Animals are considered endangered when they are at risk of extinction, either because there are only a small number of them left, due to threats from changes to their environment, shifting of predator to prey ratios, and other factors. Nations over the last 50 years have developed laws to protect species form becoming extinct; however few species actually get on these lists. Many become extinct without the attention or protection of humans, though it is true that in probably all cases over the last century, the machinations of humans have caused the imbalances that have led to the disappearance of thousands of animal and plant species.

Especially within the last century and a half, species have been becoming extinct at a higher rate than at any time in history. In the case of the Amazon Rainforest, which covers parts of Peru, Ecuador, Venezuela, Colombia, Bolivia and Brazil, the loss of habitat created by farmers who cut down trees and burn whole tracts of jungle for cattle grazing and crop production, may result in unknowable consequences for the entire planet. The Amazon has been called the lungs of the planet, and its further destruction could accelerate global warming, with devastating consequences for humans and most of the species on Earth.

Some endangered species of Peru are:

The Andean Condor: (Vultur Gryphus) was put on the Endangered Species list in 1973 by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. These majestic birds are found in the Andes Mountains, and along the coast of Peru, Argentina, Ecuador, Chile, Colombia and Bolivia. Factors in their endangerment include hunting, deforestation, air pollution and food and water contamination, as well as reduction in available food supply (declining populations of prey). Their slow reproductive rate is also a factor, as they lay eggs only every second year. There is not yet an accurate census of the numbers left, though there are believed to be only a few thousand left in the wild

The Amazonian Manatee, (Trichechus inunguis), is a freshwater species of manatee, found throughout the northern Amazon River Basin and its tributaries. It is the smallest of the three manatee species, and a few are found in Peru, Ecuador and Colombia. All manatees are entirely aquatic mammals that do not leave the water for the duration of their life cycle. They feed on plants and water vegetation, and are gentle, non-aggressive animals with flippers as forelimbs and no hind limbs; rather they possess a flat, cylindrical shaped tail. Factors in their endangered status include hunting, drowning in fishing nets, and loss of food supply resulting from deforestation.

The Andean Cat, (Oreailurus jacobita) considered among the five most endangered cats in the world, is considered critically endangered. It is found in the high regions of Peru, Argentina, Chile and Bolivia, and is one of the shyest and least known cats in existence. About the size of a housecat, Andean Cats feed on several classes of mice, small birds and rodents. Along with the Pampas cat, (Oncifelis colocolo), it is known as "osqhollo" by the Quechua. Factors contributing to its declining numbers may include reduction of prey, harvesting of plants that their prey is dependent on, and hunting by humans.

The Yellow Tailed Woolly Monkey, (Oreonax flavicauda), is a rare primate species found only in the Peruvian Andes. There are less than 250 of these monkeys left in the northern Peruvian cloud forests. They have thick hair and long prehensile tails. They eat fruits, leaves, flowers, and buds. Loss of habitat due to destruction of forests for agriculture and cattle-ranching has contributed to the critically endangered status of these monkeys.

The Amazon Pink River Dolphin, (Inia Geoffrensis), known as boutu by the inhabitants of the jungle, is classified as a vulnerable species on the endangered species list. It is one of only five species of freshwater dolphins in the world. It inhabits muddy rivers, relying on echolocation to hunt for prey. These dolphins may be pink or pale blue; they are often albino. Factors threatening these unique animals include damming, building canals and diversion of river courses.

The Three-Toed Sloth (Bradypus Variegatus), the smaller member of the sloth family, inhabits the Amazon rainforests of Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil and Argentina. It is the slowest moving mammal on Earth, and is physiologically incapable of keeping its body temperature stable. In this way, it resembles snakes and other reptiles. It moves so slowly that algae grows on its fur, giving it an iridescent green glow at night. It is only able to live in warm, humid environments. Because of the encroachment of humans into their habitat, these creatures are potentially endangered.

The Marvelous Spatuletail Hummingbird, (Colibrí Admirable), is a species of hummingbird that is found only in the jungles of Northern Peru. The species is unique because it has only four tail feathers, two of which end in spoon-shaped "spatules;" each of the two feathers resembling a spatula, with an elongated “handle” and the round “spatula” part at the end. The males use their tails in a fascinating courtship display, during which they whirl their tails and perform acrobatics to impress females. They have been considered endangered since 2000, and has been declared the “regional bird” for the Amazon region of Peru.

There are many ways in which we can take steps to help our environment and endangered species, some of which can start right at home. We can take simple steps to reduce the amount of energy we consume, such as washing our clothes in cold water and turning off lights when we leave a room. We can also join with and support organizations who are actively involved in helping the rainforest, such as http://www.therainforestsite.com.

Kuoda Tours brings travelers to remote regions of the Amazon where they can see the rainforest firsthand and gain a greater understanding of this vital area and the amazing diversity of species therein. We have a variety of special interest and activities, including bird watching and jungle trekking.