Peru is a country located in South America, characterized by its geographical and climatic variety, which includes various ecosystems, such as coast, jungle and savannah, and a tropical, coastal and mountain climate.
Unfortunately and despite its natural we alth, Peru has an extensive list of animal species in danger of extinction Hunting and destruction of ecosystems are the main causes. If you want to know what these species are, you cannot miss this article on our site.
1. Common Spider Monkey
The Ateles belzebuth, also called the yellow-bellied monkey, is present not only in Peru, but also in other countries of America South, such as Brazil and Venezuela. It feeds mainly on fruits, insects and roots. Its greatest threats are human hunting and the destruction of its habitat, since several areas where it develops their lives have been taken by the mining industry.
two. Bald Uacarí
The Cacajao calvus lives in Peru and different areas of the Amazon region. It lives in the treetops, where it feeds on fruits, roots and seeds. It is considered a vulnerable species and is included in the appendices of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
poaching and deforestation are the main factors its decline. Although the Peruvian government considers it a protected species, there is no program for its conservation.
3. Yellow-tailed woolly monkey
The Lagothrix flavicauda, also called the Peruvian woolly, is endemic to the Peruvian Andes, and is considered a critically endangered species. Until 1974 it was thought to be extinct and at present there is no certainty of the number of copies that remain. deforestation is your main enemy. The yellow-tailed woolly is included in various conservation programs in Peru, in protected areas such as the Cordillera de Colán National Sanctuary
4. Andean cat
The Leopardus jacobitus inhabits the South American Andes, including areas of Peruvian territory. It feeds on rodents, fish and reptiles. Their main threat is the use of their skin as an amulet, a common practice of the Aymara people. Currently, Peru manages an Andean cat protection program in the Río Abiseo National Park
5. Sea cat or chungungo
The Feline Lontra is the only marine species of its kind, it can be found along the South American coast, From Peru to Tierra del Fuego It feeds on marine animals and some birds that it manages to hunt. There are various causes of the danger of extinction in which it finds itself; among them, the hunted for its skin and meat Peruvian legislation maintains programs for its conservation in the Paracas National Reserve
6. Giant otter
The Pteronura brasiliensis, considered in danger of extinction, inhabits mainly the Amazon areas and some areas of Peru. The otter feeds mainly on fish, playing an important role as a predator in ecosystems. Indiscriminate hunting is its most representative threat, added to habitat destruction and the action of fishingin the zone. Peru protects the species in several national parks, such as Manu and in the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve
7. Andean tapir
The Tapirus pinchaque is a typical mammal of South America, present in countries such as Peru, Colombia and Ecuador. It lives nocturnal and is herbivorous. Currently the number of existing specimens is unknown, it is threatened by hunting and habitat destruction. The Peruvian government protects a group of tapirs in the Tabaconas-Nambelle National Sanctuary.
8. Hill Mouse
Melanomys zunigae is endemic to the city of Lima, the capital of Peru. The number of mound mice that exist is unknown, and on more than one occasion it has been considered extinct. There are several reasons that threaten this species, such as the destruction of its habitat, especially due to mining of the area, the introduction of external fauna and the progress and growth of the city
Although the hill mouse is a species unique to Lima, the Peruvian government is not carrying out any program for its conservation.
9. White-winged Guan
The Penelope albipennis is native to Peru, it was believed to be extinct until 1977, when new specimens were discovered. It is a bird about which very little is still known, which lives in places far from human activity, feeding on fruits, plants and seeds.
The guan is critically endangered, it is estimated that there are only two hundred specimens or less. The hunting, the habitat destruction and the slow reproduction process of the species are its main enemies. In Peru there is no program dedicated to its conservation.
10. Peruvian lopper bird
The Phytotoma raimondii is a endemic bird of Peru, Lima being one of the areas where it can still be found. It likes to live among bushes and carob trees, feeding on branches that it cuts with its beak.
Lowers are threatened by the growth of cities, which causes the destruction of their natural habitat and makes them vulnerable to being a victim from runovers and being hunted for fun. Currently, the number of living specimens is unknown.
eleven. Lake Titicaca Giant Frog
The Telmatobius culeus is an amphibian endemic to Lake Titicaca, which is distributed between Peru and Bolivia. This frog is completely aquatic, so it has no lungs. Its main threat is the hand of man, either because the giant frog is hunted to market its legs as a culinary delicacy, or because it is used intraditional medicine
Likewise, various areas of Lake Titicaca have been affected by the action of pesticides used in agriculture, contaminating the waters and, therefore, the ecosystem where this species lives. Currently, there is no program dedicated to its conservation, although the number of individuals is unknown.
12. Wonderful Hummingbird
Loddigesia mirabilis is an endemic species of Peru, specifically from the area around the Utcubamba River. Its peculiarity lies in the fact that it is the only bird that has 4 feathers on its tail, two of which stand up gracefully, giving it a delicate appearance. It is in danger of extinction because it is hunted for entertainment, in addition to the destruction of its habitat.
13. Andean bear or spectacled bear
Another animal in danger of extinction in Peru is the Andean bear or spectacled bear (Tremarctos ornatus). It is a small bear very popular for its charismatic face, which is why it is also called spectacled bear.
