Birds and mammals of Manu

Although there are many systems for precisely identifying distinct systems (based on climate, soil, vegetation and geography), guide we will use a simple classification to clearly describe five ecosystems according to the landscapes and climates where, different birds and mammals live.

The puna is the highest level in Manu. The puna are vast, relatively extensions in the Andean mountains at more than 3 500 metres above sea level. The predominant plant is ichu (Stipa ichu), a yellowish grass with a bristly, spiky appearance that grows in dense mats, covering most of the surface area. At this altitude, the air is dry and cold and the winds are strong. The temperature varies between -9°C and 22°C according to the time of day and year. Precipitation can be rain or hail, depending on the season. The Acjanacu park ranger’s station is located in this area and the Union trail and the nearby Ericson trail begin here.

Descending the steep slopes, the puna is gradually populated by bushes and scrub growing between the great outcrops of rock and in the rocky soil. This is the scrub forest, where the branches are covered with a dense, grass-like layer of fibrous lichen. The climate is still cold and dry, with temperatures that fall to 0°C in winter and reach up to 10°C in summer. Between November and April, there are heavy rains and strong winds in this area. In this zone is Pillahuata, where the seven kilometre long Eriscon trail ends. Buenos Aires is located a little lower down but is difficult to see due to the dense woods that border the length of the highway.

The low montane forest is an intermediate level, which shares characteristics with the cloud forest. However, many species of birds are only found in this ecosystem. The low montane forest extends at approximately 2200 to 2700 metres above sea level. The climate is cold and forests are often dampened by thick fog.

High and delicate waterfalls are abundant in this zone. The first and trees that grow over 25 metres in height also begin to appear in this area.

The cloud forest is Located at approximately 650 to 2000 metres above the sea level. These lands are characterised by the presence of nearly constant fog that can be so dense that occasionally it obscures all vision. All surfaces, no matter how small, become wet with the temperature varies between 16°C and 25°C, according to the time of year.

Water descends the slopes, forming small waterfalls that flow into the Kcosñipata river. The demanding 8: - trail ends here; at a place call El Mirador located on the A few minutes away is San Pedro, a place with comfortable that flow into the Kcosñipata river. The demanding 8: - trail ends here, at a place, call El Mirador located on the A few minutes away is San Pedro, a place with comfortable lodgings for visitors.

The tropical humid forest or low rainforest is situated at 300 to 650 metres above sea level. This is the most extensive landscape in the Manu. The fog has stayed behind and the air is hot and humid. During the day, the average temperature is 25°C reaching up to 36ºC in august and September, going to 18ºC. Here across the flat land, the Manu river advances slowly and snakes along, large forming loops. These forests are notable for the gigantic trees, which occasionally reach 60 m in height. The village of Pillcopata, the small port of Atalaya and, a bit further downstream, the village of Salvacion are located in the upper limit of this zone. In the lower region, in the confluence of the Alto Madre de Dios and Manu Rivers, is the village of Boca Manu and, continuing along the Manu River, the park ranger’s stations of Limonal and Paquitza.