What is Manú National Park?
Q: What is Manú National Park?
A: Manú National Park is a biosphere reserve in Peru. It was recognised by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve in 1977 and named a World Heritage Site in 1987. It covers an area of 15,328 km² and includes additional 2,570 km² and 914 km² in the Cultural Zone, bringing the total area up to 18,811 km².
Q: How did Manú National Park become protected?
A: Before becoming an area protected by the Peruvian government, the Manú National Park was conserved because it was inaccessible; that is, people could not get to it. In 1977, UNESCO recognised it as a Biosphere Reserve and in 1987, it was named a World Heritage Site.
Q: What kind of topographical range does Manú National Park have?
A: The park protects several ecological zones ranging from as low as 150 metres above sea level in parts of the Amazon Basin, to Puna grassland at altitudes of 4200 metres.
Q: How many species of plants are found in Manú?
A: More than 15,000 species of plants are found in Manú. Up to 250 varieties of trees have been found in a single hectare.
Q: What makes Manú National Park attractive for birdwatchers?
A: The park is home to over 1000 species of birds which is over 10% of all living bird species and more than the number of bird species found in the entirety of North America making it attractive for birdwatchers from all over the world.
Q: What other animals can be found at Manu National Park?
A: The park has one of the most varied collections of land vertebrates ever found in Latin American tropical forests.
