The Ica Region in Peru, known for its impressive desert landscapes and rich cultural history, also exhibits remarkable biocultural diversity. From the endless sand dunes of the desert to the fertile valleys along the Ica River, this region offers a variety of ecosystems and habitats. The flora includes adaptable plant species like succulents and cacti in the dry desert regions, as well as a variety of agricultural crops like grapes, asparagus, and olives in the valleys and oases. The fauna is also diverse, encompassing endemic species like the Peruvian desert fox and the Andean fox, as well as a wealth of bird species like the Andean condor and the Chilean flamingo. The people in the Ica Region have developed a close relationship with nature over time and preserve traditional knowledge about the use and protection of the environment. Despite challenges from climate change and land use, protecting and preserving this biocultural diversity remains crucial for the future of the Ica Region and the well-being of its inhabitants.
🔎🐧💡 At Centro de Interpretación, Paracas, Peru: In the coastal desert around Paracas, numerous fossils were found. Including various penguin species, such as the Inkayacu pictured here. It lived around 36 million years ago. The 2008 discovered skeleton is the first one with fossilized feathers attached to it. The feathers are so well preserved that it's even possible to draw conclusions about the coloring. They had similar feathers as modern penguins, but more gray or brownish.
The other prehistoric bird in the picture is a pseudotooth bird (pelagornithid). These birds reached a wing span of up to 6 meters and were thus about twice as large as the Andean condor. They were probably related to pelicans or storks and lived all around the world. The fossils found around Paracas are attributed to the same era as the Inkayacu.
In October 2018 I've explored Peru by myself. After my arrival in Lima I took the bus for Paracas (Ica) and visited the Paracas National Reserve. It's a protected area for desert and marine ecosystems. We started early around 9 o'clock. There was a very good tour guide, she explained everything in English and in Spanish. She took me from my hostel (Hospedaje Mary) and brought us to the haven. We went by boat to the Ballestas Islands. It was cool and a bit foggy, which are the best prepositions to see all the animals. I've seen all the animals I wanted to see and much more. South American sea lions and fur seals, Humboldt penguins, Peruvian boobies and pelicans, Guanay shags, Inca terns and beautiful sea stars. After this boat trip we've had a little break and then explored the Atacama Desert. There was a small nature museum, very interesting! I searched for the Paracas gecko. How sad I have never seen one. At Playa Roja (red beach) my smartphone went out of energy and off course (!) I had forgotten my charger. But I've seen so many beautiful things! Peru is absolutely worth a thousand visits!
On the way to the Islas Ballestas you also pass the Paracas Candelabra. The figure is 595 feet (181 meters) tall. It can be seen 12 miles at sea. Little is known about the origin. Nearby ceramics of the Paracas people were found. These were the previous culture before the Nazca culture, known for their giant geoglyphs in the desert.
Sea lions and sloths have some things in common. They love to nap! 😴 Sea lions can even sleep in the water. Sloths can't do that, although they are surprisingly good swimmers. However, both have algae in their fur! You also like algae in your fur? Don't let the behaviour of others destroy your inner peace. If you love being lazy in the sun, breeding algae on your beautiful body, that's great!✌
You shouldn't take the tour to Islas Ballestas in blazing sun. In the morning it's much cooler and the animals are still on the rocks. Imagine this photo in a bright blue sky. Not very exciting, right? Take the first tour, it will be worth it!
Sloth Neeews: Sea Lions Queen scratches her ear! Paparazzi right on the spot! What is Seagull doing there? Sloth Neeews reports directly on this event from 2018. Stay tuned but don't forget your life goals.
