The term ‘ecosystem engineer’ refers to an animal that significantly creates, modifies, and maintains the habitat it lives in.

The beaver is an obvious example of this, as its dams actually create small ponds. But for anyone who has ever come across a herd of 200+ white-lipped peccary in the Amazon and seen their aftermath, it’s not hard to imagine these guys can do equally significant engineering for the amazon rainforest wildlife.

If you ask one of our local guides what peccaries eat, their typical answer is «everything.» Peccary is known for loudly chomping on seeds, eating young shoots of plants, and even eating small vertebrates or invertebrates they come across.

But it’s not just what they eat, it’s how they eat. Using their noses as shovels, they can quickly dig 6″ into the ground to get at some roots. And the four hundred hooves stomping the ground leave mashed-up earth in their wake.

Not to mention the incredible impact- studies have shown that the removal of peccaries from forest results in a 500% or more increase in the number of seeds on the ground for some palms.

However ‘destructive’ these peccaries may seem, it’s very important that it is natural- this is the way rainforests have been for thousands of years. These trees, especially palms, have evolved in a habitat in which their seeds get eaten, so if you remove the peccary you will likely get some significant impacts on seed survival, dispersal, and the future tree population of those forests decades down the road.

It’s not just the trees they impact with their engineering, studies have shown their muddy wallows provide homes for many frog species, and they are the top prey of jaguars, too.

I have worked in rainforests in which peccaries have all been hunted out by humans. The forest is, simply, different. There seem to be less cleared areas, less muddy wallows, and a definite lack of that peccary smell that permeates some parts of these forests.

So, to celebrate these wild, loud, smelly, and important animals, here are some photos of the White-lipped peccary during an amazon rainforest expedition. Photos by Paul Bertner :

How to plan your Amazon travel to see this and other Amazon wildlife

• Go on a hike in the rainforest with a trained guide: Peccaries are everywhere in the rainforest. You can see them around Tambopata Research Center lodge gardens. However, to see a white-lipped peccary you have to go out with a guide quietly.

 

By Phil Torres

Congrats to Mary Bremner who guessed all of these Amazon animals right on our Facebook post, very impressive!

1. Rufous Motmot

2. Orinoco Geese

3. Spectacled (White) Caiman

4. Capybara

5. Spider Monkey

6. Amazon Kingfisher

7. Great Black Hawk

8. Sand Colored Nighthawk

 

By Phil Torres

How to plan your Amazon travel to see this and other Amazon wildlife?

Get in contact with one of our Amazon Rainforest Specialists.

I’ve been working in the Tambopata rainforest for almost a year.  I’m still continually impressed by the quantity of wildlife you can see over the course of several hours. Yesterday a bunch of tourists and I left Refugio Amazonas, took a 4.5-hour canoe ride upriver, and ended up in the Tambopata Research Center.

An afternoon of large collages

I had a 400mm camera at my side and decided to see if I could capture all of the wildlife we saw along the way. While I missed getting a good shot of a few bird species we saw (like herons, egrets, storks) and a few other creatures, I still ended up with quite the collection of images.

Here are eight amazon rainforest wildlife highlights, for you to identify in the comments below. I’ll post the identities once we have someone who guessed all of the names of the animals correctly, either here or on the same image posted on our Facebook.

An afternoon of large collages

 

How to plan your Amazon travel to see this and other Amazon wildlife

• Go on a hike or in the river in the rainforest with a trained guide: Wildlife is everywhere in the rainforest. You can see them around lodge gardens if you just pay attention. However, to see then you need a trained eagle eye as our guides.

 

By Phil Torres

Just this week we saw a record THREE jaguars on one boat ride on the Tambopata! Three great reasons to visit Tambopata!

The first thing you have to know, is where is Tambopata?

The Tambopata National Reserve is nestled in the southeastern region of Peru, deep within the heart of the Amazon rainforest. To reach this pristine and remote area, travelers typically start their journey by flying into the city of Puerto Maldonado, the capital of the Madre de Dios region. Puerto Maldonado is well-connected to the rest of Peru by domestic flights from Lima and Cusco.

From Puerto Maldonado, visitors embark on a river journey by boat, venturing deeper into the Amazon basin to access Tambopata National Reserve. Note there are 2 rivers in the region but only the Tambopata River is the one that crossed the national area.

