Animals of Peru
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4 featured species · 3 habitat zones

Animals of Peru

Meet the amazing animals that live in Peru! From the high Andes mountains to the green Amazon rainforest, Peru is home to a variety of exciting creatures. You might find a colorful macaw in the trees, see a graceful llama on the hills, or even spot a jaguar hiding in the jungle. These animals make Peru a lively and wonderful place full of nature’s wonders.

Featured Species

🐾

Spectacled Bear

Oso de Anteojos · Tremarctos ornatus

VU

Only bear native to South America

Andes Mountains · Cloud forests of the Andes

Habitat Zones

Andes Mountains

The Andes Mountains are very high with chilly air and snow-covered peaks. Even though it's cold, lots of amazing animals and plants live here.

Andean condor, llama, vicuna, spectacled bear

Amazon Rainforest

The Amazon Rainforest is a big, green jungle that's warm and full of life. You'll hear the sounds of all kinds of birds and animals all around.

jaguar, giant river otter, macaw, sloth

Coastal Deserts

The Coastal Deserts are sandy and dry with a bright sun overhead. Special plants and animals live here that don't need a lot of water to survive.

sechuran fox, desert tortoise, burrowing owl

Size Comparison

10-year-old
Andean Condor
Wingspan longer than a playground slide
Llama
About as tall as a 10-year-old when standing
Giant River Otter
As long as a grown-up lying down
Spectacled Bear
About as tall as a 10-year-old when standing

Where to Spot Them

Andean Condor

Look in: Throughout the Andes

Watch for: They are social birds and often roost together on cliff edges.

Llama

Look in: Highlands of Peru

Watch for: Llamas communicate with each other using a series of hums and ear twitches.

Giant River Otter

Look in: Amazon waterways

Watch for: They live in family groups and are very social.

Spectacled Bear

Look in: Cloud forests of the Andes

Watch for: They are excellent tree climbers and often find food high up in the trees.

Cultural Connection

Peru is proud of its biodiversity and celebrates its animals with festivals and art.

Vocabulary

Did you know that the Giant River Otter, found in Peru, is just as long as a human adult?

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