, flowers and leaves. They are extractive, manipulative foragers...Like other gracile capuchins, shock-headed capuchins prefer middle to upper canopy but can occasionally forage on the ground..." Read the complete description: iucnredlist.org/species/4075/191701729

 

BLACK AND GOLD HOWLER MONKEY

IUCN Red List/Black and Gold Howler Monkey:

"This is a wide-ranging species occurring throughout most of central-western Brazil, eastern Bolivia, eastern Paraguay, northeastern Argentina and potentially reaching northwestern Uruguay... Alouatta caraya is found in deciduous, seasonally deciduous, mixed evergreen, gallery, and xeric forests, as well as in forest patches in savanna habitats...Howler monkeys have a folivorous-frugivorous diet. The molar teeth are particularly adapted for their chewing leaves through shearing...Howlers spend up to 70% of their day lying and sitting in the canopy..." Read the complete description: ucnredlist.org/species/41545/190414715

 

BLACK AND WHITE TASSEL-EAR MARMOSET

Extant: Brazil
Drawing: Elizabeth, Year 9, King Edward VI School

IUCN Red List/Black and White Tassel-ear Marmoset:

"[The black and white tassel-ear marmoset] is endemic to Brazil, being present in the states of Amazonas and Pará. It occurs south of the Rio Amazonas, between the Rio Maués (and possibly its tributary the Rio Parauari) in the West, and the Rio Tapajós in the East...The region which the species inhabits within the Brazilian state of Amazonas has been subject to significant deforestation in past decades. Based on Global Forest Watch data, should the rate of loss that impacted the previous generation (2013–2018) continue through the current (2019–2024) and two subsequent generations (2025–2036), between 10–15% of this species’ tropical forest habitat is likely to be lost. In addition, [the black and white tassel-ear marmoset] is subject to mortality from road kills and sometimes appears in the local pet trade. The species inhabits secondary lowland rainforest and is usually found in dense vegetation with many vines...The main features of marmosets and tamarins are their small size, modified claws rather than nails on all digits except the big toe, the presence of two as opposed to three molar teeth in either side of each jaw, and by the occurrence of twin births..." Read the complete description: iucnredlist.org/species/41521/192399834

 

OCELOT

Extant: Argentina; Belize; Bolivia, Plurinational States of; Brazil; Colombia; Costa Rica; Ecuador; El Salvador; French Guiana; Guatemala; Guyana; Honduras; Mexico; Nicaragua; Panama; Paraguay; Peru; Suriname; Trinidad and Tobago; United States; United States (Texas, Arizona); Uruguay; Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of
Drawing: Fiona, Year 9, King Edward VI School

World Land Trust/Ocelot:

"Ocelots are beautiful cats with short sleek fur greyish to tawny yellow in colour marked with black spots and rosettes. The Ocelot is a primarily solitary and nocturnal species. It is usual for Ocelots to spend a large part of their day resting in vegetation within forests. Hunting usually occurs at night. They feed on a variety of birds, reptiles, small mammals and larger prey such as armadillos, monkeys, agoutis, peccaries and deer. They are also good at swimming and often feed on fish..." Read the complete description: worldlandtrust.org/species/mammals/ocelot

 

PALE-THROATED THREE-TOED SLOTH

Extant: Brazil; Colombia; French Guiana; Guyana; Suriname; Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of
Drawing: Jasmine, Year 9, King Edward VI School

IUCN Red List/Pale-throated Three-toed Sloth:

"Bradypus tridactylus is found in lowland and montane tropical moist forest...Adult sloths are light to dark grey with a unique pattern of darker areas. The head and throat range in colour from white to orange-yellow. Males can be distinguished from females by their dorsal patch of shorter hairs consisting of a central black line pattern in combination with orange-yellow hair. This dorsal patch has a unique pattern for each individual..." Read the complete description: iucnredlist.org/species/3037/210442660

 

HOFFMANN'S TWO-TOED SLOTH

Extant: Bolivia, Plurinational States of; Brazil; Colombia; Costa Rica; Ecuador; Honduras; Nicaragua; Panama; Peru; Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of
Drawings: Millie, Year 6, Newminster Middle School; Tina, Year 9, King Edward VI School

