Vertebrates are the most well-known group, comprising 221 species (5% of all mammals). 1,025 birds (10%) 150 species of amphibians. There are 100 species of reptiles currently known.
In recent years, researchers have discovered new species from all the Groups in the protected areas of the South American cloud forests.
There are many more to come. In the parks’ rivers and Cochas (Oxbow Lakes), 210 species have been identified. There are 1,307 species of butterflies (5% of the total world), 136 dragonflies, and 650 beetles. Researchers have listed known species, but the Amazon Basin likely contains many more.
This diversity can be seen in Manu National Park’s taxonomic group with over 5,000 species. It is equivalent to 1/6th of all the world’s flora. The area around the Cocha Cashu Research Station has an astonishing 1,437 species.
The chart below shows the distribution of families living in Manu National Park, a UNESCO world heritage site.
The Manu National Park List of animals is one of the most diverse in the world. See the records below
Manu Rainforest is home to a remarkable diversity of mammals. Researchers have recorded 221 species so far. Despite their high number, most mammals are difficult to spot in the rainforest.
The most spectacular and large taxa that you will see are the primates, ungulates, and carnivores. Larger mammals are more tolerant of visitors after 40 years of hunting protection. Manu is the Amazon Rainforest’s best place to observe mammals.
The Giant Otter and Giant Armadillos, being the largest, gather in large groups along the lakes. They are the top predator in Amazonian lakes and they are highly entertaining to observe.
The Jaguar, the largest cat in South America, is a delight for anyone who has the opportunity to see it. Manu Reserved Zone is the best rainforest location to see this species, with almost 70% of visitors during the dry season (July through September). You can now see these majestic cats on the banks or beaches of the Manu River.
We can also mention that the park is home to 15 species of primates. The list also includes the tiny Pygmy Marmoset and Spider Monkeys. The Red Howler Monkey, the world’s smallest primate and one of the most distinctive sounds of Amazon. He howls loudly enough to be heard far into the forest.
Large herds of white-lipped Peccaries are frequent in the forest. They can be seen destroying plants and animals. Night walks offer the chance to see smaller mammals such as opossums, night monkeys, spectacled bears, rodents, and other small mammals.