Flora
The
entire
Reserve
is
classified
as
humid
tropical
rainforest
-
the
most
complex
ecosystem
in
the
world.
The
flora
here
is
extremely
diverse
and
sensitive
to
changes
in
the
climate
and
environment.
More
plant
species
exist
in
one
hectare
of
this
rainforest
than
any
other.
In
areas
not
subject
to
flooding
there
is
also
a
diverse
range
of
flora.
Flora:
The
ciebo
is
the
most
characteristic
of
species
found
in
the
forest
canopy;
la
guayasa,
el
yoco
and
lianas
(used
by
the
indigenous
as
stimulants
in
magic
or
religious
rituals)
are
also
associated
with
this
ecosystem.
The
canelo,
found
all
over
the
Reserve
and
famous
for
its
aroma,
which
has
provoked
many
Amazonian
myths
dating
back
to
colonial
times,
can
also
be
seen.
The
Reserve’s
medicinal
potential
is
of
extreme
importance
but
still
relatively
unexploited
at
the
time
of
writing.
In
the
flooded
areas
of
the
river
complex
the
guarango,
which
is
the
dominant
species
due
to
its
size
and
number,
can
be
found.
The
mayflower
can
also
be
observed.
There
are
several
tree
species
and
an
extensive
range
of
plant
species
such
as
epifitas,
especially
orchids
and
bromeliads.
Fauna
Existing
fauna
characteristic
of
the
Amazon
consists
of
a
large
number
of
different
species,
but
low
population
numbers,
or
rather,
high
biodiversity
but
low
density.
The
biggest
group
on
which
the
most
research
has
been
carried
out
is
that
consisting
of
494
bird
species.
In
addition
450
fish
species,
96
amphibian
species
and
91
species
of
reptile
have
also
been
classified.
With
regards
to
the
area’s
diversity,
mammals
are
no
exception.
However,
such
diversity
is
also
under
threat
due
to
the
dangers
and
contamination
caused
by
oil
extraction,
the
basis
of
the
Ecuador
’s
economy.
River
Aguarico
also
drags
oil
residue
from
Shushufindi
and
Lago
Agrio,
areas
of
oil
exploitation.
Since
1984
River
Aguarico
has
been
consistently
polluted
by
the
oil
industry.
Bird
species:
Insect-eating
birds
are
extremely
typical
of
the
Reserve
with
53
species
having
been
identified
to
date.
The
heron
is
also
characteristic
of
the
area
and
is
easily
spotted
in
the
Reserve’s
numerous
rivers
and
lakes.
The
blue
and
yellow
macaw
is
an
important
species
of
parrot
native
to
the
Amazonian
region;
however,
it’s
rarely
spotted
outside
Imuya.
Medium-sized
toucans
are
also
characteristic
of
this
zone
distinguishable
by
their
eye-catching
colours
and
beak
size.
The
prehistoric
‘hoatzin’,
displaying
traits
typical
of
ancient
evolutionary
birds,
also
inhabits
the
area
and
can
be
spotted
with
ease
in
the
Lakes
of
Imuya
and
Iripara
and
Rivers
Cuyabeno
and
Zabalo.
These
coexist
with
endangered
bird
species
such
as
the
migratory
falcon
and
the
arpia
eagle.
Mammals:
The
capybara,
one
of
the
world’s
largest
rodents,
can
be
found
in
Cuyabeno.
The
giant
armadillo
or
jutinbo,
is
also
an
endemic
species
inhabiting
the
area.
However,
due
to
the
ease
with
which
this
mammal
can
be
hunted,
it
is
currently
in
danger
of
extinction.
The
list
of
fauna
inhabiting
the
Reserve
is
endless
–
giant
otters,
manatees,
pink
freshwater
dolphins,
bats,
jaguars,
ocelots,
giant
anteaters,
tapirs,
pumas,
more
than
ten
species
of
monkey
and
many
insect
species
are
just
a
few
examples
of
the
extreme
diversity
of
the
fauna
which
exists
in
the
Reserve.
Last
Updated
21st
July
2006
(DLW)
