Observer les oiseaux du sanctuaire national d’Ampay (Pérou)

Located in the department of Apurímac (Peru), covering an area of 3,635 hectares, the Ampay national sanctuary protects the largest forests of intimpa trees (Podocarpus glomeratus) in the Peruvian highlands. The intimpa is Peru’s only native only conifer species, and the dense forests shelter many species of birds. The sanctuary also features a series of glacial lakes and crystal-clear streams flowing down from the majestic snow-capped peak of Mount Ampay, which dominates the region and lends its name to this protected area.
Directly above the city of Abancay, this isolated cloud forest is one of Peru’s more interesting areas. There is still much to be discovered in the area, and recently described forms include Apurimac Tapaculo and Apurimac Thistletail. The « south slope » of the same valley, also easily accessible from Abancay, is very dry and home to a completely different set of birds. The specialty here is Pale-tailed Canastero, and other birds include White-bellied Hummingbird and Mitred Parakeet.
Valère Claverie stayed in the area in April 2005 to help Peruvian biologists and he sent us numerous photos