YASUNI
Deep at the heart of Ecuador's Amazon Rainforest, below the equator and in the shadow of the Andes, lies what we can only regard to as the most biologically diverse location on the planet. The Yasuni National Park, situated in eastern Ecuador, houses millions of species of mammals, insects, birds, and plants.
According to the co-director of Tiputini Biodiversity Station, the location “is filled with so much life that it leaves tourists and locals alike, lost of words.” Everyone who has paid the location a visit was struck with awesomeness, and after visiting the place myself, it’s not hard to see why.
Whether it is the fierce jaguars, jumping spider monkeys, squawking toucans, hairy tarantulas or the kapok trees, the diversity of living
organisms inhabiting Yasuni is amazing.
Frankly, there is no conclusive answer as to why Yasuni National Park is so biologically diverse. But scientists have noted that the causes might include low variations in temperature or high annual rainfalls.
The park has also been referred to as an ecological bull’s eye because of the fact that it is situated at the base of the Andes, close to the equator, and alongside the Amazon. In fact, these are the 3 different ecological systems that converge to create one wholly exceptional area.
CUYABENO
Just imagine yourself strolling through the immense Amazon Jungle. You obviously want to see birds and wildlife. But the problem is, most animals in the jungle fly or run through the treetops. Obviously, distinguishing fauna in treetops from the ground will be next to impossible.
The contrast between the light of the sky and the treetops is a bit blinding, which further darkens your vision. As a result, due to the relative darkness when you’re on the ground, it will be quite hard to differentiate the particularities of mammals and birds.
So, how is Cuyabeno different from all other Amazon reserves? Well, only Cuyabeno National Reserve boasts lakes and rivers in completely flat lowlands. In addition, only this national reserve features plain plains where in absence of hills, you will find rivers running relatively slow, improving their navigability for beginners.
From the water, it will be way easier to watch birds and other animals, because the vegetation alongside the river is lower and most wildlife prefers to move along the river’s water line.