PERUVIAN RAINFOREST: 10 OUTSTANDING SPECIES

Within this amazon world, deep in the peruvian rainforest there are many incredible species that you cannot see in other areas of the boundless jungle

By the way, our Tambopata tours allow you to visit dreamlike places and live unforgettable experiences. Therefore, now we will show you the variety of animals and plants that inhabit throughout the phenomenal jungle.

As well, you will learn some features of 5 animals and 5 plants that you can find in the pure peruvian rainforest. Don’t forget to contact us to solve your doubts about the peruvian rainforest.

Let’s get to know some endemic species of the jungle in peru!

FAUNA IN THE PERUVIAN RAINFOREST

1. GIANT OTTER (PTERONURA BRASILIENSIS):

This amazing animal can live up to 10 years, measures 1.5 and 1.8 m and weighs between 22 and 32 kg.

Throughout the exuberant Amazon river, they form groups of up to 10 individuals, consisting of one breeding pair and their offspring (1 to 6 offspring per pregnancy). As well, they can emit up to 9 different vocalizations and have no natural enemies or predators in the jungle.

This mammal can be seen on the third day of our most popular program we offer: Exuberant rainforest 4 days and 3 nights.

2. BLACK ALLIGATOR (MELANOSUCHUS NIGER):

It lives in lakes, slow-moving rivers and other freshwater habitats throughout Peru’s amazon river. Furthermore, they reach a size of up to 5 meters (the largest predator in the peruvian rainforest.

By the way, it is a nocturnal predator, relying on its keen sense of sight and hearing to find food. Did you know that females only reproduce once every 2-3 years?

We offer in each program on the second day: Go out after night in motorized canoe to look for alligators on the banks of the river. Enjoy a lesson on alligators from the expert guide. Take advantage of the sharp eyes of expert naturalist guides – they are truly spectacular in detecting these smaller slippery cousins of crocodiles hiding on muddy shores.

3. RED AND GREEN MACAWS (ARA CHLOTOPTERUS):

These beautiful birds measure 89 to 96.5 cm. and their plumage is red from the head to the base of the tail. Meanwhile their wings boast red, yellow, green and blue feathers.

Also, they have a particular diet, due to they need to consume the clay of the clay licks within the phenomenal jungle.

Our Wonderful Jungle and Boundless Jungle tours with four or five days in the rainforest, based at the Ecolodge, with nights at our riverside camp, during a journey upriver in search of typical Amazon wildlife.

4. SACHAVACA (TAPIRUS TERRESTRIS) THE AMAZON’S LARGEST LAND MAMMAL:

Also known as tapir, it has a blackish brown body, head and legs. In addition, it has large teeth (perfect for grinding plants and seeds).

Its upper lip is elongated and shaped like a trunk to reach the most difficult leaves and fruits of the peruvian rainforest.

Even, these mammals are excellent divers and swimmers, as well they are quick on land even despites they are herbivores and small. Travelers to Tambopata National Reserve could see tapirs when they explore the surrounding trail system of our rainforest tours.

5. SQUIRREL MONKEY (SAIMIRI SCIUREUS)

They measure 59 to 76 cm (including tail) and their weight varies between 590-1380 gr. Furthermore, they are omnivores and eat insects such as caterpillars and crickets; fruits, nectar and flowers.

In addition, they are noisy, especially when you are walking in the jungle of Peru and suddenly tree branches move. Groups of 10 or more monkeys will be over your head!

FLORA IN THE PERUVIAN RAINFOREST

1. TORNILLO OR CEDRORANA (CEDRELINGA CATENAEFORMIS):

This valuable tree grows within 0 and 500 masl and grows up to 40 m. high, meanwhile its diameter can reach 150 Cm.

By the way, this is one of the most resistant wood throughout pure jungle and one of the best raw materials to manufacture doors, windows, and houses. It is also characterized by having a thick texture of moderate brightness.

Some structures of your amazon lodge are made by this material!

2. LUPUNA (CEIBA PENTANDRA):

This tree can exceed 60 to 70 meters in height to hold a large canopy with branches that spread horizontally. Its roots are extended above and below the ground and serve as buttresses.

A very interesting fact is that the trunk and many of the young branches of this phenomenal jungle tree are populated with thick conical prickles.

3. ISHPINGO (AMBURANA CEARENSIS):

This tall tree (25 to 35 meter) features a smooth, orange-brown bark and flowers from October to December. As well, it gets more leaves from July to August, and its fruits are harvested from August to September to prepare some beverages, typical of the Peru Amazon river tour.

Furthermore, it has a smooth and sticky texture as well as a pleasant aroma. Therefore, this Peruvian rainforest’s tree is used for carpentry projects.

4. FERNS (PTERIDOPHYTES):

Ferns are green plants without flowers as well they are easy to recognize owing to their feather-shaped leaves. These plants do not reproduce by seeds but by spores!

Also, in the pure rainforest there are small (a few millimeters long) and very large (10 and 25 meters high) ferns.

Some animals feed on ferns; meanwhile some birds use them to build their nests.

5. CEDAR (CEDRELA ODORATA):

This incredible tree is 30-45 m tall and has a straight cylindrical trunk of reddish brown color and its base boasts large roots.

By the way, the great advantage of this species over other trees in the peruvian rainforest is that it has less porosity to execute the high altarpieces of many catholic temples, such as the ones you will visit through our tours in Cusco.

Contact us to travel towards the impressive peruvian rainforest in a safe way!