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Butterflies
One of every five of the world's butterfly species
is to be found in Peru, another world biodiversity
record that is by itself enough to spur nature lovers
to visit Peru's forests.
Butterflies are currently the best-studied
group of land-based invertebrates. Much of
the research done stems from scientific work done in the remote
jungles of Peru. In recent years, theories sustaining that
the Amazon jungle's natural diversity increases in relation
to its proximity to the Andes have been backed by irrefutable
figures.
The area of Pakitza, in the Manu
National Park, for example, has registered the extraordinary
amount of 1,300 species. And just 235 km
away, in a small lodge along the Tambopata River,
the figure totaled 1,260 species. What is
surprising about these discoveries is that 60% of the species
discovered were in common in both areas. Researchers calculate
that the total diversity of butterflies in Peru
could top 4,200 species, 3,700 of which have
been registered.
The coastal desert, which is split by the
occasional fertile farmland valley, as well as the Andean
heights over 5,000 meters are home to few species,
although none the less interesting for all that, as they have
managed to adapt to extreme environmental conditions. The
tropical rainforests are environments which
shelter the greatest variety of butterflies,
running from the northeastern forests (Tarapoto
and Moyobamba), to the south (Tambopata
and Manu), running through the valley of
Chanchamayo and the area around Tingo
Maria in the department of Huanuco.
Remember to read our "Recommendations"
for your trip to Peru, as well as other important issues in
our "Tips"
section.
If you need any details or want more information, please
use our "Contact
us" orange
form.
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