Animals in Machu Picchu: An Unforgettable Encounter with Wildlife
Machu Picchu is much more than an architectural and cultural wonder. This historic sanctuary, located high in the Peruvian Andes, reveals not only the building skills of the ancient Incas, but also their deep connection with nature. Here, at this Peruvian gem, visitors not only marvel at the stone ruins, but also have the unique opportunity to come face to face with native wildlife. This article will explore some of the most iconic animals that inhabit Machu Picchu, focusing especially on the spectacled bear, one of the region’s most iconic and vulnerable species.
Biodiversity in Machu Picchu: A Living Ecosystem
The historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu, located in the heart of the Andes Mountains, is a refuge for unique biodiversity. Thanks to its geographic location between cloud forests and inter-Andean valleys, the region is home to a large number of plant and animal species. According to official reports, the sanctuary has about 32 species of mammals, 423 species of birds, and 300 species of butterflies, many of which are endemic to the region.
For visitors to this sacred site, animal sightings add a magical dimension to the experience. Spectacled bears, for example, roam freely among the terraces and terraces of Machu Picchu, surprising tourists with their presence. These sightings not only delight visitors, but also highlight the importance of the conservation of these endangered animals.
Spectacled Bears: The Giants of the Andes
The spectacled bear (Tremarctos ornatus), also known as the Andean bear, is one of the most representative animals of Machu Picchu. This species is the only bear native to South America and is known for the characteristic light spots around its eyes, which give it its common name. With their slow and majestic gait, these bears can reach up to two meters in height, and their presence among the ruins of the Inca city offers visitors an unforgettable experience.
“The bears walk freely among the ancient terraces, without disturbing the tourists who arrive every day,” relates one visitor, recalling with amazement how these animals move calmly among the ancient terraces, almost as if they were part of the very history of the place. The experience of seeing a spectacled bear in its natural habitat is something truly striking, and a reminder of the importance of preserving the fauna of this unique region.
A Symbol of Conservation: The Spectacled Bear on Peruvian Currency.
Spectacled bear conservation has gained great prominence in Peru in recent years. In fact, the country has launched a new series of coins that seek to raise awareness of endangered species. The spectacled bear appears on the first coin in this series, highlighting its importance as a vulnerable species.
“The fact that the spectacled bear is represented on the coin is a source of pride for Peruvians. It reminds us how fundamental it is to protect this species,” explains a conservation expert. The inclusion of this animal on Peruvian currency is part of a broader campaign to raise awareness about endangered wildlife, and its presence on the coin is a symbol of the conservation efforts being made to protect its habitat.
Other Mammals that inhabit Machu Picchu:
Although the spectacled bear is Machu Picchu’s most famous mammal, it is not the only one that can be found in this natural sanctuary. Other mammals include the Andean fox and the vizcacha, a rodent that resembles a rabbit. These animals, although more discreet than the bear, also play a crucial role in the region’s ecosystem.
The Andean fox, for example, is an opportunistic hunter that helps maintain the ecological balance by controlling the population of small mammals and birds. The vizcacha, on the other hand, is a herbivorous animal that can often be seen in rocky areas, where it feeds on grasses and shrubs. Although these mammals are not as easy to spot as bears, their presence is just as important to Machu Picchu’s ecosystem.
Birds in Machu Picchu: A Birdwatcher's Paradise
While the mammals of Machu Picchu are fascinating, one cannot talk about the fauna of this sanctuary without mentioning the birds. With more than 400 species recorded in the region, Machu Picchu is a true paradise for birdwatchers. Among the most emblematic species are the majestic Andean condor and the colorful cock of the rock.
The Andean condor is one of the largest flying birds in the world, with a wingspan that can exceed three meters. In Machu Picchu, they can be seen flying over the mountains and valleys, a spectacle that leaves visitors breathless. This bird, which has great significance in the Andean cosmovision, is a symbol of power and freedom.
On the other hand, the cock of the rock, with its vibrant orange plumage, is Peru’s national bird. Although it is more difficult to spot than the condor, those who manage to see it often describe it as one of the most memorable experiences of their visit to Machu Picchu. This bird inhabits the cloud forests surrounding the ruins and is known for its striking song and spectacular courtship dances.
Reptiles and Butterflies: The Most Hidden Habitants
Although mammals and birds are the most visible species at Machu Picchu, there are also a large number of reptiles and butterflies that inhabit the region. Among the reptiles, there are several species of lizards and snakes, which hide among the rocks and vegetation. Although they are not usually easy to see, these reptiles are an integral part of the sanctuary’s ecosystem.
Machu Picchu is also home to an impressive diversity of butterflies. With more than 300 species recorded, the region’s butterflies are an essential part of the life cycle of the plants that inhabit the sanctuary. Their brilliant colors add a touch of beauty and movement to Machu Picchu’s landscape, and are further proof of the unique biodiversity found here.
New butterfly species discovered in Machu Picchu
Sernanp announced the discovery of a new species of butterfly in the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, in Cusco.
This species, scientifically named Ochrodota camposorum, belongs to the genus Ochrodota, which so far had 11 butterfly species recorded in the central and southern areas of America between 1984 and 2017.
Of these, only 3 species had been recorded in Peru: Ochrodota atra, Ochrodota funebris, and Ochrodota tesellata. Now, Ochrodota camposorum from Machu Picchu joins the list, representing a significant milestone in terms of biodiversity.
The discovery of this new species was possible thanks to the study of some groups of nocturnal Lepidoptera, also known as moths, carried out by researcher Juan Grados of the Universidad Mayor de San Marcos.
Ochrodota camposorum is distinguished from other similar species by its coloration pattern on the wings. It has a creamy spot in the center of the dorsum of the forewings, and on the hindwings it has a broad brown stripe on the extreme edge, accompanied by some cream-colored spots.
With the inclusion of this new species, Machu Picchu is now home to a total of 365 species of butterflies, making it one of the most diverse protected natural areas in Peru’s National System of Protected Natural Areas.
The Role of Tourism in Conservation
Tourism is a fundamental part of the local economy in Machu Picchu, but it also poses challenges for wildlife conservation. With more than one million visitors annually, the impact of tourism on the ecosystem cannot be underestimated. However, measures are being implemented to mitigate these effects and ensure that tourism is sustainable.
Peruvian authorities, together with international organizations, have developed conservation programs that include rehabilitating rescued spectacled bears and protecting their habitat. Some of these bears, which were illegally captured, have been rehabilitated and released back into their natural environment in Machu Picchu.
“Currently, protection and conservation work is being carried out for spectacled bears in Machu Picchu,” says a conservation expert. These efforts include monitoring the bear population in the sanctuary, as well as reintroducing rescued animals. “Rescued spectacled bears remain in semi-freedom, but others are always under supervision,” he explains, noting that those that have spent a long time in captivity depend on humans for food.
The Role of Tourism in Conservation
Machu Picchu is not only a cultural treasure, but also a haven for wildlife. The spectacled bears that roam among the ruins, the birds that soar through the skies, and the mammals that hide among the vegetation are a vivid reminder of the importance of preserving this unique ecosystem. Each visit to this sanctuary is not only a journey into the Inca past, but also an opportunity to connect with nature and reflect on our role in protecting biodiversity.
The experience of walking among the ruins of Machu Picchu, with the possibility of seeing a spectacled bear or a majestic bird, is something not easily forgotten. It is an opportunity to witness the incredible interaction between history and nature, and to remember that the legacy of Machu Picchu is not only in its stones, but also in the creatures that inhabit it.