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In 1982, the Peruvian Government
established the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve (PSNR) with the purpose of
preserving the wilderness resources and the beautiful landscapes of the area.
The Reserve has an area of 8,042 square miles, which represents 1.5% of the
total surface of the country.
The name of Pacaya-Samiria comes from the names of two rivers that run through
it: Pacaya and Samiria. The Reserve has a great diversity of wildlife as well as
aquatic life: 449 bird species, 102 mammals, 69 reptiles, 58 amphibians, 256
fish and 1,204 plants. Threatened or endangered species that can be found in the PSNR are the jaguar (Felix oca), the black alligator (Melanosuchus niger), the
giant river otter (Pteronura brasiliensis), the manati (Trichechus inunquis),
four different species of primates and two different species of turtles.
An essential element that is characteristic of this protected area, is the cycle
of crescent and reflux of the rivers. Between the months of October and April is
the rainy season and the water of the rivers and creeks increases, flooding a
large area of the rainforest. This time is known as crescent. Reflux takes place
between May and September, when rain decreases greatly and the level of the
water falls progressively, reaching its minimum in August. This seasonal change
and the predominantly flat terrain have configured a landscape full of small
rivers, creeks and lagoons.
Wildlife adapts with no problem to this cycle of crescent and reflux and so,
when most of the rainforest remains flooded, animals find shelter in the highest
areas, where water never reaches. During the reflux, when water is retained in
small lakes and creeks, you can observe a large number of aquatic birds
catching fishes which are concentrated there.
During this time, large beaches are also formed specially in the main rivers,
which are used by the settlers of the Reserve to grow rice, beans, peanuts, and
other crops, and also by two very characteristic species of the Reserve, the "charapa"
(Podocnemis expansa) and "taricaya" (Podocnemis unifilis) aquatic turtles,
which use these beaches to lay their eggs.
In Pacaya-Samiria, the great extension of rainforest remains flooded most of the
year, with local species like the "aguaje", a palm tree (Mauritia Flexuosa)
whose fruits are eaten by many animals as well as by settlers of local
communities. There are other numerous varieties of flora that make the landscape
of the Reserve unique in this part of the Amazon. We can also find a great
diversity of medicine plants and trees that can reach a height of 150 feet, like
the "lupuna" (Ceiba Pentandra). In certain areas, you can still find rubber
trees which preserve the marks of the famous rubber exploitation over 80 years
ago.
The wildlife of the Reserve is typical of the flooded rainforest, being more
abundant the aquatic species rather than land ones. Fish is considered the most
important resource due to its role in the ecological process as well as its
economic value, and it is also a priority in the nutrition of the local people.
There is an extensive variety of birds, specially the aquatic ones like the
heron (Egretta Thula) and cormorant (Phalacrocorax Brasilianus). During the time
of crescent, the high areas or "restingas" are the places for shelter and
nourishment for mammals.
It is worth mentioning the "charapa" and "taricaya" aquatic turtles, which are
considered endangered species. In order to prevent any illegal gathering, between
the months of July and December, authorities of the PSNR are responsible for the
gathering of the eggs that the turtles deposit in the banks of the rivers
allowing these eggs the proper incubation time and a better chance of survival
for the little turtles. Also, the "paiche" (Arapaima gigas), one of the biggest
fresh-water fish in the world, that can reach up to eight feet long. The demand
for its exquisite meat has developed in an abuse for its hunting. |
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The PSNR is part of the National
System of Natural Areas and is protected by the Peruvian Government. Its
administration is in hands of INRENA (National Institute of Natural Resources)
which has offices in Lima and Iquitos. According to the Master Plan for the
Conservation of the Biological Diversity and Sustainable Development of the PSNR,
tourists have access only to determined zones of the Reserve -previous payment
of an entrance fee.
In the PSNR there are 94 communities, 21 of them of the Cocama-Cocamilla ethnic
group. The total population of the Reserve is 42,000 people and their main
economic activities are centered around fishing, agriculture, gathering and
hunting, being the first, their most important activity and main source of food.
The closest cities to the Reserve are Nauta and Requena.
Source ©
COMELTUR |
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