The journey along the Tambopata River is not only an immersive experience in itself but also the gateway to exploring the breathtaking biodiversity and lush landscapes that define Tambopata’s unparalleled natural beauty.

Having said that, why should you visit Tambopata while you are in Peru?

Here are 3 reasons to visit Tambopata

1. Encounter the Elusive Apex Predator

Tambopata southeast of Peru, offers a rare but the best opportunity to witness one of the world’s most elusive apex predators, the jaguar, in its natural habitat. These magnificent big cats are notoriously difficult to spot due to their solitary and elusive nature. A visit to Tambopata presents a chance to catch a glimpse of this iconic creature in the wild, an experience that is both thrilling and awe-inspiring.

2. Immerse in Pristine Rainforests

Tambopata is home to lush, pristine rainforests teeming with biodiversity. While on the quest for jaguars, visitors are treated to a sensory feast of vibrant flora and fauna, from colorful birds to exotic plant species. Exploring Tambopata’s rainforests is an adventure in itself, and the opportunity to encounter jaguars only adds to the allure of this biodiverse paradise.

3. Support Conservation Efforts

Your visit to Tambopata contributes directly to the conservation of jaguars and their habitat. Tourism revenue supports vital conservation initiatives aimed at preserving these magnificent creatures and the delicate ecosystems they inhabit. By choosing to explore Tambopata, you actively participate in the efforts to protect this charismatic species and the biodiversity of the Amazon rainforest. Your visit becomes a meaningful contribution to the conservation of the jaguar and the entire ecosystem it represents.

Now our 3 reasons to visit this part of the Peruvian Amazon

During a photo tour, we saw these awesome jaguars, part of the Amazon rainforest wildlife.  To not disappoint, the next day a big group of travelers saw two more jaguars along the shore. This is a record for the area, while two have been seen on one trip more often, three have only been seen once before years ago. Check out the images below:

Three great reasons to visit Tambopata

When traveling to Peru, come visit Tambopata to see these jaguars and experience the Amazon.

How to plan your Amazon travel to see this and other Amazon wildlife

• Go on a hike or on a boat journey along the Tambopata River in the rainforest with a trained guide: They have eagle eyes, at least, ours have.

By Phil Torres

NOW READ: 4 Tips to Increase Your Chances of Spotting a Jaguar in the Amazon: A Guide for Visiting Tambopata in Peru

A group of scientists recently came together with park rangers and native communities to solve a difficult question: How many tapirs are there in the Greater Madidi-Tambopata Landscape of northwest Bolivia and southeastern Tambopata Peru? 

But first thing first, what is the Madidi National Park

Nestled within the pristine heart of South America, Madidi National Park in Bolivia stands as a testament to the staggering biodiversity and ecological wonders of the Amazon basin. Spanning over 18,900 square kilometers, this protected gem is a true testament to the breathtaking natural beauty that characterizes the region. From the lush lowland rainforests to the towering Andean peaks, Madidi National Park offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the rich tapestry of life that thrives within its boundaries.

And what is the Tambopata National Reserve?

Tambopata National Reserve, within the heart of the Peruvian Amazon, beckons with its awe-inspiring natural beauty and exceptional biodiversity. Encompassing over 1.3 million acres of pristine rainforests, meandering waterways, and vibrant ecosystems, this revered reserve is a sanctuary for both wildlife and those who seek to connect with the astonishing richness of nature. Tambopata National Reserve stands out as an exemplary testament to Peru’s unwavering commitment to preserving its ecological treasures.

More about the Tambopata National Reserve here

Most importantly just next to the Tambopata National is the Bawaja Sonene National Park

The Bahuaja-Sonene National Park emerges as an unparalleled haven of untouched beauty and extraordinary biodiversity. Encompassing an expansive territory of over 1.1 million hectares, this exceptional park stands as a testament to the astonishing natural wonders that thrive within the heart of the Amazon basin. With its verdant rainforests, meandering rivers, and a profusion of unique ecosystems, Bahuaja-Sonene National Park embodies Peru’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding its ecological treasures.

