Location: Delta
Size: 440 hectares
Elevation: 750 – 950 m.a.s.l.
The Iguahuana tropical dry forests are located in the valley of the Marañón and Utcubamba rivers, and support pre-montane thorn scrub in the Sub-Andean mountain range. These dry forests have gained considerable importance for their diversity and high level of endemism, with over 715 endemic species! During a walk through these forests, you will encounter a paradise of unique plants, amphibians, reptiles, and bird species, including the elegant crescentchest (Melanopareia elegans), endemic buff-bellied tanager (Thlypopsis inornata) and near endangered little Inca-finch (Incaspiza watkinsi). This forest is also home to 15 large mammal species, 7 of which are rare or threatened. You will have the chance to see white-fronted capuchin monkeys (Cebus albifrons), night monkeys (Aotus sp.), kinkajou (Potos flavus), red brocket (Mazama americana), ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) as well as the near threatened mountain paca (Agouti taczanowskii) and Culpeo fox (Psuedalopex culpaeus). There are also several impressive caves in the area to explore, and even a nearby dry creek where bones and dinosaur footprints have been found (http://paleontologiadebagua.blogspot.com)!
Due to immigration and disorderly occupation of the land, this area has severe pressure on its natural resources. Primary forests are quickly disappearing from logging and burning, and the capture of animals for pets and commercial purposes is prevalent in the area. NPC is seeking recognition of the land for a conservation concession along with two members of the community, Rosas Guerrero and Jose Torres Rohas Julón, who have been working to protect it for the past 10 years. By visiting this site, you have the opportunity to experience these incredibly unique forests, as well as support sustainable tourism efforts of local people who want to conserve their forests.
LOGISTICS
VISITS MUST BE ARRANGED IN ADVANCE BY EMAIL (info@neoprimate.org) SO THAT WE HAVE TIME TO PREPARE GUIDES & ACCOMMODATION.
This area can be accessed by road from the city of Bagua in car or bus along the road that leads to Chiclayo, then there is a detour that takes you to the village of Delta that takes approximately 30 minutes. The conservation concession is located a half hour walk from the village.
