The recent Planet Earth II series was so special it seems to have captured the nation’s heart. We have had numerous clients asking where to see the extra-special species featured in the series, so we’ve put together the following useful guide:
Pygmy Sloth: Panama
Where to find them: Endemic to Escudo de Veraguas Island, reached by a two hour boat trip and overnight camping from Colon Island, Bocas del Toro Suggested itinerary: Panama’s Fabulous Forests and Coral Reefs
Desert Adapted Lion: Namibia
Where to find them: The Ongava Private Reserve and the adjoining Etosha National Park, Namibia’s major safari location Suggested itinerary: Deluxe, Super-Scenic Namibian Wildlife Safari
Snow Leopard: India
Where to find them: Head to the remote valleys of the Hemis National Park where the leopards take refuge during the harsh winter months Suggested itinerary: Seeking The Snow Leopards Of Ladakh
Glass Frog: Costa Rica
Where to find them: The lush rainforests found in the Caribbean lowlands of Costa Rica. Look at the underside of leaves, particularly above water Suggested itinerary: Wild Costa Rica, Well Off The Beaten Track
Wilson’s Bird of Paradise: Indonesia
Where to find them: Males display at a handful of sites on Batanta Island in the Raja Ampat archipelago of eastern Indonesia Suggested itinerary: Indonesia’s Wild East Off The Beaten Track
Jaguar: Brazil
Where to find them: Nearly impossible to see elsewhere, reliable sightings can now be had on the Cuiaba River in Brazil’s northern Pantanal Suggested itinerary: Quest For The Jaguars Of Brazil
Indri: Madagascar
Where to find them: The largest of all the lemurs can be reliably seen in the montane rainforests of Perinet and Mantadia Suggested itinerary: Best of Northern Madagascar and Perinet
Marine Iguana: Ecuador
Where to find them: Visit Fernandina Island as part of a small ship cruise around the Galapagos islands Suggested itinerary: Natural History Highlights of Ecuador and the Galapagos
Namib Dune Gecko: Namibia
Where to find them: Among the huge sand dunes of Swakopmund, the German colonial seaside town just south of Namibia’s Skeleton Coast Suggested itinerary: The Wonderful Wildlife and Nature of Namibia
Komodo Dragon: Indonesia
Where to find them: Trek into the hills of Rinca and Komodo Islands and visit the ranger stations where the largest dragons are found Suggested itinerary: The Best of Indonesia’s Wildlife
Spider Monkey: Costa Rica
Where to find them: Many of the lodges of the Osa Peninsula overlook the forest canopy. Great for eye-level encounters and close-up photography Suggested itinerary: Wildlife Highlights of Costa Rica and Panama
One Horned Rhino: India
Where to find them: Over 2000 live in the Kaziranga National Park – best seen on elephant back riding through the towering grasses Suggested itinerary: The Wildlife Highlights of India
Giant Anteater: Brazil
Where to find them: Found in the grasslands of South America but one of the best locations is Brazil’s southern Pantanal Suggested itinerary: Best of Brazil’s attractions in high comfort
River Dolphin: Brazil
Where to find them: Frequently spotted in the flooded varzea forests of the Amazon basin based at the Uakari Floating Lodge, and near the city of Manaus Suggested itinerary: Wild Brazil Off The Beaten Track
Chilean Flamingo: Chile
Where to find them: Best seen in the salt lakes of the Atacama desert in northern Chile during March and April Suggested itinerary: The Manifold Highlights of Spectacular Chile