IUCN Red List/Hoffmann's Two-toed Sloth:

"Choloepus hoffmanni is largely found in lowland and montane tropical forest, both deciduous and mixed-deciduous. In Central America, it occurs in evergreen and semi-deciduous tropical moist forest, as well as in secondary forest, but it is rare or absent in lowland dry forest...These sloths are rather solitary..." Read the complete description: iucnredlist.org/species/4778/210443596

 

BROWN-THROATED SLOTH

Extant: Bolivia, Plurinational States of; Brazil; Colombia; Costa Rica; Ecuador; Honduras; Nicaragua; Panama; Peru; Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of
Drawings: Emily, Ilyas and Isabelle, Year 6, Newminster Middle School

World Land Trust/Brown-throated Sloth:

"The Brown-throated Three-toed Sloth is about the size of a domestic cat, ranging from 45-60cm. Like all sloths, it has long limbs and a small head for the size of its body. Sloths’ fur hangs ‘backwards’ compared to other mammals, lying from the stomach to their back. This allows the water to run off as the sloth hangs upside down in a tree. Sloths do not have visible toes but instead have long claws. In this species they have three claws on each foot, which enable them to hang from the branches of trees. The Brown-throated Three-toed Sloth can also be distinguished from other species by its brown fur and upturned mouth, giving the sloth a constant ‘smile’. Despite its name, the Brown-throated Three-toed Sloth is often tinged with green, as blue green algae grows in its fur, especially in the rainy season. Adult males also have a yellow/orange patch of fur with a black stripe between their shoulders. Sloths have a low nutrient diet which leads to a slow metabolic rate. To manage this low energy diet, they have large segmented stomachs that weigh a third of the sloth’s total weight. The lack of energy means sloths move extremely slowly and they only descend the tree once a week to defecate. Keeping a constant temperature also becomes difficult with such low energy food, so sloths will move into sunnier parts of a tree to keep warm..." Read the complete description: worldlandtrust.org/species/mammals/brown-throated-three-toed-sloth

 

CAPYBARA

Extant: Argentina; Bolivia, Plurinational States of; Brazil; Colombia; Ecuador; Guyana; Paraguay; Peru; Uruguay; Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of
Drawing: Kianna, Year 6, Newminster Middle School

World Land Trust/Capybara:

"The Capybara is the world’s largest rodent. Adults reach a length of 130cm...They are excellent swimmers and have several adaptations for their semi-aquatic lifestyle, including a large amount of fatty tissue and partially webbed feet. The Capybara is a herbivore, most commonly feeding on grass, but their diet may also include aquatic vegetation, such as water hyacinths, as well as other plants and sometimes fruit. Capybaras usually swim with their eyes, nostrils and ears protruding out of the water...Capybaras commonly form groups of up to 20 individuals although during the dry season as many as 50 or 100 individuals may live together. They communicate using a range of sounds, including growls, whinnies and alarm barks..." Read the complete description: worldlandtrust.org/species/mammals/capybara

 

BLACK-CAPPED CAPUCHIN

Extant: Bolivia, Plurinational States of; Brazil; Colombia; Ecuador; French Guiana; Guyana; Peru; Suriname; Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of
Drawing: Chloe, Year 6, Newminster Middle School

IUCN Red List/Black-capped Capuchin:

"This species inhabits nearly all types of Amazonian lowland and submontane forest. Capuchins are frugivores-insectivores, including a wide variety of fruits, seeds and arthropods, frogs, nestlings and even small mammals in their diet, supplemented by stems, flowers and leaves..." Read the complete description: iucnredlist.org/species/172351505/192594550

 

BLACK-HEADED NIGHT MONKEY

Extant: Bolivia, Plurinational States of; Brazil; Peru
Drawing: Jack T., Year 6, Newminster Middle School

IUCN Red List/Black-headed Night Monkey:

"[The black-headed night monkey] occurs in lowland tierra firme and seasonally flooded tropical forest. It is not restricted to primary forest habitats, being adaptable to modified/disturbed and fragmented habitat...[Night monkeys] are socially monogamous, living in small groups of an adult pair and offspring of different ages (infant, one or two juveniles and sometimes a sub-adult)...Males carry and care for the infants..." Read the complete description: iucnredlist.org/species/41542/190455194