Back on our tapir topic

These are the largest mammals in the Amazon, but their large size doesn’t mean they’re easy to find. In fact, they are notoriously really difficult to see, and most researchers and guides I know who work in the Amazon have only seen a handful. These odd-looking creatures look similar to a horse but are actually more closely related to the rhinoceros.

My only sighting wasn’t by my eyes, but by the camera trap, I set up, a video of which can be seen below. Researchers for this study used this same camera-trap technique, in which you put motion and infrared detecting cameras in areas of high mammal activity in order to monitor and detect populations.

While many mammal studies rely entirely on camera trap images, these researchers also included the one thing that could give them insight into how the populations have changed over time: humans.

They interviewed park rangers and native hunters to further gain insight into the animal behavior, the hangouts, and the numbers. The combined data suggested that tapir populations are increasing throughout most of this range due to ecotourism projects and government efforts that help protect the forest and minimize hunting.

The analysis suggested that there are between 15,000 and 35,000 tapirs in this range- possibly more tapirs than there are humans! To read the full study, check it out here.

How to plan your Amazon travel to see this and other Amazon wildlife

• Go on a hike in the rainforest with a trained guide:  To spot one of these incredible animals you need an eagle eye or a rainforest specialist guide like ours.

NOW READ: How Many Tapirs Visited This Claylick In 24 Hours?

By Phil Torres

Birdwatching aficionados worldwide are often captivated by the challenge of capturing an image of a kingfisher, especially the elusive American Pygmy Kingfisher in its natural habitat. These mesmerizing birds, with their vibrant plumage and remarkable hunting techniques, are a prized sighting for any birding enthusiast. In this extensive guide, we will delve into the world of kingfishers in the Tambopata National Reserve in Peru, uncovering their unique characteristics, their significance in the ecosystem, and the thrill of encountering them in the lush rainforests of South America.

Tambopata National Reserve: A Biodiversity Hotspot

Before we dive into the fascinating world of kingfishers, let’s take a moment to appreciate the Tambopata National Reserve itself. Located in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon, this vast protected area spans over 1.3 million acres and is teeming with biodiversity. It is one of the most biologically diverse regions on the planet, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts, ecologists, and wildlife photographers alike.

The reserve boasts a wide range of ecosystems, from pristine rainforests to oxbow lakes, creating a unique tapestry of habitats that support a staggering variety of flora and fauna. Tambopata is renowned for its incredible birdlife, and it is here that our quest for kingfishers begins.

Kingfishers: Masters of Aquatic Hunting

Kingfishers belong to the family Alcedinidae and are renowned for their exceptional hunting abilities, particularly when it comes to fishing. The kingfisher’s distinctive physique, characterized by a sharp, pointed beak and stocky body, is perfectly adapted for their aquatic lifestyle.

In Tambopata, several kingfisher species can be encountered, each with its own set of remarkable traits. However, no matter the species, kingfishers all share a common hunting technique – the spectacular dive. These birds are known for their ability to plunge headfirst into the water with astonishing precision, emerging with their catch in a matter of seconds.

One of the most impressive features of kingfishers’ hunting style is their ability to fish without creating a splash. Their unique adaptations, including specialized transparent third eyelids that protect their eyes underwater, make them virtually invisible to their prey until it’s too late. This stealthy approach to hunting is a true marvel of nature.

You should be interested too on: Amazon Kingfisher

The Inspiration for Bullet Trains

Kingfishers’ incredible efficiency in capturing fish has even had an impact beyond the natural world. In a fascinating twist, these birds served as an inspiration for the design of modern bullet trains in Japan. Engineers drew upon the kingfisher’s sleek, hydrodynamic form to reduce the noise and energy consumption of high-speed trains. The resulting «Shinkansen» trains, with their beak-shaped noses, are a testament to the ingenious ways in which nature’s designs can influence human innovation.

Encounters in Tambopata: The American Pygmy Kingfisher

Tambopata’s lush rainforests and winding waterways offer a prime habitat for an array of kingfisher species. One of the more elusive but captivating species that can be found in this region is the American Pygmy Kingfisher (Chloroceryle aenea).

