Animals of the Protected Areas
Meet the animals of Guyana’s protected areas. From Shell Beach to the Kanashen Protected Area, we are bringing indigenous crafts from the villages that surround these unique conservation spaces, which are important in your homes. These balata figurines represent the biodiversity that makes Guyana special.

Guyana is a hotspot for endemism, particularly given that it is within the Guiana Shield. The United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity notes that Guyana is home to over 8,000 floral species, with approximately 6,500 of these species having been identified, and 50% considered endemic. There are approximately 1,815 known species of fish, amphibians, birds, reptiles and mammals. Fishes are also very diverse, with 352 species of freshwater bony fishes and 501 species of marine fishes.
They can be purchased at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport Guyana Marketing Commission Shop or at local conservation events.
These animals are important to our culture, and we strive in all of our projects to ensure they are protected for years to come. For us, supporting the growth and development of protected areas aligns with the Low Carbon Development Strategy and our strategic vision to co-finance a world-class National Protected Areas System in Guyana, which protects nature and improves lives.
About the artist
Nicodemus Joseph, an indigenous artisan from Nappi Village, on the border of the Kanuku Mountains Protected Area, is one of the few remaining practitioners of the traditional balata craft. A unique art form using natural latex from the bulletwood trees to create detailed wildlife figures. These figures feature painted details inspired by his own encounters in the wild around Guyana.

Care & Mintenance
To maintain the appearance and longevity of your balata animal figure, we recommend applying a light coat of natural oil if the surface begins to look dry or faded. This helps restore moisture and preserve the material’s texture and colour. Suitable oils include coconut oil, olive oil, or any other natural, organic oil.
Apply the oil gently across the entire surface using a soft cloth or your fingers. This treatment should be done once or twice a year, depending on the climate and conditions where the figure is stored. In drier environments, more frequent care may be needed. Animals should be ideally kept in cool environments wherever possible and away from direct sunlight. Avoid synthetic oils or harsh chemicals, as these can damage the balata material.
How funds go towards conservation
Proceeds go directly to a revolving fund that is used to reinvest in activities within Guyana’s protected areas system, particularly the urban parks, as well as activities which support the scaling up of balata production by local artisans. For more information on the revolving fund, contact the Protected Areas Trust.
Thank you to everyone who assisted in making this project work and continues to contribute to conservation success.
- Guyana Marketing Corporation
- Caliz Bernard, support in the assembly of balata animals (August 2025);
- Nataliya Chetram, support in the assembly of balata animals (August 2025);