 

SOUTHERN TAMANDUA

Extant: Argentina; Bolivia, Plurinational States of; Brazil; Colombia; Ecuador; French Guiana; Guyana; Paraguay; Peru; Suriname; Trinidad and Tobago; Uruguay; Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of
Drawings: Leo and Anonymous, Year 6, Newminster Middle School

Wild Expedition/Southern Tamandua:

"The Southern Tamandua, also known as the collared anteater, is a fascinating mammal native to the forests and savannas of Central and South America. Distinguished by its elongated snout and prehensile tail, this mid-sized anteater typically measures around 1 to 1.5 meters in length, including its tail...Adapted for an insectivorous diet, the Southern Tamandua possesses sharp claws for tearing apart ant and termite mounds, and its long, sticky tongue can extend up to 25 centimeters, making it an adept forager. With a remarkable arboreal lifestyle, it is equally comfortable in trees as it is on the ground, showcasing impressive climbing abilities, which allow it to escape predators and seek out its food with ease. Socially elusive yet charmingly unique, this species plays a vital role in controlling insect populations while contributing to the health of its ecosystem..." Read the complete description: wildexpedition.com/animals/southern-tamandua

 

BLACK-CHINNED EMPEROR TAMARIN

Extant: Argentina; Bolivia, Plurinational States of; Brazil; Peru
Drawing: Lainey, Year 6, Newminster Middle School

IUCN Red List/Black-chinned Emperor Tamarin:

"The Emperor Tamarin occurs in Amazonian lowland and lower montane rain forests, seasonally flooded forest, remnant forests or fringe patches and secondary forest..." Read the complete description: iucnredlist.org/species/19827/192551358

 

BRAZILIAN PORCUPINE

Extant: Argentina; Bolivia, Plurinational States of; Brazil; Colombia; French Guiana; Guyana; Paraguay; Peru; Suriname; Trinidad and Tobago; Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of
Drawing: Abigail, Year 6, Newminster Middle School

IUCN Red List/Brazilian Porcupine:

"The species is nocturnal, herbivorous, and solitary. It occurs in lowland rainforest, dry forests, and riparian woodlands in savanna landscapes. They feed mostly on fruit, immature seeds, and sometimes bark..." Read the complete description: iucnredlist.org/species/101228458/22214580

 

SPIX'S NIGHT MONKEY

Extant: Brazil; Colombia; Ecuador; Peru
Drawing: Katherine, Year 9, King Edward VI School

IUCN Red List/Spix's Night Monkey:

"Night monkeys typically occur in primary and secondary forests (including fragmented forest and selectively logged forest), seasonally flooded and terra firme forests, and in lowland and sub-montane forests...Night monkeys are nocturnal and they are most active at dawn and dusk. During the day [Spix's night monkey] groups rest within holes in trees and old palm... These nests are occasionally shared with other mammals. Their diet includes fruit, nectar and flowers, leaves, and small animal prey such as insects. As other Aotus species, [Spix's night monkeys], are socially monogamous and live in small groups of between 3 and 5 individuals, composed of an adult pair and offspring of different ages...Males carry infants..." Read the complete description: iucnredlist.org/species/41544/191682904

 

BURNISHED SAKI

Extant: Brazil; Peru
Drawing: Joseph B., Year 6, Newminster Middle School

IUCN Red List/Burnished Saki:

"All Pithecia species tend to prefer mature forest that includes variations of flooded forest—várzea (white-water flooded forest) and igapó (black-water flooded forest)—palm swamp (Mauritia swamp for some) and terra firma forest...The hair on the tail tends to be longer than on the back, but this varies among species, and the tail hair also “puffs up” as a threat...Sakis are frugivore/seed predators, but they eat insects such as army ants, as well as spiders, and other arthropods. They vocalize in grunts, chirps, whistles, and low calls, but can be exceptionally quiet when sneaking away from a perceived threat such as a field researcher..." Read the complete description: iucnredlist.org/species/70609849/192447399

 

