Andean Glacier Bird - Diuca speculifera

Animals of the Quelccaya area - image gallery

Three species of reptiles – not yet identified – were photographed during 2008 fieldwork (K. Castañada); survival of these ectothermic (“cold-blooded”) animals up there is truly amazing, for this place is cold at night! Among wild mammals in the Quelccaya area, Viscacha and (increasingly) Vicuña are the most visible, but others (e.g., Andean Fox) are likely also present. Domesticated animals are abundant below about 4,900 m, with Alpaca and Llama raised for their wool and for food, while horses and donkeys are used for transport.  BACK