The Andean bear (also the South American bear or ucumari bear) is an animal with black fur and peculiar brown spots on its nose, chest and above the eyes. Its distribution ranges from Venezuela to northern Argentina, covering a strip of the Andes Mountains.
Its main threat has been the destruction of its habitat. It is currently listed as "vulnerable" on the Red List of Species and it is estimated that there are less than 10,000 individuals left.
14. Toad of Peru or Peru Stubfoot Toad
One of the most endangered animals in Peru is the Peruvian toad (Atelopus peruensis), also known as the Peru Stubfoot Toad. Currently, in the Red List of Species it is cataloged as "Critically endangered", counting today with less of 50 copiesIts main threats have been (and are) indiscriminate hunting, invasive species and pollution, both industrial and military.
Although efforts are being made to protect and recover the species, it is believed that may be extinct in the wild.
fifteen. Golden-Eyed Stick Insect
The golden-eyed stick insect (Peruphasma schultei) is another of the animals most affected in Peru by the destruction of its habitat. Although in Peru it is not allowed to market live specimens, the sale of their eggs is allowed for subsequent incubation in captivity. In this way, the species has also been highly threatened by hunting for the sale of its offspring as pets. It is currently categorized as "critically endangered" and the exact number of individuals alive in the wild is not known, but experts believe that its population is declining considerably.
16. Peruvian Tern
The Peruvian tern, Peruvian little tern, little tern, churri-churri tern or chirriche (Sternula lorata), as it is also known, is a bird that inhabits the coast of Peru, Chile and Ecuador and it is listed as "endangered" by the Red List of Species. Its main threats are human activity and climate change, which have greatly affected the reproduction and survival of this species. It is currently estimated that there are between 600 and 1,700 specimens
17. Blue whale
The blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus), also called the blue whale, is another animal in danger of extinction in Peru. It is a species that inhabits Peruvian waters and those of nearby countries and is about to disappear throughout the world. It is estimated that there are less than 15,000 individuals and the Red List of Species lists the blue whale as "endangered " Its main threats are climate change and hunting.
18. Goeldi's Tamarind
Another Peruvian animal in danger of extinction is the Goeldi's tamarin (Callimico goeldii), a friendly primate cataloged as "vulnerable"by the Red List of Species. I don't know the exact number of specimens that currently remain, although it is estimated that its population is decreasing Its main threats are illegal hunting, the destruction of their habitat and illegal capture.
19. Yellow-tailed woolly monkey
The yellow-tailed woolly monkey, scientifically known as Oreonax flavicauda, is a very particular primate from the Peruvian Andes that lives in areas of difficult access, mainly in the mountains. It is a monkey with thick and abundant hair, and a characteristic long reddish tail, even though its name gives us the wrong clue as to the color of its tail.
Currently it is estimated that there are only about 250 specimens of this species due to the destruction of its habitat to build human routes, in addition to deforestation for agricultural activities, so it is in serious danger of extinction
twenty. Andean marsupial frog
Among the animals in greatest danger of extinction in Peru is also the Andean marsupial frog (Gastrotheca riobambae), whose population decreases year after year.
Curiously, years ago the Andean marsupial frog was a very common species in Peruvian territory. However, due to pollution, climate change, the invasion of other species and the destruction of its habitat for agriculture and aquaculture, its population has been seriously damaged, to the point of being considered inendangered by the Red List of Species.
twenty-one. Pudu or pudú
The pudu or pudú (Pudu mephistophiles) is the smallest deer that exists, as it measures only a maximum of 33 centimeters and can weigh up to 7 kg. It lives in various areas of South America, but especially in Peru. It presents a grayish yellowish color, although some specimens may be darker and have shades of reddish brown.
There is not much data on this animal on the Red List of Species, but few specimens have been identified in the wild and He thinks that in a few years it will be extinct. Its main threats are illegal hunting, the destruction of its habitat, run over and dog attacks.
22. Giant Anteater
Another animal in danger of extinction in Peru is the giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla), also known as the flag bear or yurumí. It is the largest species of ant bear that exists and inhabits much of Peru.
Its main threats are its natural predators (pumas and jaguars, mainly), the destruction of its habitat, its capture for zoos, and its low reproductive potential. The species is currently categorized as vulnerable and its population continues to decline.
23. Peruvian Pigeon
The Peruvian pigeon (Patagioenas oenops) is currently classified as "vulnerable" by the IUCN, however, since its population is in serious decline, we also consider it as another of Peru's endangered animals. Currently, it is estimated that there are between 2,500 and 9,999 copies.
In addition to Peru, it can be found in southern Ecuador, in habitats such as forests and deserts near bodies of water. It is characterized by its peculiar plumage, which is a truly incredible reddish-brown color. Its main threats are hunting, trapping and destruction of its habitat
How to help Peru's endangered animals?
It is very important that we inform ourselves about the species that inhabit planet earth, because only in this way can we protect animals in danger of extinction. Some of the ways we can help prevent their extinction are the following:
- Make donations to associations and foundations dedicated to rescuing endangered species.
- Encourage recycling.
- Do not participate in the buying and selling of animals.
- Be more aware of the clothes we buy and the food we eat.
- Do not support activities that include animals such as circuses or zoos.
- Do not participate in the deterioration of natural habitats.
In addition, we invite you to learn about other vulnerable species, such as animals in danger of extinction in Mexico or animals in danger of extinction in Chile.