PACA

Extant: Argentina; Belize; Bolivia, Plurinational States of; Brazil; Colombia; Costa Rica; Ecuador; El Salvador; French Guiana; Guatemala; Guyana; Honduras; Mexico; Nicaragua; Panama; Paraguay; Peru; Suriname; Trinidad and Tobago; Uruguay; Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of
Drawing: Jessica, Year 9, King Edward VI School

Britannica/Paca:

"[Pacas are] either of two species of South American rodents with piglike bodies, large heads, and swollen cheeks. The front feet have four toes, and the hindfeet have five—two tiny side toes and three long weight-bearing middle toes, all with thick claws...Pacas are most abundant near large rivers, streams, swamps, and dense thickets, but they have also been seen in forests far from water. Terrestrial and monogamous, male and female pacas reside in separate burrows during the day, then at night associate in a small common territory, where they forage independently..." Read the complete description: britannica.com/animal/paca-rodent-genus

 

HUMBOLDT'S SQUIRREL MONKEY

Extant: Brazil; Colombia; Ecuador; Peru; Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of
Drawing: Ruby, Year 6, Newminster Middle School

IUCN Red List/Humboldt's Squirrel Monkey:

"Squirrel monkeys are found in several types of tropical forests (wet, dry, primary, secondary) and in forest fragments. These animals show tolerance to changes and disturbances in the environment and can be found in forests near to villages..." Read the complete description: iucnredlist.org/species/160940148/192585552

 

COLUMBIAN RED HOWLER MONKEY

Extant: Brazil; Colombia; Ecuador; Peru; Trinidad and Tobago; Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of
Drawings: Luis and Esme, Year 6, Newminster Middle School; Dan and Anonymous, Year 5, The Link School, Sunderland; Eva, Year 9, King Edward VI School

IUCN Red List/Columbian Red Howler Monkey:

"The howler monkeys are among the largest leaf-eaters of the South American primate communities. Their molar teeth are particularly adapted for chewing leaves through shearing. They spend up to 70% of their day lying and sitting about quietly among the branches, fermenting leaves in their enlarged caecums. Like the spider monkeys, they have prehensile-tails, with a naked patch of skin on the distal ventral side and at the tip. Their most characteristic feature is the deep jaw, which surrounds the enlarged larynx and hyoid apparatus, that works as a resonating chamber. It is with this enlarged and highly specialized voice box that they produce their loud vocalizations (grunts, roars and barks). Howling sessions, usually involve the entire group and can be heard at distances of 1-2 km, particularly in the early morning...Red howler groups are usually small, ranging in size from 2-13 animals..." Read the complete description: iucnredlist.org/species/198676562/198687134

 

GOLDEN-HANDED TAMARIN

Extant: Brazil; French Guiana; Guyana; Suriname
Drawing: Jasmine, Year 9, King Edward VI School

IUCN Red List/Golden-handed Tamarin:

"[The golden-handed tamarin] occurs in lowland and hilly Guiana shield rainforest, savanna forest, white-sand forest, and also in secondary habitats in close proximity to villages and cities. They do particularly well in edge habitats...Marmosets and tamarins are distinguished from the other monkeys of the New World by their small size, modified claws rather than nails on all digits except the big toe, the presence of two as opposed to three molar teeth in either side of each jaw, and by the occurrence of twin births. They eat fruits, flowers, nectar, plant exudates, and animal prey (including frogs, snails, lizards, spiders and insects). Tamarins live in extended family groups of between four and 15 individuals, but usually 2-8..." Read the complete description: iucnredlist.org/species/41525/192552538

 

NORTHERN GHOST BAT

Extant: Belize; Bolivia, Plurinational States of; Brazil; Colombia; Costa Rica; Ecuador; El Salvador; French Guiana; Guatemala; Guyana; Honduras; Mexico; Nicaragua; Panama; Paraguay; Peru; Suriname; Trinidad and Tobago; Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of
Drawing: Charlotte S., Year 6, Newminster Middle School

IUCN Red List/Diclidurus albus:

"[Northern ghost bats] prefer humid habitats like riparian and tropical rainforests but have been found in human-disturbed areas like plantations, clearings, and over villages. They are solitary, and like all members of the family are insectivorous..." Read the complete description: iucnredlist.org/species/6561/21986615

 

