Insects

Andean Cock-of-the-rock

The Andean Cock-of-the-rock, Rupicola peruviana is a spectacular, medium-sized passerine which is known to be pretty shy and not easily spotted. They emit a loud querulous "uankk?" when disturbed or in flight.
They average 32 cm (12½ in) in length (from beak to tip of tail). The species exhibits marked sexual dimorphism (which means they can be visually sexed)..
Cocks:
The male has a large disk-like crest and scarlet or brilliant orange
He has black tail and wings
His bill is yellowish
His irides (= plural of iris) range from red over orange and yellow to bluish-white
Hens:
The female is significantly darker and browner than the male and has a shorter crest.
Her bill is dark with a small yellow tip
Her irides (= plural of iris) are whitish over reddish to brown

Bird Watching

Manu is a birdwatchers paradise and many eco-tourists visit the reserve specifically to watch birds.
Below 2500 meters, down to 1500 meters is the humid subtropical forest. This is the home of one of Manu's most well known and spectacular birds, the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock.
A total of more than 800 bird species (Saavedra, 1989) and 200 species of mammals has been identified, 500 birds alone from the lowland forests around Cocha Cashu Biological Station.
The bird species found in Manu represent 25% of all the birds known in South America and 10% of all the species in the world and it is thought that there may be as many 1,000 bird species in total.
Three Endemic Bird Areas are represented within the park, the South-east Peruvian lowlands ,home to 15 restricted range species, the Eastern Andes of Peru with 11 restricted range species, and the Western Andes of Peru with 30 restricted range species.
There are 13 species of monkey, and it is estimated that there are over 100 species of bat. There are also 12 species of reptiles within 7 families.

Plants

The vegetation varies widely, however the most widespread vegetation types found are tropical lowland rainforest, tropical montane rainforest and Puna vegetation (grasslands). The lowland forests occur on the alluvial plains and the interfluvial hills. Those on the hills may experience seasonal water supply, given the monthly variation in rainfall, while the forests on the alluvial plains are likely to be seasonally flooded. The montane forests experience less variation in the water supply and are exposed to lower temperatures. The management plan (La Molina, 1986) maps 14 forest types using the Holdridge system (after Tosi, 1960), although, given the lack of rainfall data, this must be to some extent speculative. Despite the high diversity of plant species in this region, the flora of Manu is still poorly known and floristic inventories must be considered as preliminary (Gentry, 1985). The few collections of plants are those of Foster (1985) and Gentry (1985) made in the alluvial plains near the Biological Station, and in the Tres Cruces region of the uplands. Other collections have been made by Terborgh (1985) and Janson (1985) on trees where birds and primates obtain food. Despite this, in the last ten years, 1147 plant species have been identified in the park within quite a small area (500 ha), and it is likely that the number of species to be found within the park is well over this figure. More recent data (Saavedra, 1989) indicate 1,200 lowland vascular species and a single one hectare plot near the Cocha Cashu research station supported more than 200 tree species.

Butterfly Life

Current investigations show that Peru’ has been graced with more than 20% of butterfly fauna in the world.
As advanced insects, butterflies and moths have a "complete" life cycle. This means that there are four separate stages, each of which looks completely different and serves a different purpose in the life of the insect.
The egg is a tiny, round, oval, or cylindrical object, usually with fine ribs and other microscopic structures. The female attaches the egg to leaves, stems, or other objects, usually on or near the intended caterpillar food.
The caterpillar (or larva) is the long, worm-like stage of the butterfly or moth. It often has an interesting pattern of stripes or patches, and it may have spine-like hairs. It is the feeding and growth stage. As it grows, it sheds its skin four or more times so as to enclose its rapidly growing body.
The chrysalis (or pupa) is the transformation stage within which the caterpillar tissues are broken down and the adult insect's structures are formed. The chrysalis of most species is brown or green and blends into the background. Many species overwinter in this stage.
The adult (or imago) is colorful butterfly or moth usually seen. It is the reproductive and mobile stage for the species. The adults undergo courtship, mating, and egg-laying. The adult butterfly or moth is also the stage that migrates or colonizes new habitats.

Manu Expedition 2009

Manu is the most biologically diverse region of the Amazon for terrestrial life. it provides unforgettable opportunities for a nature and birding experience.
Manu consists of the area surrounding the Manu Biosphere Reserve and extends eastward through the Manu Lowlands (Peru).
The list of flora and fauna includes 1,000 species of birds, more than 200 species of mammals, 13 species of monkey, a great variety of butterflies and 15,000 species of flowering plants.
The Manu Biosphere Reserve is composed of two parts: Manu National Park, and the Cultural Zone. The 3.7 million-acre Manu National Park was formed in 1973.
Neither tourism nor tourist lodges are allowed in the park itself. In 1980 the area to the east of the park was designated as a Reserve Zone, reserved for tourist and commercial activities.

Join us for the best Wildlife and Birding experience. Finally if you are planning a trip to Manu (Peru), you shouldn't miss the opportunity to visit Cuzco and Machu Picchu. We also prepare scientific student tours or tailor-made programs. "....