The western Amazon rainforest, found in Peru, is known to have the greatest diversity of flora and fauna found in the world.

Biologists refer to this region as the "green paradise" of the Amazon forest. Within this region there exist exceptional national parks and reserves that contain the best wildlife viewing experiences to be found in the Amazon.

The best in northeast Peru is the Area de Conservacion Regional Comunal de Tamshiyacu-Tahuayo (ACRCTT). The Tamshiyacu-Tahuayo was designated a reserve by the Peruvian government in 1991 to protect the range of the rare red uakari monkey, an orangutan-looking monkey with a bright red face. Subsequent scientific research has found one of the world's richest variety of plants, amphibians, reptiles and birds.

Thought to be a Pleistocene refugia (a zone that remained forested during the last ice age, when most of the Amazon became dry savanna), many species have been found here which exist nowhere else in the world. The reserve's mammal diversity has been proven to be the greatest of any region in all of the Amazon. The number of primate species is the highest of any protected park or reserve in the world. Scientists studying birds, amphibians, and plants have found the respective species assemblages to be "outstanding, unusual and exceptional".

The diversity of other species is also outstanding. Our bird list has 540 species (email us for a copy or click here to view the list online), including several species that cannot be seen on other tours. Several new species of frogs and butterflies have recently been described here as well.

Ongoing scientific research supported by Amazonia Expeditions is directed to conservation management of the reserve's biodiversity as well as the introduction of sustainable economic practices among the native indigenous communities. Click on Tahuayo River Amazon Research Center for more information.

Brazilian Rainbow Boa

For a map of the Tamshiyacu-Tahuayo click here.

The reserve is managed with one of the most innovative conservation programs in the Amazon. It is the only program that enlists the collaboration of natives living downriver to subscribe to game management goals set by conservation managers. Fund raising for the conservation program is operated by the Rainforest Conservation Fund. Amazonia Expeditions is a major financial donor of the Fund as well as working to reinforce the goals of conservation among the local communities.

Chestnut-eared Aricari

Capped Heron Photo by Garrett Parkinson

Short Tailed Parrot Photo by Garrett Parkinson

Monkey's Comb