25 Reptiles of Colombia: Species Guide, Features & Habitats

Colombia is among the world’s richest countries in biodiversity, home to 510 reptile species: 32 turtles, 6 crocodilians, 211 lizards, and 261 snakes. At least 43 of these are considered threatened. Here we highlight 25 of Colombia’s most representative reptiles, including crocodiles, turtles, lizards, and snakes, with their distribution and unique traits.

Table of Contents

1. American Crocodile

2. Orinoco Crocodile

3. Sabanera Snake

4. Fer-de-lance (Bothrops asper)

5. San Andrés Snake

6. Colombian Mud Turtle

7. Morrocoy Tortoise

8. Cundinamarca Anole

9. Calima Anole

10. Bogotá Anadia Lizard

11. More Reptiles of Colombia

1. American Crocodile (Crocodylus acutus)

One of the largest crocodile species, recognized by its long, pointed snout and powerful tail. In Colombia, it’s found in the Magdalena Valley, rivers like Sinú, San Jorge, Cauca, and the Caribbean coast—mainly in mangroves, estuaries, and both salt and freshwater environments.

2. Orinoco Crocodile (Crocodylus intermedius)

Also known as the Llanos crocodile, it inhabits the Orinoco basin in Colombia and Venezuela and is one of the largest predators in Latin America, reaching up to 7 meters. Critically endangered due to poaching and habitat loss, it’s listed on CITES Appendix I and receives special protection.

3. Sabanera Snake (Atractus crassicaudatus)

A colubrid snake endemic to Colombia. Adapted to cold temperatures, it inhabits departments like Boyacá, Cundinamarca, Bogotá, Meta, and Santander at elevations of 2,000–3,200 meters, often near water bodies and humid slopes.

4. Fer-de-lance (Bothrops asper)

A large, venomous viper with a gray-brown back and dark “X”-shaped markings. Found in the Pacific, Caribbean, Andean valleys, and Gorgona Island, it’s a major cause of snakebites in Colombia.

5. San Andrés Snake (Coniophanes andresensis)

A medium-sized colubrid snake endemic to San Andrés Island. Displays longitudinal stripes and is typically found in coconut leaf litter and near human dwellings.

6. Colombian Mud Turtle (Kinosternon dunni)

A small turtle with a broad head and prominent “nose.” Its oval shell ranges from dark to light brown, and its small plastron doesn’t fully cover the soft parts. Prefers swamps and streams in Chocó Department.

7. Morrocoy Tortoise (Chelonoidis carbonarius)

A terrestrial, diurnal tortoise found in dry and humid forests and savannas. The domed shell is black with yellow, orange, or red spots, and the limbs and head often have red patches—hence “red-footed tortoise.”

8. Cundinamarca Anole (Anolis inderenae)

A large, diurnal, and arboreal anole lizard endemic to Colombia. Males are distinguished by a thick tail base, wider head, and a more colorful dewlap (throat fan).

9. Calima Anole (Anolis calimae)

A small, yellow-green terrestrial lizard with short limbs and tail. Endemic to Colombia’s western Andes, found in primary and secondary forests at 1,800–2,100 meters altitude.

10. Bogotá Anadia Lizard (Anadia bogotensis)

Native to the high Andean forests and páramos of Colombia’s Eastern Cordillera (2,000–4,100 meters). Medium-sized with smooth, subhexagonal scales and a back color ranging from olive-brown to dark gray.

11. More Reptiles of Colombia

• Pink-throated Anole (Anolis antonii)

• Pamplona Anadia (Anadia pamplonensis)

• Ruiz’s Anole (Anolis ruizii)

• Colombian Leaf Lizard (Riama columbiana)

• Annulated Galliwasp (Morunasaurus annularis)

• Boshell’s Tree Snake (Dendrophidion boshelli)

• Red-tailed Coral Snake (Micrurus mipartitus)

• Campbell’s Toad-headed Pitviper (Bothrocophias campbelli)

• Villavicencio Coral Snake (Micrurus medemi)

• Eyelash Palm Pitviper (Bothriechis schlegelii)

• Charapa Turtle (Podocnemis expansa)

• Magdalena River Turtle (Podocnemis lewyana)

• Olive Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea)

• Cuvier’s Dwarf Caiman (Paleosuchus palpebrosus)

• Schneider’s Smooth-fronted Caiman (Paleosuchus trigonatus)

Now you know some of the key reptiles in Colombia and their distribution. For further exploration, check out articles on endangered animals in Colombia and the country’s unique flora and fauna.

animal tags： Reptiles Colombia