Tambopata National Reserve

Tambopata National Reserve – Introduction

The Tambopata National Reserve and adjacent Bahuaja-Sonene National Park were founded in the early 1990s. These two areas border each other and when taken together contain an area of rainforest two thirds the size of Costa Rica. The area is home to jaguars, black caiman, giant river otters, anaconda, and the harpy eagle, which is the largest eagle in the world. The region also boasts one of the world’s largest macaw clay licks. On one day alone observers recorded 250 macaws.

Habitat of the Tambopata National Reserve

The parks include habitat from the Andean highland, some of the remaining cloud forest, and the lowland forests of the Amazon basin. This region is home to 200 different mammals, over 1,300 species of bird, 90 different species of frog, and 1,200 different butterflies. The parks are also home to a large variety of trees, such as commercially used cedar, mahogany, and brazil nut.

Tambopata National Reserve – Endangered Habitat

Included in the reserve is a large section of rainforest on the slopes of the Andes, thought to be the most threatened habitat in South America due to the high degree of logging at this altitude. The protected area as a whole is home to a relatively large amount of endangered wildlife, such as the giant armadillo, howler monkey, jaguar, harpy eagle, plus many others.

Visiting the Tambopata National Reserve

Tourism has become increasingly important both for the park and surrounding communities. Madre de Dios is now home to 25 registered lodges with two within the reserve. One of these is the Sandoval Lake Lodge. You can also visit the reserve from the Heath River Wildlife Center, which is located in the heart of the Tambopata-Madidi reserve area. Alternatively, you can Visit Both Lodges to fully experience the Tambopata area. Both of these lodges are owned and operated by a non-profit conservation organisation. Tourism in the area is strictly controlled for the benefit of wildlife.

Tambopata National Reserve – Threats

A variety of activities threaten the future of the park and reserve, such as gold mining, illegal logging, and over-harvesting of resources, including fish, fruit, and game.