BROWN-EARED WOOLLY OPOSSUM

Extant: Argentina; Bolivia, Plurinational States of; Brazil; Colombia; Ecuador; Guyana; Paraguay; Peru; Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of
Drawing: Katherine, Year 9, King Edward VI School

IUCN Red List/Brown-eared Woolly Opossum:

"This species inhabits a variety of lowland humid forests that include primary, secondary, disturbed and gallery forests, and plantations...[It is] nocturnal and solitary. It eats primarily fruits, invertebrates and a few small vertebrates; it also feeds on nectar and may consume other flower parts, including pollen..." Read the complete description: iucnredlist.org/species/3648/197310136

BIRDS

TOCO TOUCAN

Extant: Argentina; Bolivia, Plurinational States of; Brazil; French Guiana; Guyana; Paraguay; Peru; Suriname; Uruguay
Drawings: James, Year 3, The Link School, Sunderland; Roan H., Year 6, Newminster Middle School; Charlie, Year 9, King Edward VI School

Grassland Groupies/Toco Toucan:

"Toco toucans are the characteristic toucan species, but unlike other members of their family, they are not forest birds. In truth, the Toco Toucan is as much a forest bird as an Eastern Bluebird. Their grasslands of preference just happen to have trees...Open habitats like gallery forests and capões (cultivated land) see them perching on towering trees, and it’s not uncommon to spot them flying over open fields and large rivers in a single file line, undulating like woodpeckers. As fruits ripen across the seasons, Toco Toucans drift through the orchard-like savannas in small groups looking for the next wave of fruits and dodging predators like caracaras and monkeys..." Read the complete description: grasslandgroupies.org/the-best-biome/toco-toucan

 

MILITARY MACAW

Extant: Argentina; Bolivia, Plurinational States of; Colombia; Ecuador; Mexico; Peru; Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of
Drawings: Bea, Year 9, King Edward VI School; Oliver, Year 6, Newminster Middle School

World Land Trust/Military Macaw:

"The Military Macaw is a large macaw with a black beak, about 70cm in length. Its plumage is largely brilliant green, with a red patch at the front of the head, more red and blue on the tail, and blue flight feathers, giving it an impressively colourful appearance...These birds are also very similar in appearance to the Great Green Macaw. Military Macaws have large communal roosts, very often on cliff faces. They are noisy birds, giving loud creaking calls and shrieking cries. They forage in pairs or groups of up to 10 individuals, and feed largely on fruit and nuts. Nests are built in cliff cavities or in tree holes, with the preference varying across different parts of the macaw’s range..." Read the complete description: worldlandtrust.org/species/birds/military-macaw

 

HARPY EAGLE

Extant: Argentina; Belize; Bolivia, Plurinational States of; Brazil; Colombia; Costa Rica; Ecuador; French Guiana; Guatemala; Guyana; Honduras; Mexico; Nicaragua; Panama; Paraguay; Peru; Suriname; Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of
Drawing: Mr Bridge, Newminster Middle School

World Land Trust/Harpy Eagle:

"The Harpy Eagle is one of the largest raptors in the world. A predatory bird with huge feet and talons used for hunting monkeys, sloths, porcupines, reptiles and large birds, often plucking its prey out of the trees...At maturity, the body length is around 35-40 inches (89-102 centimetres) and weighs up to 15.5 pounds (7 kilograms). For an idea of scale, that’s the equivalent 7 bags of sugar, and their hind talons can be up to the size of grizzly bear claws! These eagles build huge nests of fresh green twigs and branches in the tallest, or emergent, trees in the rainforest. Harpy Eagles usually lay only one to two eggs in a clutch and have a slow reproduction rate. Over twenty years a pair may only successfully fledge three chicks..." Read the complete description: worldlandtrust.org/species/birds/harpy-eagle

 

BLUE-HEADED MACAW

Extant: Bolivia, Plurinational States of; Brazil; Peru
Drawing: Eva, Year 9, King Edward VI School

IUCN Red List/Blue-headed Macaw:

"The species's life history and ecological requirements are not well known. It is found on the edge of humid lowland evergreen forest, along rivers and by clearings and other breaks in continuous canopy, from lowlands to 1,550 m. It appears to tolerate habitat conversion or even benefit from it: Commonly, the species is seen on farmland, pastures or even on the outskirts of towns. It is frequently observed in small groups of two to five individuals..." Read the complete description: iucnredlist.org/species/22685593/196738687

