Flora
The
plants
situated
in
the
lower
strata
of
the
Reserve
enjoy
a
much
more
homo-generic
climate
protected
from
direct
sunlight
and
fluctuations
in
temperature.
This
provokes
rapid
decomposition
of
the
terrain’s
vegetation,
whose
nutrients
are
immediately
reabsorbed
by
the
Amazonian
vegetation.
With
regards
to
primary
vegetation,
species
similar
to
those
which
exist
in
neighbouring
areas
such
as
Cuyabeno
and
Yasuni
can
be
found
in
the
Reserve.
Iguapo
vegetation
(permanently
flooded
tropical
rainforest)
has
also
been
identified
south
of
Lake
Limoncacha
and
Lake
Yanacocha
.
Trees
bearing
precious
wood
can
also
be
found
in
secondary
forest,
next
to
a
colonised
species,
which
is
inhabited
by
trees
and
monkeys
when
it
is
in
bloom.
Iguapo
vegetation:
The
dominant
species
in
this
zone
is
the
chantilla
palm
and
the
macrolobio
,
part
of
the
palm
family.
The
morete
is
the
dominant
species
in
the
swamp
areas.
This
species
is
principally
found
in
the
extreme
south
of
the
Reserve,
covering
permanently
flooded
areas.
The
bejuco
plant
also
grows
here,
known
for
its
medicinal
properties.
Like
the
balsa
tree,
its
wood
is
perfect
for
producing
artisan
goods.
Fauna
Limoncacha
Biological
Reserve’s
fauna
constitutes
a
high
level
of
biodiversity
but
low
population
numbers.
The
lakes
accommodate
a
diverse
range
of
species
of
fauna,
particularly
birdlife
with
over
460
identified
species
of
which
many
are
endemic
to
this
area
of
the
Reserve.
The
range
of
reptiles
and
amphibians
inhabiting
the
area
is
of
no
exception
with
regards
to
diversity.
The
great
quantity
of
reeds
and
grasses
on
the
banks
of
Lake
Limoncacha
constitute
the
preferred
habitat
for
reptiles
and
amphibians.
Fish
can
also
be
found
inhabiting
the
lakes,
providing
food
for
the
indigenous
communities.
Birdlife:
Herons,
parakeets,
parrots
and
guacamayos
and
red
and
yellow
headed
vultures
inhabit
the
area,
playing
an
important
part
in
the
food
chain
by
feeding
on
carcasses
and
remains.
Amphibians
and
reptiles
have
been
identified.
Various
alligator
species,
the
feared
aquatic
predators
of
the
area,
are
characteristic
of
the
Reserve,
along
with
the
giant
charapa
,
in
danger
of
extinction
due
to
excessive
collection
of
its
eggs
by
the
area’s
inhabitants.
Fish:
piranhas,
shads
and
sardines.
Mammals:
the
capybara
,
the
world’s
largest
rodent,
tapirs,
bats
and
howler
monkeys.
Last
Updated
21st
July
2006