The American Pygmy Kingfisher is a true gem of the Peruvian Amazon. This diminutive kingfisher is known for its striking colors, with a brilliant turquoise back and a rusty orange underbelly. Its small size and vibrant plumage make it a prized sighting for birdwatchers fortunate enough to spot it.

Unlike some of its larger counterparts, the American Pygmy Kingfisher prefers the quieter, more secluded streams and water bodies within the Tambopata National Reserve. These smaller waterways provide an ideal hunting ground for this species, where it can dive for tiny fish and aquatic insects with ease.

Roosting at Dusk

One of the secrets to encountering the American Pygmy Kingfisher lies in its behavior. These birds are often observed roosting near water bodies, especially during the twilight hours. Roosting is the term used to describe the act of birds resting or sleeping in a particular location, typically during the night.

For birdwatchers seeking to capture a glimpse of this enchanting kingfisher, patience and careful observation during the evening hours can yield rewarding sightings. It’s in these moments that the American Pygmy Kingfisher may perch on a branch or overhanging vegetation, providing a unique opportunity to observe its behavior up close.

More about Birds of Peru here

Tambopata’s Diverse Habitats: From Rivers to Swamps

While many kingfishers in Tambopata, like the American Pygmy Kingfisher, are commonly associated with larger rivers and streams, others inhabit more unconventional environments. Some kingfisher species can be found in the company of caimans, reptiles reminiscent of crocodiles, in swampy areas.

These swamp-dwelling kingfishers add a layer of intrigue to the region’s avian diversity. Their ability to coexist with caimans demonstrates the adaptability of these birds and their resourcefulness in finding suitable hunting grounds.

Hawking for Insects: A Unique Kingfisher Trait

Kingfishers in Tambopata aren’t solely focused on fishing. What sets certain species apart, including the American Pygmy Kingfisher and the Ringed Kingfisher (Megaceryle torquata), is their penchant for «hawking» insects.

Hawking is a remarkable behavior in which these kingfishers capture and consume insects while in mid-flight. This skill adds an intriguing dimension to their hunting techniques and highlights their versatility as predators. Insects become a vital part of their diet, especially when opportunities for fish are scarce.

The Ringed Kingfisher, another notable species in Tambopata, is particularly skilled at this aerial insect hunt. With its striking blue-gray plumage, shaggy crest, and distinctive rattling call, it’s a charismatic and readily identifiable species in the reserve. Birdwatchers are often treated to the spectacle of a Ringed Kingfisher deftly plucking insects from the air, showcasing its agility and precision.

1.Amazon Kingfisher 2. Green and rufous kingfisher 3. Green kingfisher

The Importance of Kingfishers in Ecosystems

Beyond their captivating hunting techniques and striking appearances, kingfishers play a significant role in the ecosystems they inhabit. These birds help regulate populations of aquatic creatures, such as fish and aquatic insects, through their predation.

In doing so, they contribute to the overall health and balance of freshwater ecosystems. By controlling the number of potential pests and invasive species, kingfishers indirectly support the well-being of countless other organisms that share their habitats.

Furthermore, their nests and burrows, often located along riverbanks, provide shelter and nesting sites for various other wildlife, including amphibians and reptiles. These underground chambers, excavated by kingfishers for breeding, become valuable refuges for other species during adverse weather conditions or when seeking protection from predators.

Gray Kingfisher – Photo by Lucas Bustamante

Conservation Efforts and Kingfishers

Understanding the ecological importance of kingfishers underscores the significance of conserving their habitats. Tambopata National Reserve, with its incredible array of ecosystems and diverse birdlife, stands as a testament to the importance of preserving natural spaces.

Conservation efforts in the Tambopata region are multifaceted and aim to safeguard the delicate balance of the rainforest and its inhabitants. These initiatives encompass habitat preservation, sustainable tourism practices, and research to better understand and protect the unique flora and

READY TO CHECK SOME ITINERARIES? : CHECK OUT OUR SHORT

4 NIGHT BIRDING TRIP TO POSADA AMAZONAS

A couple of years ago, wildlife photographer Jeff Cremer stumbled upon something very special during a night hike in the rainforest of Tambopata, Peru. While passing a bend on the trail, he noticed several glowing green dots embedded within a dirt wall. Curious and seeking more information, Jeff snapped some pictures and posted them to Reddit in a section where site users help to answer questions and identify species. Glowing Species at Refugio Amazonas eco-lodge in Tambopata.

