The fauna of Arequipa It has numerous species and an ecosystem in general very varied. Thanks to the environment of Arequipa, where aridity and altitude stand out, plant life is varied, which in turn calls various animals to the area.
It is important to note that the coastal area of Arequipa stands out for the large number of species that inhabit it.
In the department of Arequipa there are at least 300 species of birds, the most outstanding being the Andean Condor.
This is one of the largest birds, can reach 330cm and weigh 11kg to 15kg and is a symbol of Peru.
Mammal species
Vicuna
It is located in the highest part of Arequipa. It weighs around 50 grams, is quite small, measures 80cm.
It should be noted that in Peru there is the main population of vicuñas in the world.
The taruca from Arequipa
Also known as Andean deer. This mammal usually lives in arid areas with a height of 1800 meters above sea level at 5000 meters above sea level.
This specimen is of medium size and weight, its weight is between 45kg and 75kg.
Currently the Taruca Arequipeña is in Danger of extinction . At the international level, it is like a vulnerable animal, so it is found in protection in all parks in Peru. In Arequipa they are protected in the National Reserve Salinas and Aguada Blanca.
Bird species
Andean ducks
It is a medium-sized bird, the male is about 61cm and its weight is between 1,200 grams, while the female is a little smaller in both parameters.
These ducks can be differentiated between the female and the male by the size of their tail. The male usually has a long and pronounced tail; in the case of the female, she is small and less acute.
This species lives on the marine coast of Arequipa. It feeds on molluscs and marine algae.
Suri or ñandú
This is a non-flying bird, also known as the Andean ostrich. The suri can live in areas that have 3500 meters of altitude.
It is important to consider that the suri or ñandú is in danger of extinction, it is estimated that only between 200 and 300 species remain in the Andean zone of Peru.
Reptile species
Peruvian lizard or Microlophus peruvianus
This lizard lives naturally on the coast of Arequipa. It is easily recognized by its large size, can reach up to 35cm, its body is long with short limbs. This reptile feeds mainly on insects and vegetation.
Species of fish
The cojinova
It is an elongated white fish, has no more than 9 spines. When they are young they are soft, with time they become strong. The meat of the cojinova is edible, it is normally used to prepare ceviche.
Anchovy fish
It is a small fish that lives on the surface of the sea . He arrives there fleeing from other fish that feed on him. However, when it surfaces, it becomes the food of seabirds.
This fish feeds on marine plants and larvae, that is, the offspring of other fish.
References
- Belaunde, A. P. (1967). Arequipa: its past, present and future. Lima: Impr. Lithographic of Peru.
- Enrique Carrion Ordoñez, T. D. (1973). Bibliography of Spanish in Peru. Hamburg: Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co KG.
- Juhani Ojasti, F. a. (1993). Use of wildlife in Latin America: situation and prospects for sustainable management. Food & Agriculture Org.
- Klarén, P. F. (2017). Historical Dictionary of Peru. Rowman & Littlefield.
- Lamas, G. (1985). Second Symposium on Neotropical Lepidoptera, Arequipa, Peru. Lepidoptera Research Foundation, Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History.