1.- OVERVIEW OF PERU’S WILDLIFE
Thanks to the impressive biodiversity of the country, it is possible to appreciate multiple ecosystems adapted to different altitudinal levels, including the Native Animals of Peru, which are incredibly well adapted. From the coastal region located at sea level, through the extensive forests of the Peruvian Amazon to the highest points of the Andes, the ecosystems not only stand out for their diversity but also for their capacity to sustain the variety of wildlife allowing many of the Native Animals of Peru to have a quiet and peaceful life in their natural habitat.
With more than 1800 species of birds there are some that have a much more important representation such as the Andean condor and the cock of the rock that is also known as the national life of the country, also other icons related to sustainability such as the spectacled bear, the vicuña and the jaguar. While other Native Animals of Peru are symbolic of the government’s care and preservation such as the pink dolphin and the Amazonian manatee, there are also Native Animals of Peru that are unique in their species such as the Humboldt penguin and the South American sea lion.
The preservation of these natural habitats is very important not only for the wildlife or for the Native Animals of Peru but also for the ecological balance, many of the existing ecosystems also play the main role of regulating the climate, the water cycle and capturing carbon emissions. Of course, Peru’s biodiversity is also a key piece for the progress of culture, economy and social welfare because in many places it depends directly on natural resources and wildlife.
2.- MAIN SAMPLES OF NATIVE ANIMALS OF PERU
2.1.- PERUVIAN DOG
This Native animal of Peru is one of the most representative of the Andean country, its origin is uncertain but it is related to be much older even than the culture of the Incas. Within the Andean belief the dog is represented as a direct relationship with the activity of hunting, besides being also linked to protection. Multiple cultures captured his figure in their artistic expressions such as ceramics, textiles and even jewelry made of gold and silver. What mainly characterizes this Native animal of Peru is undoubtedly the absence of hair all over its body, which at first sight makes any traveler think that it has a disease, however it is quite the opposite, they are very happy without fur and it has been determined that petting them is beneficial for humans.
2.2.- ANDEAN CONDOR
Of all the List of animals native of Peru, the Andean condor has been an icon that represents the Peruvian Andes for decades, due to this importance it has been related in many moments with the world of the gods. According to the Andean belief the condor is the only Native Animal of Peru capable of contacting the gods and its surroundings for this reason when a religious ceremony took place and suddenly one of these birds appeared it was considered good luck. This time it is really huge, it is almost 4 m long and 1 m high.
There are many places where you can appreciate this majestic bird, the main ones are undoubtedly from the viewpoint of the Colca Canyon and in the sector of chonta located in the city of Cusco.
| “A traveler without curiosity is like a bird without wings.” |
2.3.- JAGUAR
The jaguar species is at the top of the food chain of wildlife that can be found in Peru, this majestic feline is part of the List of animals native of Peru that you can appreciate during your visit, although it is not an easy task because it is quite shy and often easily dodges the gaze of curious onlookers who go to look for it in the Manu nature reserve. It is characterized mainly by having a yellow coat and white tones with multiple black spots all over its body.
2.4.- HUMBOLDT PENGUIN
Undoubtedly one of the most adorable creatures in the world are the penguins, these beautiful Native Animals of Peru normally can only be seen in Antarctica, however planning a trip to this remote part of the world is usually extremely expensive and extremely difficult so discovering that there is a colony of these birds in Peru is something incredible and unique. Thanks to the biodiversity that exists within the Ballestas Islands it is possible to appreciate how a group of these birds that can not fly is kept present thanks to the cold waters of the Pacific.
2.5.- AMAZON PINK DOLPHIN
The Peruvian jungle hides more than just habitat and beauty, it hides a unique jewel of its kind that is very rarely seen. Also known as bufeo, the river dolphin belongs to the friendliest and rarest Native Animals of Peru, besides that within its species it is the largest one found to date, it can reach up to 3 m long and weigh about 100 kilos, characterized by having intense colors of pink tone as they develop, they mainly use sonar to feed because they do not have a developed sight.
