When we think of the animal kingdom in Bolivia, alpacas, condors and llamas are the creatures that come most naturally to mind. However, the species found in Bolivia are far more numerous and varied, as the country boasts the greatest biodiversity on the American continent.
Some 1,415 species of bird and 5,000 species of plant have been recorded and are now protected. And if others have not yet been identified, an environmental protection plan has been put in place to conserve the country’s animal and plant diversity. This diversity varies according to the natural setting, so you’ll see that in Bolivia there are as many species as there are landscapes!
So if you’re a nature lover, don’t hesitate any longer: Bolivia is an unmissable destination for admiring its flora and fauna. The Thaki Voyage agency, itself impressed by the beautiful diversity of its heartland, invites you to discover the immense paradise in which it is based. Don’t forget your camera!
A glimpse of the flora and fauna of this tropical ecozone
It is this tremendous diversity of animals and plants, as well as ecological and geological diversity, that makes Bolivia such a popular destination for birdwatchers. The country is home to a large number of endemic species, meaning that they only exist in a restricted and specific area. You therefore need to know Bolivia if you are ever to have the chance to discover these biological groups and its undeniably rich flora.
Many species of birds, reptiles, amphibians, mammals and endemic plants inhabit a limited geographical area, since the fauna and flora vary according to the geographical zone of the country.
At altitude, for example, plants grow more slowly and with greater difficulty, as is the case in the Altiplano, where alpacas, llamas and vicuñas dominate. It is also precisely in the heart of this mountainous region that you can admire the condor. Its wingspan can exceed 3m and its longevity of 50 years make it a very impressive bird; no wonder the Incas decided to venerate it!
The Chaco region is the perfect place to see pumas, peccaries and jaguars, which are also very common in the Pantanal. This marshy area also offers you the chance to spot giant otters, swamp deer and aquatic birds.
And if there’s one place on the planet with a wealth of animal and botanical biodiversity that you must see at least once in your life, it’s the Amazon Basin! Reptiles, parrots, butterflies, fish such as the piranha and insects of all kinds live there. And let’s not forget the king of predators, the jaguar!
Ecological difficulties, the reality of the Bolivian environment
Take advantage of your tour with Thaki Voyage to contemplate all the elements of animal and plant beauty! In the fields: rheas, a type of ostrich, and scarlet and blue macaws. On land, armadillos and foxes will catch your eye, and in the rivers you’ll see capybaras, caimans and pink dolphins. And if you’re looking for anacondas, head for the rivers of Beni!
Unfortunately, the marshy areas of the Pantanal, the arid Gran Chaco and the Amazon Basin have been badly affected by the destructive hand of man.
Climate change, population growth and the felling of trees have all contributed to the deterioration of Bolivian territory over the past few years. Desertification has therefore endangered rare and already threatened species.
It would take too long to list the creatures at the heart of this economic destruction, but we can mention the Chaco peccary, the spectacled bear, the titi monkey, the Andean hairy armadillo and the short-tailed chinchilla, hunted for its fur, as well as the vicuña, prized for its wool.
In the Amazon Basin, pink dolphins and macaws are also listed as endangered species, and in the Pantanal region, bats are becoming increasingly rare.
Protecting endangered species by creating national parks and nature reserves
A number of nature reserves and national parks have been created to counter this phenomenon. It is in these protected areas that you can admire the flora and fauna and see the work of the Servicio Nacional de Áreas Protegidas. Thanks to this system of protection, the country has safeguarded a large part of its natural environment and, with it, the people who live there.
Among these sumptuous spaces, the Parque Nacional Madidi is a must-see during your stay in the Amazon! It is considered to be the most famous park in the territory if you want to get to know this region and its birds. Once there, you’ll be in for a treat, as it’s home to over a hundred species of birds.
You can also see some sublime wildlife at Parque Nacional Tunari. Located near the town of Cochabamba, it’s one of the must-sees on your journey to the heart of Bolivia’s flora and fauna.
Do you remember the spectacled bear, a rare and endangered species that we introduced earlier? In the lush tropical forest of the Parque Nacional y Área de Uso Multiple Amboró, you can visit it, as well as many species of birds.
Finally, El Parque Nacional Sajama is a good place to see rheas, vicuñas and Andean wildcats. And if time allows, don’t forget to visit Parque Nacional Carrasco. It’s the perfect complement to your trip, with its mix of flora and fauna!
At Thaki Voyage we’re passionate about and committed to the environment and animal welfare, so get in touch with us now and set off to meet Bolivia’s unusual animals. We guarantee a total change of scenery and a thrilling experience in the heart of a surprising natural habitat!
Mathilde Leroux
