Big Five Animals: The Tambopata Big 5

Watching a pair of Harpy Eagles (Harpia harpyja) cause chaos in a troop of Brown-capuchin monkeys, coati, and Red-throated Caracara, as the soared with broad barred wings over the tree tops and then perched close by, made me realize that these eagles really are one of the kings of the jungle. They sat called to each other with their piercing whistles, seemingly oblivious to the alarm calls of the frightened monkeys and other animals nearby, which had up until then been enjoying the sweet red fruits of a chimucua. Eventually they took off in the direction of the river and the monkeys were able to relax again.

 

The size and apparent strength of these birds is impressive, and made me think of how they should be one of the Tambopata Big 5. So the Harpy Eagle, females being larger and weighing up to 5kg, represents the birds of the region. Harpy Eagles are rare throughout their range, as they are top predators. They are relatively common in Madre-de-Dios, as this department has a large number of Brazil-nut trees, one of the favorite nesting trees for this magnificent bird. A sighting is a special occasion, and cause for celebration, especially amongst the many birdwatchers who come to the region.

 

The Jaguar (Panthera onca) is the obvious choice for the Big five, a jungle icon much larger and more powerful than any of the other five species of cat found in the region, and the third largest species of cat in the world after the tiger and lion. Males have been recorded over 150kg.  Sightings are rare but when they do occur it is usually on cloudy days or after cold spells when the jaguars come to the beaches to sun themselves, or to stalk Capybaras (Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris) and River turtles.

 

The Tapir (Tapirus terrestris) is the heaviest of the endemic South American mammals, weighing about 250kg. Shy and retiring, and mostly nocturnal, the tapir is difficult to see. Tapir have been recorded regularly on the camera traps at mammal clay licks at odd hours of the night and a dedicated observer with a few nights to spare, a thermos or two of strong Tambopata coffee, and lots of patience, may well be awarded with one of the most curious of the rainforest mammals. Distantly related to horses, these gentle creatures feature in our top 5 as the largest herbivore in the region.

 

The largest of the 13 otter species in the world, endangered due to hunting for the fur trade, disturbance and loss of suitable habitat, the Giant River Otter is the top predator of the lakes in the Tambopata. Up to 1.8m in length, and weighing over 30kg, this species is actually one of the Tambopata Big Five you are most likely to see as their home ranges centre on the oxbow lakes. 

 

Reptiles are one of the most well represented vertebrate groups in the Amazon.  The Black Caiman makes a fitting representative for the group as it too is endangered due to hunting for the skin trade towards the end of the last century. These giant cousins of the alligators can grow up to 6 meters in length. Although mostly nocturnal, they are occasionally seen cruising just below the surface of some of the lakes in the region, and a better reason than piranha to not go swimming!

 

To see the Tambopata Big 5, in truth, you may need a year in the region. Seeing them all in a week is possible, with patience, a good guide, and a lot of luck. But don't forget to enjoy the myriad of " little 5s" that abound on every tree, in every trail, and with every step. Keep your eyes open, as you never know – you may not see the Big 5, but there is a good chance they will have seen you!

by Alan Lee