 

HYACINTH MACAW

Extant: Bolivia, Plurinational States of; Brazil; Paraguay
Drawing: Sophie C., Year 6, Newminster Middle School

Wild Expedition/Hyacinth Macaw:

"The Hyacinth Macaw is the largest of all parrot species, renowned for its stunning cobalt-blue plumage, powerful curved beak, and striking yellow eye rings and chin patch. Native to South America's tropical forests and palm swamps, this majestic bird boasts a wingspan of up to 4 feet and a playful, intelligent personality. Unlike other macaws, it lacks facial feather markings, giving it a sleek, uniform appearance. Specialized for cracking hard nuts, its exceptionally strong beak can even break open palm seeds, while its zygodactyl feet (two toes forward, two backward) provide excellent grip for climbing. Sadly, habitat loss and illegal pet trade have made this charismatic species endangered, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to protect these "gentle giants" of the parrot world..." Read the complete description: wildexpedition.com/bird/hyacinth-macaw

 

GOLDEN PARAKEET

Extant: Brazil
Drawing: James, Year 9, King Edward VI School

World Parrot Trust/Golden Conure:

"Both adults plumage bright yellow, primary, secondary and outer upper wing coverts dark green; yellow tail. [Their call is a] vibrant, high pitched note given singly or as many as 3-4 per second...The Golden Conure will alternate roosting hollows on successive nights..." Read the complete description: parrots.org/encyclopedia/golden-conure

 

GREEN-THIGHED PARROT

Extant: Brazil
Drawings: James and Lillie, Year 9, King Edward VI School

World Parrot Trust/White-bellied Parrot:

"The White-bellied Parrot is one of two species of parrot with a white abdomen, the other being the Black-headed Parrot. Both adults apricot crown, nape, hindneck and upper ear coverts; yellow lores throat and sides of head; green upperparts; secondary feathers with blue margins; creamy white breast and abdomen; green thighs..." Read the complete description: parrots.org/encyclopedia/white-bellied-parrot

 

ARIEL TOUCAN

Extant: Brazil
Drawings: Alice and Evie, Year 6, Newminster Middle School

IUCN Red List/Ariel Toucan:

"It inhabits forested lowlands, most often near water, in forest edge, swamp forest, clearings, secondary forest, riverine forest, patches in savannas and in cerrado, up to c.1,700 m, but generally below 1,000 m..." Read the complete description: iucnredlist.org/species/22726233/221624536

 

SCARLET MACAW

Extant: Belize; Bolivia, Plurinational States of; Brazil; Colombia; Costa Rica; Ecuador; French Guiana; Guatemala; Guyana; Honduras; Mexico; Nicaragua; Panama; Peru; Suriname; Trinidad and Tobago; Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of
Drawings: Penny and Daniel, Year 6, Newminster Middle School

Rainforest Alliance/Scarlet Macaw:

"Macaws are the largest parrots in the world—the body of the scarlet macaw from beak to tail can be as long as 33 inches. This beautiful macaw has a creamy white, almost featherless face, with bright red plumage covering most of its body, wings and long tail. Brilliant blue and yellow feathers also adorn the lower wings. The bird’s strong beak is adapted to breaking hard nuts found in the rainforest. The scarlet macaw can be found from southern Mexico to Peru, as well as Bolivia, eastern Brazil and the island of Trinidad. They prefer to spend their time in tall, deciduous trees in forests and near rivers, usually in large, noisy groups. Macaws also mate for life, nesting from January through April in the holes of dead canopy trees..." Read the complete description: rainforest-alliance.org/species/macaw

 

BLUE-AND-YELLOW MACAW

Extant: Bolivia, Plurinational States of; Brazil; Colombia; Ecuador; French Guiana; Guyana; Panama; Paraguay; Peru; Suriname; Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of
Drawing: Isla, Year 6, Newminster Middle School

World Parrot Trust/Blue-and-Yellow Macaw:

"Both adults are bright blue above, mostly golden-yellow below; with long blue and yellow tail; bare white facial disc with fine lines of green feathers; throat black; crown and forehead green. Large black/grey beak.  Eye yellow...Paired birds often fly so close to one another that their wings touch..." Read the complete description: parrots.org/encyclopedia/blue-and-yellow-macaw

 

With a repertoire of calls ranging from frog-like croaks to squawks, the Guianan Toucanet is a fruit-eater that measures up to 35cm.

