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The most impressive Peru wildlife animals

Posted On: 14 November 2018 #TierrasVivas 811

Since Peru is one of the countries with the greatest biodiversity in the world, there is no doubt that the fauna it houses is one of the best examples of this. The diversity of species of fauna that exists in our country and especially in the protected natural areas is impressive, for something we are leaders in several categories and world rankings such as:

  • First position of marine and continental fish species with nearly 2 thousand species (10% of the world total) (Peru, megadiverse country)
  • Record in species of butterflies with 4 thousand species
  • Second place of bird species with more than 1816 species (see complete list)
  • Third place of amphibians with 449 species, 185 endemic
  • Third place of mammals with 515 species, 109 endemic
  • Of the 83 species of cetaceans in the world, 36 are found in Peru

The most amazing Peru wildlife animals

Now we will introduce you to the most impressive Peru wildlife animals found in this jewel of nature.

  • Jaguar: A majestic feline that belongs to the subfamily of panterinos. A robust animal, with black spots on its orange body. The sharpness of his senses and his ability to run have made him the King of Manu.
  • Anaconda: An immense animal of the boas family, of all the snakes, is the one with the greatest weight. His body is dark green with black spots.
  • River wolf: An animal that is very contrary to its name is quite sympathetic and sociable, also known as giant otter. It is carnivorous and lives mainly in rivers and lakes. River wolves usually mobilize in groups of eight.
  • Black Cayman: A fearsome hunter, with its 6 meters in size can devour deer and tapirs in even other large animals. With dark scales as the night inhabits the freshwater lakes and rivers.
  • Boa emerald: A snake of a pretty striking color. It has more pronounced fangs than its other species companions, although it is not poisonous, however a bite can cause a great wound. It reaches 1.8 meters.
  • Maquisapa monkey: Also known as spider monkey, this peculiar animal likes to walk in groups of 40 to 50 companions. Your maximum body size is 50 centimeters, but your arms are quite long hence the reason for your name.
  • Sloth: A rather peculiar mammal can reach a height of 1.7 meters and are familiar to anteaters and armadillos. They usually live in the trees, their favorite dish is the leaves and buds of the trees.
  • Shansho: Also called hoazín, it is a bird that lives in swampy areas, it is a slender animal. They reproduce by eggs. They have bright red eyes and reach 60 centimeters.
  • Tarantula: A terrifying spider, with a large size for its kind, its appearance seems taken from a horror movie. However, they do not possess any deadly poison.
  • Macaw: Belonging to the family of parrots, with an endless variety of colors in its plumage. Its scientific name is Ara. They have a little big hook that allows you to eat fruits, vegetables, nuts, the occasional small-sized animal such as amphibians or small lizards.

Peru Wildlife Refuges

Peru has diverse natural protected areas, among them the Peru Wildlife Refuges. They are places that are served as habitats for certain species. It is also a space to protect or maintain certain species in extinction, threatened, rare, migratory and many more.

 

Manu National Park

The Manu wildlife reserve, a paradise of nature, all an immense amount of animals and plants in one place. The Reserve of Manu is located in Peru, between the departments of Cusco and Madre de Dios, with an extension of 1 532 806 hectares. This great mine of life is divided into three territories: the National Park, the Reserved Zone and the Transition Zone.

 

Cloudy Forests of Udima

The Cloudy Forests of Udima are located between the districts of Catache in the district of Santa Cruz in the department of Cajamarca and the province of Oyotún in Lambayeque. they reach up to 3000 m.s.n.m.

The area has a great importance; however, it highlights its richness in endemic species and a great cultural archaeological legacy; which stands out in the Zaña basin in the Poro Poro district. On the other hand, it works as a refuge for extinct species; also species of flora state of threat of extinction. These natural areas are also used for recreation, research and as a source of ecological education. Also in recent years are part of the Peru wildlife tours.

 

The Villa swamps

The marshes of Villa is one of the main wetlands of Lima. It is located in the district of Chorrillos in Metropolitan Lima. This place protects a great diversity of species of birds, amphibians, fish, reptiles; also attractive as beautiful water mirrors. Between November and December you can observe the despalzamiento of the birds towards the south.

 

Laquipampa

The refuge of Laquipampa is in the district of Incahuasi, province of Ferreñafe in the department of Lambayeque. The place is located in the mountains of the region, reaches up to 2500 m.s.n.m. where it shelters a great diversity of fauna and flora, which is kept protected in the place.

The place is amazing for a jungle trip, especially if you are a lover of landscapes and bird watching. Among the amazon wildlife stands out the spectacled bear and the white-winged guan. In addition you can appreciate a succession of dry forest to humid forest, which is unique on the north coast. On the other hand, it has beautiful views, excellent for the eye of a photographer.

 

Incredible Tours to watch Wildlife Animals in Perú

After flying from the capital of Perú, Lima, you will arrive in Cusco to walk for four days along a path through forests and dense fog, millenary stone steps and discovering the ruins of ancient fortifications and Inca cities, and all the time enjoying majestic views. 

If you want to visit Machu Picchu, we recommend you to book your Machu Picchu Ticket in advance, so you will enjoy your Vacation in Machu Picchu without any problem.

 

When is the best time to travel to Perú?

The best season to travel to Perú in the dry season, which covers the months April to the end of September. In October the rains begin and you can find Machu Picchu covered by clouds. If you travel in June, we recommend you to book the Inti Raymi 2025 Tour that takes place in June 24th, and also hike the Palcoyo Mountain Tour, which is an incredible Rainbow Mountain located in the Andes. 

Edwin Caviedes Profesional guide

Edwin Caviedes is the founder and manager of Tierras Vivas, a company that benefits native people communities.