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ECOCLUBing in Madre de Dios, Peruvian Amazon

Madre de Dios (A. 83,000 km²) in the South Eastern corner of Peru bordering Brazil and Bolivia, is known as the Biodiversity Capital of Peru and some say of whole Amazon region, one of the most biodiverse regions in the world, containing over 7% of the worlds bird species and 4% of mammal species. 50% of Peru's mammals and birds, and 30% of reptiles, amphibians and fish. All this wealth is concentrated and protected to some extent in Tambopata National Reserve, Bahuaja-Sonene National Park and Manu Biosphere Reserve (Unesco World Heritage Site since 1987). The area comprises parts of the High and Low Jungle, with hot and humid tropical weather, and rains from November through April. The average temperature is 25ºC (77ºF). Around 90% of Madre de Dios forest are intact as Madre de Dios state has the lowest population density in Peru and around 90,000 inhabitants. However population is increasing at a faster rate than any other state in Peru, with a 3.3 annual population increase rate due to migrants from the rest of Peru and other countries to work in timber extraction, tourism, missions and non-profits. Oil and gas reserves are also to be found in the region but the current major threats to wildlife are habitat destruction, for timber extraction, mercury poisoning from gold-mining, and - sadly, cutting the jungle to make "jungle lodges".

Giant Otter

'Flagship' conservation species include Giant Otters, Howler Monkeys, King Vultures, Anacondas, Black Caiman (Melanosuchus niger), Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja) Jaguars, and numerous species of Macaws. In fact the world's largest-known mineral clay lick lies within Tambopata reserve, attracting hundreds of parrots and macaws daily to feed on its detoxifying clay.

The capital of the province is Puerto Maldonado and it is named after two Maldonados: one in 1567 and one in 1861 who attempted and succeeded with troops to penetrate the area fighting off the indigenous tribes. The same tribes had fiercely fought off the Incas who had however managed to occupy some of the area, which formed the Antisuyo (one of the four quadrants of the Inca empire).

When in Madre de Dios, your best choice for experiencing the real Amazon while benefiting the community and the environment is Posada Amazonas, a unique joint - venture between the Ese'eja Community of Tambopata and Rainforest Expedition, a leading Ecotour Company in Peru.

Posada Amazonas, an Ecolodge Member of ECOCLUB.com and the winner of multiple conservation and ecotourism Awards, is an Ecolodge in the fullest sense of the word. It is a comfortable yet unobtrusive 24 - room lodge that is easily accessible, offers excellent wildlife observation opportunities and first-class accommodations, Posada Amazonas is the ideal introductory nature tour to perhaps the world's richest rain forests.

Jaguar

Clay Lick

* Find out more about Madre de Dios and Posada Amazonas at:
http://ecoclub.com/perunature
* Click Here to contact Posada Amazonas