Mammals - Amazon Expedition - Manu National Park - Tambopata - Sandoval Lake Reserve
The extraordinary capacity to adapt that mammals have demenstrated by populating the most varied places on Earth is primarily due to two notable characterlstics: thelr abillty to maintain thelr body temperature relatlvely stable (warm-blooded) and the relatively long gestation perlod of the embryo in the placenta, with the exceptlon of echidnas, duckblll platypus and marsuplals, (Peru Nature - Amazon Expedition - Wild Green)
For mammals, food provldes heat for the body. This heat triggers a complex mechanism that allows the body to adapt to external conditlons, giving mammals greater independence. Thermoregulatlon requires the participation of several parts of the body, the hair being one of the principal components in this function. (Peru Nature - Amazon Expedition - Wild Green).
According to the density and disposition of the fur, the animal can generate air pockets that retain heat. In some cases, like the Water Opossum (Chironectes minimus), the fur ¡s also waterproof, which prevenís contact with water and the consequent loss of heat. Moreover, the fur protects the animal against scrapping and bumps and in some obvious cases, like porcupines, the fur is modified to dissuade attackers. The sweat glands and the sebaceous glands also contrlbute to thermoregulation. The former are rapid tracts to elimínate excessive heat and the latter lubrícate the skln to keep flexible and ¡n good condltion. (Peru Nature - Amazon Expedition - Wild Green).
The development of the embryo in the placenta is a tremendos advantage. There, the young spend the time necessary to prepa themselves to face the world ¡n which they wlll Uve. Although tf vast majorlty of mammals employ this successful strategy, marsupla complete thelr development in a pouch outslde of the wom. Marsuplals are a prlmitlve group and, according to researcher have thelr orlglns in Australia. Throughout thelr long hlstor; however, they have developed more in the tropics of South Americ than in any other place on Earth and consequently the greateí diverslty of specles of marsupials ¡s found on thls continent. (Peru Nature - Amazon Expedition - Wild Green)
The tremendous dlversity of the tropical ralnforests ¡s due to the great number of different habltats. In South America, the Ande mountains, the envlronments created by the numerous kinds of forests and the different strata of these forests are primaril responsible for giving rise to so many specles of mammals According to researchers, the forests in the lower part of Manu National Park cióse to the Cocha Cashu Blologlcal Statlon have the hlghest dlversity of mammals in the Amazonian plain and probably in the world. To date, there have been 190 species of mammals recorded ¡n the Manu Biosphere Reserve between 365 and 3450 metres above sea level ¡n the Amazonian basin. (Peru Nature - Amazon Expedition - Wild Green)
To the exceptional biodiversity of Manu can also be added an astounding number of endemic mammal species: Anderson’s mouse opossum (Marmosa Andersoni), Incan shrew opossum (Lestoros inca), Sanborn’s squirrel (Sciurus sanborni), Keays’s rice mouse (Oryzomys keaysi), Cloud forest grass mouse (Akodon torques), Distinguished oíd field mouse (Thomasomys notatus), (Neusticomis peruviensis) and in neighbouring regions: Long-nosed bats (Anoura sp.), Dusky arboreal rice rat (Oecomys phaeotis), Spiny mice (Neacomys sp.), Silent grass mouse (Akodon surdus) and Koford’s grass mouse (Akodon kofordi). (Peru Nature - Amazon Expedition - Wild Green)
In contrast to birds with flashy plumage and distinct songs, mammals are normally dull in colour and are very quiet, as well as being mostly nocturnal and quite timid. In general, mammals have poor visión and some species are unable to distinguish colours. However, they have an excellent sense of smell and good hearing, which is why they often sense the presence of humans before an actual encounter. The tracks that they leave on the ground are an invaluable tool for identifying different species. (Peru Nature - Amazon Expedition - Wild Green)
In this guide, in addition to illustrations we have included drawings of those footprints that you may encounter during your travels in Manu. Remember that tracks tend to be clearer and fresher in moist soil after a rainfall. Also, it is helpful to consider other indicators, such as feces, the shape and size of burrows or marks on tree trunks. (Peru Nature - Amazon Expedition - Wild Green)
Like parrots and macaws, many species of mammals visit special places where they ingest soil that is rich in minerals. These "colpas" are good places to photograph some of the less frequently seen species. Also, the beaches along the Manu river offer an unobstructed view where it may be possible to see capybaras (Hydrochaer hydrochaeris), small weasels called tayras (Eira barbara) or, with a little luck, a tapir (Tapirus terrestris). Large groups of squirrel monkeys (Saimirí sciureus) and capuchín monkeys (Cebus apella) move through the middle strata of the trees. Black spider monkeys (Ateles paniscus) prefer the higher levels and the large red howler monkey (A/ouatta senicu/us) climbs out onto exposed limbs so that its potent voice can travel even further. (Peru Nature - Amazon Expedition - Wild Green)
Bats are by far the most numerous group of mammals in Manu, More than eighty species have already been reported and it is expected that final count will exceed 100. These flying mammals are an excellent example of specialization. Some, like Macconnell's bat (Mesophyiia macconne/li) have developed astounding habits. On a palm leaf, the bat cuts small aligned holes from the edge. (Peru Nature - Amazon Expedition - Wild Green)
towards the centre, forming a «V». In this way, ¡t constructs a tent roost with two sloping ceilings. It rests and awaits nightfall ¡n this tent at approximately 1.5 metres above the ground. Even though this species lives quite cióse to the tourists, it often goes unseen. (Peru Nature - Amazon Expedition - Wild Green)
The giant river otter (Pteronura brasiliensis), extirpated in most Amazonian forests, lives ¡n very stable populations inside Manu National Park. This species can be seen quite frequently playing in small family groups, capturing fish or resting on trunks that protrude from the waters of the oxbow lakes in the lower regions of Manu. (Peru Nature - Amazon Expedition - Wild Green)
Many visitors hope to see large mammals like jaguars, puma and spectacled bears. However, these are solitary animáis that range over extensive territories and are very difficult to find. But, Manu always holds surprises! Should you require additional information, we recommend that you consult the materials outlined at the end of the guide. (Peru Nature - Amazon Expedition - Wild Green).
