Rare Biodiversity Discovered in Peru's Alto Mayo Region

PEPeru|

A recent survey conducted by Conservation International has unveiled an astonishing diversity of life in the Alto Mayo region of Peru, a part of the Amazon rainforest. The research team, led by biologist Trond Larsen, discovered over 2,000 species of plants and animals, including 27 previously unknown species and 49 that are currently slated as endangered. Among the notable finds was a harlequin frog, which was located at an unexpectedly low altitude on the mountainside.

The survey's findings highlight that biodiversity can thrive even alongside human settlements, challenging conventional beliefs about conservation in populated areas. Diego Dourojeanni from Conservation International emphasized the importance of understanding the flora and fauna in order to make informed land management decisions aimed at conservation and sustainable practices such as ecotourism and selective logging.

This discovery comes at a critical time as deforestation continues to threaten the Amazon rainforest, which has already lost approximately 17% of its mass. As the Amazon faces irreversible damage, the findings from Alto Mayo may provide essential insights into protection efforts for both the environment and local communities.

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