Birds and mammals of Manu

Manu National Park (PNM) is a natural protected area. It was created by Peru on May 29, 1973 with the intention of protecting the natural wealth and the areas of high biodiversity. Currently, after a recent expansion, the PNM covers a territory of 1’692,137.26 ha. Only research and tourist activities are permitted in the PNM and these are restricted to designated areas between Boca Manu and the Pakitza park ranger’s station. Long before its creation, the lands of the PNM have been the territory of indigenous Amazonian peoples that belong to diverse ethnic groups (Matsiguenka, Yine, Mashko-Piro, Nahua, Amarakaeri, Huachipaeri) and of a small number of quechua residents that live in the Andean region of Callanga. By natural right, these people are the only inhabitants of these lands.

On May 1, 1977, at the request of the Peruvian government, the UNESCO program, Man and the Biosphere (MAB), recognised 1,881,200 ha (including territory of the PNM) as belonging to a network of Biosphere Reserves. The purpose of these reserves is to promote and contribute to a balanced relationship between humans and their environment. These areas are selected because they represent important ecosystems that need conserving and because the human populations present live without harming the environment. Accordingly, the RBM consists of three zones: the central zone, corresponding to the PNM, the Buffer Zone and the Transition Zone.