Paraguay’s mix of rivers, wetlands, dry Chaco and Atlantic Forest pockets creates habitats for a wide variety of reptiles. Spotting them can range from seeing a large lizard sunning on a roadside to finding a freshwater turtle in slow-moving rivers, so a basic sense of where to look makes field identification easier and safer.
There are 15 Reptiles of Paraguay, ranging from the Argentine black-and-white tegu to the Yellow-spotted river turtle. For each species you’ll find below the Scientific name, Typical length (cm), IUCN status to help compare size and conservation risk — you’ll find below.
What habitats do Paraguay’s reptiles occupy?
Paraguay’s reptiles live across the Gran Chaco drylands, riparian forests and wetlands (Pantanal and Paraguay River basin), and fragments of Atlantic Forest; many snakes and lizards prefer dry scrub or savanna, turtles and caimans stick to slow rivers and marshes, and some species use gallery forests or flooded grasslands seasonally.
Are any of these species dangerous or protected?
A few snakes in Paraguay are venomous and should be avoided, while large lizards like the tegu can bite if handled; several species on the list have threatened IUCN statuses (notably some freshwater turtles), so avoid handling wildlife, report sightings to local conservation groups, and consult professionals when removal or rescue is needed.
Reptiles of Paraguay
| Common name | Scientific name | Typical length (cm) | IUCN status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yacare caiman | Caiman yacare | 200 | LC |
| Yellow anaconda | Eunectes notaeus | 250 | LC |
| Green iguana | Iguana iguana | 120 | LC |
| Argentine black-and-white tegu | Salvator merianae | 100 | LC |
| Boa constrictor | Boa constrictor | 200 | LC |
| South American rattlesnake | Crotalus durissus | 120 | LC |
| Urutu | Bothrops alternatus | 100 | LC |
| Lancehead | Bothrops diporus | 80 | LC |
| Brazilian rainbow boa | Epicrates cenchria | 150 | LC |
| Ocellated whiptail | Ameiva ameiva | 50 | LC |
| Checkered neotropical lizard | Tropidurus torquatus | 25 | LC |
| Brown-banded water snake | Helicops angulatus | 80 | LC |
| Scorpion mud turtle | Kinosternon scorpioides | 20 | LC |
| House gecko | Hemidactylus mabouia | 12 | LC |
| Yellow-spotted river turtle | Podocnemis unifilis | 40 | VU |
Images and Descriptions
Yacare caiman
Robust freshwater crocodilian common in Paraguay’s Pantanal and Paraguay River basin, reaching around 2 m. Found nationwide in wet lowlands and marshes; heavily harvested historically but now well-managed — important both ecologically and economically.
Yellow anaconda
Heavy-bodied semi-aquatic snake of marshes, rivers and floodplains in eastern and northern Paraguay. Often 2–3 m, yellow-brown with dark blotches; excellent swimmer and ambush predator important in wetland food webs.
Green iguana
Large arboreal lizard of Paraguay’s Atlantic forests and gallery forests, usually 1–1.5 m including tail. Bright green with dewlap and crest; common in eastern Paraguay and a visible part of forest edges and riversides.
Argentine black-and-white tegu
Large terrestrial lizard common in open habitats, farmland and edges across Paraguay, often reaching about 1 m. Omnivorous and intelligent, tegus are bold and adapt well to disturbed areas.
Boa constrictor
Familiar large constricting snake in forest edges, savanna and riverine areas across Paraguay; adults often ~2 m. Not venomous; ambush predator that helps control rodents and small mammals.
South American rattlesnake
Venomous rattlesnake found in dry Chaco, savanna and open habitats across Paraguay, typically around 1–1.2 m. Notable for its rattle and potent venom; causes most local emergency bites among rattlesnakes.
Urutu
Large, heavy lancehead found in eastern and central Paraguay in forests, wetlands and near farms; reaches about 1 m. Venomous and responsible for many snakebite incidents; cryptic coloring blends into leaf litter.
Lancehead
Medium-sized pitviper in grasslands, forests and Chaco regions of Paraguay, commonly under 1 m. Cryptic pattern and ambush hunting; a medically important species in rural bite cases.
Brazilian rainbow boa
Striking iridescent skin with brown-red pattern, inhabiting humid forests and river margins in eastern Paraguay. Typically up to 1.5 m; nocturnal arboreal/terrestrial predator prized for its beauty.
Ocellated whiptail
Active, fast ground-dwelling lizard of open and semi-open habitats across Paraguay, often 40–50 cm total length. Diurnal insectivore with vivid patterning; common in disturbed areas and visible on sunny perches.
Checkered neotropical lizard
Small, sun-loving ground lizard of dry forests, rocky areas and Chaco scrub in Paraguay, around 20–30 cm. Males show bold color patterns; often seen basking on rocks and fenceposts.
Brown-banded water snake
Semi-aquatic snake frequenting rivers, marshes and flooded fields across Paraguay, typically under 1 m. Rear-fanged with mild venom for fish; good swimmer often seen hunting in shallow water.
Scorpion mud turtle
Small, domed freshwater turtle inhabiting ponds, marshes and slow rivers in Paraguay, about 15–25 cm. Nocturnal and secretive, often hiding in mudbanks; tolerant of seasonal flooding.
House gecko
Small introduced gecko now common in Paraguayan towns and cities, around 8–12 cm total. Nocturnal insect-eater that thrives on walls and streetlights; a familiar urban reptile across the country.
Yellow-spotted river turtle
Medium river turtle of large waterways and floodplains in Paraguay’s river basins, about 30–40 cm carapace. Lives in riverside forest and sandbanks; threatened by egg collection and habitat pressure.
