Camera traps capture 3 new animals in Machu Picchu

Since 2020, more than 200 camera traps have been installed in the historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu. After several years of observation the Sanctuary’s park rangers identify 3 animals in Machu Picchu that have never been observed before.

Investigations in the forests of the Historic Sanctuary of Machupicchu reveal the existence of new hosts. In one of the most emblematic protected natural areas of Peru, located in the department of Cusco, the Museum of Biodiversity of Peru and Conservation of the Spectacled Bear and the National Service of Natural Areas Protected by the State (Sernanp) recorded the images of three mammals.

beautiful squirrel

What are the 3 new animals that live in Machu Picchu?

According to the details provided by Sernarp, among the new species registered for the first time in the Historic Sanctuary of Machupicchu, are the Yaguarundí, the Picuro Mama and the squirrel.

The first species found is the jaguarundi or Moorish cat (Puma yagouaroundi). This animal is characterized by being a feline endemic to southern North America and South America. Even before its discovery in Machupicchu, its presence was recorded in Madre de Dios, exactly in the Tambopata National Reserve. And, above all, in the Cloud Forests of Udima and Laquipampa wildlife refuges.

The second species is the Machetero rodent or also called Picuro Mama (Dinomys branickii). According to Minam, it is a mammal typical of South America.

Finally, a squirrel from the family Sciuridae was also recorded. Its importance lies in two fundamental aspects: first, that it is the first member of the Sciuridae to be located in Machupicchu and, second, that the park rangers Elodio Dávalos and Constantino Quispe were in charge of this record.

These 3 new animals in Machu Picchu are of great importance for the interpretation of species interactions in the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.

Is it possible to observe these animals in Machu Picchu citadel?

These 3 animals are very difficult to see in the Machu Picchu citadel during a tour. The Picuro Mama and the Squirrel can be observed on the Inca trail to Machu Picchu or there were even cases of observation on the Inca Bridge in Machu Picchu and at the Sun Gate; In the case of the Yaguarundi, a specimen had never been heard of, much less sighted; it is the first time that there is evidence of its habitat in Machu Picchu.