Discover the Rich Biodiversity of the Amazonas Region in Peru
The Amazonas Region of Peru, located in the northeastern part of the country, is a biodiversity hotspot situated between the Andes Mountains and the lowland Amazon Basin. This transitional zone features a unique ecological elevation gradient, resulting in a wide variety of ecosystems and life zones — many of which are endemic to the Amazon rainforest and crucial for global conservation efforts.
Key protected areas in and around the region include Manu National Park, Tambopata National Reserve, and Sandoval Lake Reserve. These areas are home to rare species of birds, mammals, reptiles, and plants, making them top destinations for researchers and eco-tourists visiting Tambopata Lodge.
Why Amazon Rainforest Is Crucial for Global Biodiversity –
Peru is one of the world’s 12 megadiverse countries, and the Amazonas Region alone contains 21 of the country’s 84 recognized life zones. According to a joint WWF–World Bank assessment, the main ecosystem types in the region include:
Humid Tropical Broadleaf Forests
Dry Tropical Broadleaf Forests
- Montane Grasslands
- These are part of the broader Amazon, Central Andes, and Northern Andes bioregions.
- The region also contains six important ecoregions, including:
- Peruvian Yungas (30%)
- Montane Forests of the Eastern Royal Cordillera (26%)
- Humid Forests of the Ucayali River (16%)
- Humid Forests of the Napo River (14%)
- Marañón Dry Forests (10%)
- Páramo of the Central Cordillera (4%)
This incredible ecological complexity makes Amazonas a priority for national and international conservation efforts.
The Ecological Crisis: Why Urgent Action Is Needed
Despite its richness, the Amazon rainforest in Peru is under threat due to deforestation, climate change, and unsustainable development. Human activities have disrupted the natural balance, leading to biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation.
In response, the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), signed by Peru, inspired the creation of the National Biodiversity Strategy, which in turn led to the Amazonas Regional Biodiversity Strategy (ERDBA). This strategic framework involves regional actors—including local governments, Tambopata tours, conservation NGOs, and indigenous communities—to develop policies that ensure the sustainable use of Amazon biodiversity.
A Vision for Sustainable Development in Amazonas
The vision of the Amazonas Region is to integrate Andean-Amazonian cultural identity with the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. By encouraging eco-friendly tourism, promoting research partnerships, and developing sustainable economic alternatives, Amazonas aims to uplift its communities while preserving the rainforest.

