July 5/2017

Feature:
Tourists Aren’t the Only Ones Who Love Machu Picchu. Rare Andean Bears Do, Too
  
“Machu Picchu might be a culturally & historically valuable site that’s a popular destination for tourists, but researchers have found it’s also home to many rare Andean bears.

Andean bears, who are also known as spectacled bears because of coloring around their eyes, are the only bear species native to South America, who can be found in the Andes mountain range from Venezuela to Bolivia.

They are currently listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, just one step away from Endangered....

Now a recent survey has confirmed that a popular & historic site in Peru is providing vital habitat for them.

A team of researchers & park officials conducting a year-long survey, which was led by the Servicio Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas por el Estado (SERNANP) & the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) in the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, found the presence of Andean bears in more than 95% of the 368-square-kilometer study area, which includes the famous Incan ruins of Machu Picchu – now one of the most visited places in South America.

‘It is amazing that this world famous location is also important habitat for Andean bears,’ said Dr. Isaac Goldstein, Coordinator of WCS’s Andean Bear Program. “The results of the survey will help us to understand the needs of this species & how to manage Andean bears in this location.”

According to WCS, these bears aren’t just an isolated population, but are part of a much larger population that is connected by high-elevation grasslands. It’s hoped that by developing a better understanding of how they’re connected, those corridors will be protected to ensure they can reach each other.

It’s also hoped that more knowledge about these bears will help lead to management practices that will ensure their survival within the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, which is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in addition to other areas where they’re found.”

Alicia Graef
January 31/2017
care2.com

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