It turns out, that these glowing dots were likely due to some kind of insect larvae, possibly a beetle, but the rest of the story remained a mystery. What exactly was this strange species and why were they glowing in the middle of the Amazon rainforest in a dirt wall? This past October, Jeff was accompanied by entomologist Aaron Pomerantz and his colleagues Mike Bentley and Geoff Gallice, who are graduate students at the University of Florida. Together, they hoped to “shed some light” on this glowing mystery.

Jeff Cremer – Glowing Species at Refugio Amazonas

 

Animals that produce and emit their own light have been of great interest to biologists, chemists, and pretty much any nature lover who has had the privilege of encountering one of the many glowing critters out there. There is something mesmerizing and beautiful about an ocean lit up by glowing plankton or watching an open field come alive at night, illuminated with fireflies. The technical term for this glowing phenomenon is known as bioluminescence, and it has evolved many times in the animal kingdom. There are several different reasons that animals utilize this emission of light including attracting mates, defense against predators, and luring in prey. And this last reason brings us back to our mysterious glow worms…

 

The larvae up-close, showing off the luminescence from the glands near the head.

Revealing the glowing species at Refugio Amazonas

As Aaron points out in the video, these larvae are sticking their glowing heads out of the dirt wall with their freakish-looking mandibles outstretched. This immediately tipped off the entomologists that this appeared to be a sit-and-wait, or ambush, predatory strategy. You’ve also probably noticed that some insects seem to flock to your porch light at night; the glow worms may be taking advantage of this attraction to light phenomenon. That is, they may emit green light and wait for a nice juicy insect to come right into that lure, and right into those powerful mandibles. This is not unlike the strategy that deep-sea angler fish employ to lure prey. The light production in these glow worms is likely due to a molecule known as Luciferin, which is also the compound that many firefly species use to emit light.

 

Zoomed in on the mouthparts.

Mike helped confirm our predator hypothesis by presenting the larvae with a stick and then an ant. Sure enough, they were voracious, clamping their mandibles shut and dragging their prey into the tunnels…never to be seen again. Due to their predatory nature coupled with the fact that these monstrous-looking glow worms reminded us of the movie Tremors (a 1990 western film about killer underground creatures), we just had to take several close-up pictures for your viewing pleasure.

The glowing larvae with their freakish mandibles outstretched and waiting for the next unsuspecting victim.

So what species did we investigate here? We believe these belong to a family of beetles called Elateridae, which are commonly known as click beetles. But beyond that, we are not entirely sure what species this is or if it has been described yet (perhaps through the power of the internet we can get an answer). Elateridae is a very large family with around 10,000 described species in the world and only about 200 species have been documented to display bioluminescence. Some species of glowing beetle larvae in Brazil can be found in old termite nests where they attract and catch prey like ants and termites. The behavior that we observed where the larvae had utilized a dirt wall, as opposed to a termite mound, for their home and hunting ground could be a different niche not yet documented for this enigmatic group of glow worms.

Close-up of the glow worm head. Cute, huh?

So at the end of the day, why should we care about these critters? Aside from the fact that they are downright bizarre and extraordinarily cool-looking, the science behind bioluminescent click beetles is still lacking. What role do they play in the complex environment and ecosystem of the Amazon rainforest? Why exactly did they develop the ability to produce their own light, and how did this trait evolve? What can they teach us about their biochemistry and the biodiversity of life on our planet? These questions are far from answered, but perhaps a curious naturalist will come along and help to solve this, and many other, Amazonian mysteries.

An infographic on our predatory glow worms. 

We hope that this story has sparked a little fascination in you because it certainly did for us when we first laid eyes on them! We will investigate these amazing glow worms further to see what more we can learn while seeking to protect them and their environment.

By Aaron Pomerantz, Entomologist. You can follow Aaron on Twitter @AaronPomerantz

If you are an insect lover, don’t miss a night walk with our expert guides or join our Discovering New Species project where you can become a citizen scientist during your stay in the Peruvian Amazon.

NOW READ: Bioluminescence in the Peruvian Amazon: Like the Avatar Movie, but in Real Life