Alto Purús National Park
| Alto Purús National Park | |
|---|---|
| Parque Nacional Alto Purús | |
Madre de Dios | |
| Coordinates | 10°49′S 71°38′W / 10.82°S 71.64°W[1] |
| Area | 2,510,694 hectares (9,693.84 sq mi) |
| Established | November 18, 2004 |
| Governing body | SERNANP |
| Website | Parque Nacional Alto Purús |
Alto Purús National Park (
It is also home to a number of indigenous tribes, including some that have avoided contact with the outside world.[2]
Geography
Although the Amazon rainforest plain dominates the landscape, hilly terrain can be found in the western part of the park.[3] The main rivers in the area (Purús, Curanja, Cujar and Curiuja) can have some sandy shores.[3]
Climate
Average annual precipitation in the area is 2600 mm, with heavy rains from December to April (which causes the rise of water level in rivers and streams), while the rest of the year is less rainy.[2][3] The average temperature is around 25 °C, and can be as low as 17 °C and as high as 35 °C.[2]
Ecology
Flora
The park harbors tropical forest ecosystems.
Fauna
Mammals found in the park include: the
About 520 bird species have been reported in the park including: the
Activities
Nature watching is the main activity in the area.[2] It is possible to see several bird species gather at mineral licks (colpas), such as parrots and macaws.[2] Cultural tourism can be done in the native villages along Curanja River, where local dances, fish farming and traditional agricultural practices can be observed.[2]
Environmental issues
Among the main threats to the park are: logging (especially of mahogany), hunting, overfishing, illegal settlements (promoted by corrupt local authorities), lack of park management and contact with peoples in voluntary isolation.[3] In addition, some local groups support the construction of a road to the town of Esperanza, which will pass through the park.[3]
References
- ^ "Alto Purus National Park". protectedplanet.net.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Alto Purús - Servicio Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas por el Estado". www.sernanp.gob.pe (in European Spanish). Archived from the original on 2016-07-09. Retrieved 2017-05-21.
- ^ a b c d e f g "Alto Purús Reserved Zone - Park Profile - General information". parkswatch.org. Retrieved 2017-05-25.
- ^ a b c Alto Purús: Biodiversidad, Conservación y Manejo. Center for Tropical Conservation. 2003.