24 ANIMALS IN DANGER OF EXTINCTION IN PERU - BIOLOGY - 2025

There are many animals in danger of extinction in Peru. One of the causes is the indiscriminate burning and felling of trees in the Amazon rainforest. These activities to favor the production and breeding of livestock have resulted in the loss of habitats of multiple species, affecting them in a negative way.

A species is considered to be in danger of extinction when it is threatened either because there are few such animals left, because of natural selection and the existence of predators, or because of changes in climatic conditions.

Andean bear

However, natural causes are not the only ones that make a species in danger of extinction. Unfortunately, human activities, such as deforestation and urbanization, are the main reasons why large numbers of species are threatened.

List of typical animals of Peru in danger of extinction

Andean condor

The Andean condor is one of the most majestic birds in the Andes; These birds nest in small caves in the Andes Mountains and have a fairly low reproduction rate, since they lay eggs for one year and one year.

This animal is in danger of extinction due to various factors, among which the hunting to obtain natural remedies and the environmental pollution generated by the reduction of food sources of this species stand out.

Andean bear

The Andean bear, also known as the spectacled bear, is characterized by being smaller than other members of this family and by its low consumption of meat. The destruction of their habitat is the main cause of the reduction in the number of this species.

Andean marmoset monkey

The Andean marmoset, also known as the San Martín monkey, is a characteristic species of the Valle Alto Río Mayo, Valle Bajo Río Mayo, and Huallaga de San Martín regions, Peru.

According to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, the marmoset population has decreased by 80% over the past decades. Among the causes of the danger of extinction of this species are deforestation to favor the development of agriculture and the expansion of urban areas.

Andean cat

Image recovered from: animalsextincion.es

This species lives in the Andean Cordillera, in mountains that are between 3,500 and 4,800 meters above sea level (masl). It is the same size as a regular domestic cat and differs from it by having a longer tail and thicker fur.

It is the shyest and least known cat species. Similarly, it is among the five feline species in critical endemic condition.

Currently, it is believed that there are only about 2,500 cats of this species left, an alarming number. These cats are hunted to be used in religious rites. Something similar occurs in other areas where these animals are considered to be unlucky, which has led to their being killed by the most superstitious members of the population.

Bald Uakari

The bald uakari or cacajao lives in the Amazon. It is in danger of extinction due to hunting and the destruction of its habitat by humans.

Giant anteater

This species is in danger of extinction due to predators, such as pumas and jaguars; It should be noted that the destruction of their habitats due to the expansion of human activities is, in the same way, a compelling reason that influences the disappearance of these animals.

Pudu

The pudu is the smallest species of deer known in the world; pudus do not exceed 33 cm and weigh less than 7 kilos. These animals inhabit the forests of South America.

Yellow-tailed woolly

The yellow-tailed woolly, also known as choba or muddy monkey, is a primate species unique to the Peruvian Andes. These animals are characterized by having thick hair and long tails. They feed on fruits, leaves and flowers.

The muddy monkeys inhabit the mountainous regions to the east of Peru. Due to the rugged habitat and difficult access, the species was protected from human intervention until the 1950s.

However, the construction of access routes led to a drastic reduction in the population of this species, since a large part of its habitats were destroyed to favor agricultural activities. Currently, there are fewer than 250 yellow-tailed mussels in the cloud forests of northern Peru.

Amazon pink dolphin

This dolphin is known as "boutu" by the inhabitants of the Amazon rainforest. These animals can be pink or pale blue; however, the most common are albinos.

It is one of the five species of freshwater dolphins in the world and lives in swampy rivers.

The construction of dams, canals and the diversion of the natural courses of rivers are the main causes of the disappearance of these aquatic mammals.

Blue whale

The blue whale is the largest animal in the world, it can measure up to 34 m long and weigh about 136,000 kg. This species can be found in all the oceans of the world. However, the blue whale population has declined considerably due to hunting and trade.

Mountain tapir

The mountain tapir, also known as the mountain tapir, mountain tapir or páramo tapir, is a typical mammal of the Andes Mountains.

The decrease in the population of this species is mainly due to the loss of habitats due to logging and burning, although it is also due to sport hunting and the use of these animals as medicines against epilepsy and heart disease.

Amazonian manatee

The Amazonian manatee is an exclusive freshwater species. The progressive disappearance of this species is mainly due to hunting, the fact that they frequently get caught in fishing nets and die by drowning, and the decrease in food sources due to deforestation.

Andean night monkey

Andean night monkeys reach a maximum weight of 1 kg. Like other species, they are in danger of extinction due to the expansion of human activities and the destruction of their habitats.

Bush dog

The bush dog, deer dog or vinegar fox is a member of the canidae family, which can be found in different areas in the north of South America.

Goeldi's tamarin

Goeldi's tamarin, calimico or Goeldi's monkey, is a typical monkey from the Amazon rainforest that was named in honor of the Swiss scientist who discovered this species. It is a small primate with dark hair, typical of South America.

Marsupial frog

The marsupial frog is listed on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as a vulnerable species because it only exists in an area smaller than 20,000 km2.

Its distribution is fragmented and its habitat has been deteriorated in recent years due to the cultivation of tea and coffee as well as the development of tourist infrastructures.

