Promperu - Birding Routes

PERU: A TRUE PARADISE OF BIRDS (2004)

Birdwatching and Protected Areas in Peru

INRENA
NATURAL PROTECTED AREAS INTENDANCY*

Peru is one of the seven countries with more megadiversity in the world; this biological richness is conserved in Peru through the establishment of natural protected areas, which are organized through the National System of Protected Areas (SINANPE). Today, SINANPE has 57 protected natural areas that cover 12.91% of the whole Peruvian territory.

Although the main objective establishing a natural protected area is the conservation of biological diversity, it is also true that they offer a good opportunity for knowledge, recreation and interpretation. It is within this framework that birdwatching, as a low impact tourist activity and with the potential to motivate local communities to conserve natural areas, is considered an important ally for the conservation of natural protected areas. Birdwatchers interest and commitment regarding the protection of the species and their environment turn them into visitors who value the protected natural areas and the subsequent conservation efforts.

This activity could generate economic benefits among companies and responsible guides working in the visited protected areas; however, the most interesting aspect is the commitment to create consciousness among the local population regarding the need to conserve the natural areas around the country, regardless if they are protected or not. When Birdwatching includes communities surrounding natural protected areas it helps significantly to reduce the pressure on the resources and the areas themselves as well as creates awareness about the importance of conservation and sustainable use of such spaces.

Within the Peruvian natural protected areas there are 11 out of the 19 areas with endemic bird species ("Endemic Birds Areas" - EBAs). Outstanding are, among them, the endemic species of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, the Cerros de Amotape National Park, the Manglares de Tumbes National Sanctuary, the Bahuaja - Sonene National Park, the Tambopata National Reserve, the Junín National Reserve and the Pacaya - Samiria National Reserve. In those places it is possible to observe unique birds from Peru and specifically from those ecosystems.

The Yanachaga - Chemillen National Park, the Bosque de Pomac Historic Sanctuary, the Lagunas de Mejía National Sanctuary, the Paracas National Reserve and the Lachay National Reserve are known for the diversity of species and easy access. These areas are usually visited by birdwatchers that are attracted by the great biodiversity of birds.

* INRENA
NATURAL PROTECTED AREAS INTENDANCY is the official institution in charge of the National protected areas in Peru and part of the Ministry of Agriculture.

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