- Mammal species
- Vicuna
- Arequipa's taruca
- Bird species
- Andean ducks
- Suri or rhea
- Reptile species
- Peruvian lizard or
- Fish species
- The cojinova
- Anchovy Fish
- References
The fauna of Arequipa has numerous species and a generally very varied ecosystem. Thanks to the environment that Arequipa has, where aridity and altitude stand out, the 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, they can measure 330cm and weigh from 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, it is quite small, it measures 80cm.
It should be noted that Peru is the main population of vicuñas in the world.
Arequipa's taruca
Also known as Andean deer. This mammal usually lives in arid areas with a height of 1800 meters to 5000 meters above sea level.
This specimen is of medium size and weight, its weight is between 45kg and 75kg.
Currently the Arequipa taruca is in danger of extinction. At the international level it is like a vulnerable animal, so it is in protection in all the parks of Peru. In Arequipa they are protected in the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve.
Bird species
Andean ducks
It is a medium-sized bird, the male measures approximately 61cm and its weight ranges 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 it is small and less acute.
This species lives on the marine coast of Arequipa. It feeds on mollusks and seaweed.
Suri or rhea
This is a flightless bird, also known as the Andean ostrich. The suri can live in areas that are 3500 meters high.
It is important to consider that the suri or ñandú is in danger of extinction, it is estimated that there are only between 200 and 300 species left in the Andean area of Peru.
Reptile species
Peruvian lizard or
This lizard lives naturally on the coast of Arequipa. It is easily recognizable for its large size, they can reach up to 35cm, its body is long with short limbs. This reptile feeds mainly on insects and vegetation.
Fish species
The cojinova
It is an elongated white fish, it has no more than 9 spines. When they are young they are soft, over 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 . It gets there by fleeing from other fish that feed on it. However, when it rises to the surface it becomes food for seabirds.
This fish feeds on marine plants and larvae, that is, the young of other fish.
References
- Belaunde, AP (1967). Arequipa: its past, present and future. Lima: Impr. Lithographic of Peru.
- Enrique Carrion Ordoñez, TD (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 perspectives for sustainable management. Food & Agriculture Org.
- Klarén, PF (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.