Wildlife
Pacaya Samiria National Reserve provides a natural habitat for over one third of the all the species registered across the entire amazon rainforest. With five hundred species of birds and twice that amount in vertebrates, it is a wonderful location for those wishing to see plenty of animals during their stay in the jungle.
Large mammals such as the puma, jaguar, tapir, collared peccary and red brocket deer roam the dry lands of the forest, while endangered primates like the red-faced and white bellied spider monkeys can be seen taking refuge here. The park is also home to the anaconda and poisonous Jergon snake, among many more.
Much of the wildlife in Pacaya Samiria National Reserve is typical of a forest which experiences annual flooding. There are over 250 types of fish, among which the paiche, sailfin catfish and Jau catfish are in need of protection. The yellow-spotted river turtle and twist-neck turtle are also present in the waters, and there has been a huge human effort in recent years to gather their eggs and allow them the proper incubation time, thus increasing their chances of survival.
You are likely to see caimans in the long grasses surrounding lagoons, while aquatic birds in the region include the great white egret, cocoa heron, snake bird and Jabiru stork.
Pink River Dolphin
Perhaps one of the most iconic features of these parts is the pink river dolphin. Also known as the Amazon river dolphin or “Boto”, this freshwater mammal inhabits the waters of Pacaya Samiria National Reserve and never ceases to amaze onlookers as they catch a glimpse of its distinctive pink body flirting with the water’s surface.
Although the pink dolphin is the largest river dolphin species in the world, it is still considered an endangered animal. Conservationists are working tirelessly to ensure its survival in its natural habitat. To experience the boto up close is both a pleasure and a privilege, and a highlight of many who visit Pacaya Samiria National Reserve.
The grey tucuxi dolphin is also present in the area. This species is smaller than the pink dolphin and tends to navigate the rivers in a group. Whereas the boto only gives brief flashes of its body, the tucuxi can be seen to emerge fully above the water.
Pacaya Samiria National Reserve provides a natural habitat for over one third of the all the species registered across the entire amazon rainforest. With five hundred species of birds and twice that amount in vertebrates, it is a wonderful location for those wishing to see plenty of animals during their stay in the jungle.
Large mammals such as the puma, jaguar, tapir, collared peccary and red brocket deer roam the dry lands of the forest, while endangered primates like the red-faced and white bellied spider monkeys can be seen taking refuge here. The park is also home to the anaconda and poisonous Jergon snake, among many more.
Much of the wildlife in Pacaya Samiria National Reserve is typical of a forest which experiences annual flooding. There are over 250 types of fish, among which the paiche, sailfin catfish and Jau catfish are in need of protection. The yellow-spotted river turtle and twist-neck turtle are also present in the waters, and there has been a huge human effort in recent years to gather their eggs and allow them the proper incubation time, thus increasing their chances of survival.
You are likely to see caimans in the long grasses surrounding lagoons, while aquatic birds in the region include the great white egret, cocoa heron, snake bird and Jabiru stork.
Pink River Dolphin
Perhaps one of the most iconic features of these parts is the pink river dolphin. Also known as the Amazon river dolphin or “Boto”, this freshwater mammal inhabits the waters of Pacaya Samiria National Reserve and never ceases to amaze onlookers as they catch a glimpse of its distinctive pink body flirting with the water’s surface.
Although the pink dolphin is the largest river dolphin species in the world, it is still considered an endangered animal. Conservationists are working tirelessly to ensure its survival in its natural habitat. To experience the boto up close is both a pleasure and a privilege, and a highlight of many who visit Pacaya Samiria National Reserve.
The grey tucuxi dolphin is also present in the area. This species is smaller than the pink dolphin and tends to navigate the rivers in a group. Whereas the boto only gives brief flashes of its body, the tucuxi can be seen to emerge fully above the water.