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The richness and biodiversity of South America is perhaps the most extensive of all the ecosystems that can be found on Earth. Not surprisingly, it is also the place where we can find the Amazon jungle, a mighty river that is fed by the melting water of the Andes and that bathes such an extensive region of the continent that goes from the Andean mountain range to the Atlantic shore. crossing, from west to east, the South American continent. In this way, we find one of the richest forests in biodiversity of flora and fauna that exist on our planet. Most of the Amazon rainforest corresponds to the geographic territory of Brazil.
However, the second country that can boast of having the largest territory of this jewel of nature is Peru, which, divided in two by the Andean mountain range, has on its eastern side a vast territory occupied by the Amazon jungle.
If you want to know a little more about the flora and fauna of the Peruvian Jungle keep reading Green Ecologist and we'll tell you about it.
What is the Peruvian Jungle
It is known by the name of the Peruvian Forest at part of the amazon rainforest that corresponds geographically with the jungle region of Peru. It is a territory that covers up to 60% of the country's total, so it is a not inconsiderable extension.
This region limits geographically with Ecuador and Colombia to the north, and with Brazil and Bolivia. In this way, the Amazon jungle begins in this region located on the eastern side of the Andean mountain range and extends throughout these countries until it reaches the shores of the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, constituting an ecosystem Very rich in terms of both flora and fauna, and with a marked international character due to its vast extension.
Flora of the Peruvian Jungle
As we have mentioned, the Peruvian Jungle is an outstanding ecosystem due to its great variety of flora and richness in terms of native plant life. Some of the most famous and beautiful plants that can be found among the flora of the Peruvian jungle, a unique ecosystem, are as follows:
Water lily
It is a plant with a flower similar to the lotus but, in this case, it grows in the shallow waters of the Amazon River. It has a color that ranges from pink to purple, and its flower can reach up to 40 centimeters in diameter. It opens only at night, and gives off an aroma that many people find similar to that of apricot.
Jungle orchid
Also known as a bull or butterfly orchid, it has the appearance of a twisted and graceful flower reminiscent of common orchids but with a much shorter life cycle. Its nectar is the main food of euglossine bees.
Heliconia
Also known by the name of platanillo. It is a plant that can grow over two meters and is characterized by its striking reddish color and its straight and upright shape.
Red pineapple
A very peculiar plant because it can grow directly on the stone or on some trees. This is achieved thanks to the fact that it can absorb part of the water through its leaves and not only through its roots. Its most characteristic element is its reddish and fleshy flower, with a shape and appearance similar to those of a common pineapple, which is why it receives this name.
Elephant ear
Also called pink mafalda, it is a plant that can reach more than 40 centimeters in length and whose leaves grow directly from the tuber that makes up its most important part. Despite this, the leaves of the elephant's ear are the most striking part of its body and for which it receives this name. These are deep green leaves with a heart shape, in the center of which they have a very intense reddish color that, to some people, reminds them of the shape of an ear.
Fauna of the Peruvian Jungle
If the flora of the Peruvian Jungle is particular and extremely indigenous and different from those that can be found in other regions of the planet, the fauna is another good example of this. Some species of the fauna of the Peruvian Jungle The most interesting and striking are the following:
Jaguar
It is undoubtedly one of the most representative animals of the Peruvian Jungle. The jaguar, with its mottled body and its agility to move in open terrain as well as among the branches of the trees, represents the largest feline not only in the Peruvian jungle, but in the entire American continent.
Anaconda
The Peruvian Jungle is also home to one of the largest and strongest reptiles that exist today. The anaconda is a snake that, despite not being poisonous, deserves all the respect when crossing its path, since it hugs its prey until it chokes them before eating them.
Harpy eagle
It is a bird of prey typical of the Peruvian Jungle. It is characterized by having somewhat shorter claws than other predatory species, which allows it to hold its prey more strongly. In addition, its black and grayish plumage are another of its most representative characteristics.
Crested quetzal
It is a bird that draws attention at first glance for its plumage, very rich in green, black and red colors, as well as very striking thanks to its long tail and crest. The quetzal feeds on both fruit and small animals, such as insects or frogs.
Tunqui
Another of the most striking and beautiful birds that can be found in the Peruvian Jungle. It is characterized by its orange, white and black plumage, as well as the particular shape of its head, crowned in a very pronounced crest. In the case of females, they are much more discreet specimens, with less striking plumage and smaller crests.
If you want to read more articles similar to Flora and fauna of the Peruvian Jungle, we recommend that you enter our Ecosystems category.
