Located in the department of Loreto,
Pacaya Samiria
covers an area of 2,080,000 hectares, and is the largest national reserve in the
country. Considered the jewel of Peru's northern Amazon jungle, Pacaya Samiria
is home to an abundant and varied wildlife, particularly the myriad fish
species, the main source of protein in the region. The countless lakes, swamps
and water holes are a refuge for 130 types of mammal, 330 bird species and an
as-yet unknown number of reptile and amphibian species. Some of the attractions
of the area include the huge river turtles, the manatee and the pink river
dolphin, the giant river otter, the black caiman and the paiche - the largest
freshwater fish species on Earth - all of which are endangered species |