Colombia is one of the most biodiverse countries on Earth, home to nearly 10% of all species worldwide. This makes it a true megadiverse nation. Yet, despite its richness, more than 1,200 species endemic to Colombia are already classified as threatened or vulnerable—and many more lack sufficient data.

Here we highlight 16 endangered animals in Colombia, their traits, habitats, and the threats pushing them toward extinction.

1) Cotton-top Tamarin (Saguinus oedipus)

• Overview: A small primate (~500 g) found in the northwestern forests of Colombia. Active during the day.

• Appearance: Distinctive crest of white hair gives it a striking look.

• Diet: Fruits, nectar, fresh leaves, lizards, and insects.

• Behavior: Highly territorial, lives in groups of ~20; communicates with 40+ vocalizations.

• Status/Threats: Critically Endangered—mainly due to habitat loss and illegal pet trade.

2) Sea Turtles

Six marine turtle species live along Colombia’s coasts:

• Hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata)

• Green turtle (Chelonia mydas)

• Leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea)

• Loggerhead (Caretta caretta)

• Olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea)

• Black turtle (Chelonia agassizii)

Threats: Pollution, habitat destruction, boat traffic, fishing nets, and egg collection. The hawksbill is among the most critically endangered.

3) Spectacled Bear (Tremarctos ornatus)

• Overview: Also known as the Andean bear, the only bear species native to South America. Found in forests and grasslands of the Andes.

• Diet: Omnivorous but plant-heavy; stores food in trees; does not hibernate.

• Status: Vulnerable; ~8,000 individuals remain.

• Threats: Agricultural expansion and habitat fragmentation.

4) Baird’s Tapir (Tapirus bairdii)

• Overview: The largest land mammal of Central and northern South America; inhabits humid forests.

• Appearance: Characteristic long, flexible nose.

• Behavior: Solitary, territorial; communicates with whistles and scent marks; excellent swimmer.

• Threats: Severe habitat loss. In Colombia, survives mainly in Los Katíos National Park.

5) Caribbean Manatee (Trichechus manatus)

• Overview: Large aquatic mammal up to 3 m long; no hind limbs; paddle-like front flippers.

• Range: Found in the Orinoco basin and parts of the Magdalena River.

• Behavior: Herbivorous, solitary; females known to “hug” calves or other manatees.

• Threats: Hunting, collisions with boats, and habitat degradation. Still among Colombia’s most threatened species.

6) Amazon River Dolphin (“Pink Dolphin”) (Inia geoffrensis)

• Overview: One of only five freshwater dolphin species; considered the most intelligent. Pink in color, sometimes grayish or brown.

• Habitat: Amazon River and its tributaries.

• Diet: Crabs, fish, small turtles. Nearly blind due to murky waters, relies on echolocation.

• Data: 2017 survey counted only 395 individuals in 1,600 km of the Putumayo River.

• Threats: Pollution, hunting, and accidental capture in fishing nets.

7) Brown Spider Monkey (Ateles hybridus)

• Overview: Endemic to Colombia and Venezuela; in Colombia found along the Magdalena River, Cesar, La Guajira, Perijá mountains, Caldas, and Cundinamarca.

• Diet: Primarily fruit, plus young leaves, flowers, and insects.

• Behavior: Diurnal; groups of 20–30 but usually split into smaller foraging units.

• Status: Critically Endangered since 2004.

• Threats: Ongoing habitat destruction and hunting pressure.

8) White-footed Tamarin (Saguinus leucopus)

• Overview: A small tamarin found in Andean and Caribbean forests of northern Colombia.

• Behavior: Arboreal, diurnal, fast-moving; groups of 2–15 with whistle-like vocalizations.

• Diet: Soft fruits, supplemented with insects.

• Threats: Rapid habitat loss and illegal wildlife trade.

More endangered or threatened species in Colombia

• Apolinar’s Wren (Cistothorus apolinari)

• Jaguar (Panthera onca)

• Black-handed Titi Monkey (Callicebus medemi)

• Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus)

• Puma (Puma concolor)

• Armadillos (Dasypodidae)

• Green Iguana (Iguana iguana)

• Red-footed Tortoise (Chelonoidis carbonaria)

Risk levels differ by region and assessment year; always check the latest national red lists and legal frameworks.

How to Help Endangered Animals in Colombia

What individuals can do:

• Reduce pollution: recycle, use public transport, and minimize single-use products.

• Respect nature reserves and protected areas.

• Avoid introducing invasive species.

• Don’t buy pets or products linked to illegal wildlife trade.

• Report poaching or trafficking.

• Avoid keeping exotic species as pets.

• Volunteer or support NGOs working on conservation.

• Share information to raise awareness, especially with youth.

What institutions can do:

• Expand and connect protected areas.

• Enforce anti-poaching patrols and regulate fishing/shipping practices.

• Restore degraded forests, wetlands, and rivers.

• Promote community-based conservation and ecotourism.

Final Note

These 16 species represent only a fraction of Colombia’s biodiversity crisis. Protecting them ensures ecological balance and preserves a priceless natural heritage. Every choice—whether avoiding illegal wildlife products or supporting conservation—helps ensure they survive for future generations.

animal tags： Colombia