2.6.- LLAMAS AND ALPACAS
They are natural inhabitants of the Peruvian Andes and in many cases the main models of popular photographs in archaeological centers, this because it is a domesticated species that relates very well with humans. Due to its presence for centuries within the Peruvian territory was an indispensable piece for the Inca culture, in daily activities such as transportation, extremely important religious ceremonies and as multiple use, this because their fine fur was used to make clothes that were later intended for use mainly for the nobility or for the Inca ruler himself. During your visit in 2024 we are sure that it will be one of the Native Animals of Peru that you will see most frequently.
2.7.- BEAR WITH GLASSES
Currently conceived as an icon of preservation and sustainability, this is one of the most important Native Animals of Peru, it stands out from others of its species for being the only specimen with a short face and the only one of its kind in the South American continent. Usually its natural habitat is centered in humid forests located on the slopes of mountains, for this reason it is common to appreciate this species in the surroundings of the sanctuary of Machu Picchu, even in some situations it has been possible to appreciate a group of them inside the Inca city itself.
2.8.- VIZCACHA
It is considered one of the most adorable and tender Native Animals of Peru in the world, of course its main characteristic is the peculiar face that many associate with tiredness or sleep, it is a particular rodent that simulates the cross between a rabbit and a squirrel that usually has its habitat in rocky areas for this reason it is common that many travelers who visit Peru can appreciate it in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the city of Machu Picchu and even the Colca Canyon.
2.9.- PUMA
It is part of the most important Native Animals of Peru of the Andean world, like the condor and the snake this species represents one of the three spiritual worlds that are directly associated with the Andean belief. The puma represents the earthly world in which we live and as such is its protector. A great feline that occupies its habitat in the mountain range areas and can also be in some native forests, currently visitors who come to know the Tambopata reserve can also appreciate this specimen.
2.10.- COCK OF THE ROCK
Besides being one of the most beautiful Native Animals of Peru, it is also considered the national bird of the country. Its presence is mainly established in cloud forests of the Andes and has the particularity that the male of the species has a more intense plumage in color and size of crest, this with the intention of attracting the attention of the female during the time of courtship, are also possible to appreciate in the Tambopata National Reserve.
3.- A SANCTUARY FOR PROTECTED SPECIES
“Something interesting that many do not know is that some of the Native Animals of Peru are actually protected species due to their endangered status. Some of the most representative are the Pava Aliblanca, Yellow-tailed Choro Monkey, Cortarrama Peuana, Titicaca Giant Frog, Huapo Colorado, Churrete real and others.”
4.- FAQs ABOUT THE NATIVE ANIMALS OF PERU
- What are the best times of year to see specific native animals in Peru?
Each one of the Native Animals of Peru has a different form of behavior, while some are more docile and easy to appreciate there are others that are much more elusive and complicated. As such there is no ideal season to appreciate all the animals, throughout the year will depend a lot on the place of your destination to be able to appreciate some of these specimens.
- How can travelers ensure they are supporting ethical and sustainable wildlife tourism?
Sustainable tourism is a very common practice today in which many companies make part of their processes the awareness of all its participants to not affect in any way the environment allowing wildlife to continue normally. Of course this process is very extensive and the best way to make sure that you are really taking a sustainable service is to make sure that the travel agency you choose is registered within the MINCETUR system which regulates its formality and at the same time its processes.
- How can one get involved in local conservation efforts or volunteer opportunities in Peru?
There are many ways in which you can help with this conservation process, the first step has already been taken within the regulation of the sanctuary of Machu Picchu in which the access of plastic bottles is not allowed, it is better for each traveler to carry a canteen with a water ration. There are also volunteer programs that you can access through NGOs or other organizations.
Knowing more about the Native Animals of Peru allows your trip to be more responsible and purposeful, thus ensuring that sustainability aspects are essential during planning. Auri Peru is one of the few companies that base their principles on sustainability and make your trip unique, contact us now and discover all the natural beauty that awaits you in Peru.
“Travel is like chocolate, there are different types and flavors, but you can never have enough.”