This species is found in the Andes in three specific areas: Macchu Pichu, San Luis and San Pedro, in southern Peru.

Amazonian parrot

Image recovered from: mascotarios.org.

This species is relatively new in the scientific field since it was discovered in the 1970s. Its distribution is limited to a small area to the southwest of the Amazon rainforest. It should be noted that the population of these birds is small, which is why it is on the IUCN red list as a threatened species.

Anchash Water Frog

The Ancash water frog gets its name because it is typical of the department of Ancash in Peru. This is a vulnerable species since its population has decreased by 30% during the last 10 years due to the contamination of the water generated by the mining activity.

Old Tiluchí

Image recovered from: amazonrivierexpeditions.com.

The ancient tiluchí or ancient ant is a species of bird classified as "threatened" since the population is reduced to a small area and has also been reduced in recent years.

Birds of the genus Percnostola

The genus Percnostola is composed of three birds, commonly known as anthill. This species is only found in the Amazon rainforests of South America, in Venezuela, Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia and Peru.

It groups three species: the black-headed anthill, the crested anthill and the Allpahuayo anthill; the latter are typical of Peru and are the ones in greatest danger.

Oncilla

Depending on the country, the oncilla is known by other names such as tiger leopard, caucel, tigrillo, tabby cat, tirica or tiger cat.

Its figure and footprints are similar to those of a domestic cat, and it also emits a sound very similar to these. It has fine, woolly hair and is found in the same habitats as other felines such as the ocelot, the South American wildcat, the puma and the jaguar.

It measures between 426 and 648 mm and has a tail whose length ranges between 245 and 340 mm, its weight is 1.3 to 3 kg.

It inhabits very low populations in humid forests and lands below 3,200 meters above sea level, particularly in the Amazon jungle.

In addition to being considered in danger of extinction, it is predicted that 30% of its population will disappear in the next two decades.

The military macaw

Unlike other species of macaws that are abundant, this one is in danger of disappearing. The green macaw (Ara militaris) currently lives in highly fragmented populations.

Its illegal capture, trade and reduction of areas where it lives, are the main cause of the danger of extinction. Its population has been estimated between 10 and 20 thousand specimens, according to BirdLife.

These birds are divided into three subspecies which are the Aras militaris militaris, the A. m. boliviana and A. m. Mexican. They differ basically by color and size. The Am militaris is the smallest, measuring between 70 and 80 cm in length and weighing about 900 grams.

Giant armadillo

In Peru it is known as Yungunturu or Carachupa Mamán. This wild species has been in danger of extinction since 1982, as a result of the loss of its habitat and indiscriminate hunting. It is considered that in the last three decades 30% of its population has decreased

It is large in body, has short legs and a soft shell. It measures between 75 and 100 cm; Its tail can be up to 50cm long and weighs up to 60kg when captive. But in its natural habitat it can weigh between 18.7 and 32.3 kg.

Its color is dark brown in the rest of the body, but on its conical head, on the tail and other areas of the carapace, its coloration is whitish and has very well defined mobile bands. The rest of its body or skin is pink.

The tail and legs are covered by hard pentagonal scales. It also has large and strong nails, especially on the front legs.

Long-tailed chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera)

Despite the fact that this rodent reproduces a lot in domestic captivity, in its natural wild habitat in Peru it is also in danger of extinction.

It is considered that in a period of only 15 years its population has been decimated by 90% due to illegal hunting and the progressive disappearance of its natural environment.

Their fur is highly prized and expensive on the world market. Since the Incas, their skin and wool were used to make clothing and other items. Later, when they were taken to Europe, their trade increased until today.

At the beginning of the last century, this species was about to become extinct, so it had to be protected by the governments of Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, countries where it lives. However, these protection programs were not enough.

Currently there are protected colonies of wild chinchillas in some of these countries. And the species is bred in captivity for commercial purposes. Its current population in the wild is estimated between 2,500 and 11,700 individuals.

Articles of interest

Animals in danger of extinction in the world.

Animals in danger of extinction in Mexico.

Animals in danger of extinction in Chile.

Animals in danger of extinction in Venezuela.

Animals in danger of extinction in Argentina.

Animals in danger of extinction in Spain.

References

1. Endangered animals in the Andes. Retrieved on March 23, 2017, from discover-peru.org.
2. Farr, Alex (2012) The cutest endangered mammals in Peru. Retrieved on March 23, 2017, from peruthisweek.com.
3. Thompson, Laurel (2007). Endangered Animals of Peru. Retrieved on March 23, 2017, from ezinearticles.com.
4. Endangered species found in Peru. Retrieved on March 23, 2017, from earthsendangered.com.
5. Threatened Species. Retrieved on March 23, 2017, from animalinfo.org.
6. Nannopsittaca dachilleae. Retrieved on March 23, 2017, from neotropical.birds.cornell.edu.
7. Javier Icochea, Edgar Lehr, César Aguilar Puntriano, Ulrich Sinsch (2004). Telmatobius carrillae. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2004: e.T57329A11622244. Retrieved on March 23, 2017, from dx.doi.org.
8. BirdLife International (2016). Herpsilochmus gentryi. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22724610A94873960. Retrieved on March 23, 2017, from