 

RED-FAN PARROT

Extant: Brazil; Colombia; Ecuador; French Guiana; Guyana; Peru; Suriname; Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of
Drawing: Temi, Year 9, King Edward VI School

One of nature's jesters! When feeling playful the red-fan parrot does indeed display its neck feathers like a fan. It also does this when threatened, in an attempt to look bigger.

 

YELLOW-CROWNED AMAZON

Extant: Bolivia, Plurinational States of; Brazil; Colombia; Costa Rica; Ecuador; French Guiana; Guyana; Panama; Peru; Suriname; Trinidad and Tobago; Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of
Drawings: Annabel and Austin, Year 6, Newminster Middle School

The yellow-crowned parrot is so called for its distinctive head markings. It has a wide distribution across tropical South America.

 

RED-AND-GREEN MACAW

Extant: Argentina; Bolivia, Plurinational States of; Brazil; Colombia; Ecuador; French Guiana; Guyana; Panama; Paraguay; Peru; Suriname; Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of
Drawings: Jasmine, Year 9, King Edward VI School; Enya, Year 6, Newminster Middle School

Instituto Arara Azul/Red-and-green Macaws:

"Macaws have very unique characteristics and each one has its own particularity. Red-and-green macaws are the second largest psittacidae...and can measure up to 95 centimeters, weighing about 1.5 kilograms. In addition, it is an extremely eye-catching bird, with its bright red plumage, wing mixing red, blue and green colors, elongated tail and strong and loud vocalization. Still, it presents, on its face, the bare skin, with some thin lines of small red feathers..." Read the complete description: institutoararaazul.org.br/en/red-and-green-macaws-biology-and-threats

 

MANY-BANDED ARACARI

Extant: Brazil; Colombia; Ecuador; Peru; Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of
Drawing: Lucy, Year 6, Newminster Middle School

With its distinctive yellow and black stripes, the many-banded aracari resembles a giant bumblebee! Although its choice of food is fruit, it also feeds on insects, small birds and lizards. 

BLACK-HEADED PARROT

Extant: Brazil; Colombia; Ecuador; French Guiana; Guyana; Peru; Suriname; Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of
Drawings: Livvy and Lydia, Year 6, Newminster Middle School

The characterful black-headed parrot measures up to 25cm and feeds on seeds, fruits, flowers and leaves.

 

ORANGE-CHEEKED PARROT

Extant: Bolivia, Plurinational States of; Brazil; Colombia; Ecuador; Peru; Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of
Drawings: Harvey and Lucy, Year 6, Newminster Middle School

This vibrantly coloured parrot has orange cheeks, green and yellow plumage, a flash of red feathers on its underwing and bright blue feathers at the tip of its tail. It measures up to 25cm, and eats seeds, fruit, and wasp larvae. Sadly, deforestation is a threat to this marvellous species who rises early in the morning and congregates in groups of up to 10 individuals.

 

RED-BILLED TOUCANET

Extant: Brazil; Colombia; Ecuador; Peru
Drawing: Jen, Year 9, King Edward VI School

With its vibrant plumage, the red-billed toucanet, also known as the golden-collared toucanet, feeds on fruit, insects and small birds.

 

BLACK-EARED FAIRY

Extant: Bolivia, Plurinational States of; Brazil; Colombia; Ecuador; French Guiana; Guyana; Peru; Suriname; Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of
Drawing: Anonymous, Year 6, Newminster Middle School

So named for its purple ear coverts, the black-eared fairy is a species of hummingbird and feeds on the nectar of flowers.

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Shh it's a Tiger! 2013 Biro drawing © Jane Lee McCracken

Jane Lee McCracken constructs intricate, multi-layered Biro drawings, sculptures, installations as well as product designs. Her work represents the beauty of life and its brutal realities, exploring the loss to both humans and animals caused by human destructiveness. She is the founder and CEO of Drawing for the Planet global art, environmental education and conservation charity. 

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