The sea off Paracas is highly rich in nutrients and food. The influence of the cold Humboldt Current and the presence of the coastal up-welling allow the explosive growth of plankton and micro organisms, which are key elements for marine life. The up-welling is a movement of cold water, rich in minerals, brought the lower layer to the surface of the Ocean. Marine currents are water masses in movement, flowing in one direction, and produced by the effect of the wind.

The apparent drought of the desert tricks us, hiding an interesting variety of animals and plants adapted to those difficult conditions. Near the marine shoreline, there are plants capable to cope with the extreme salinity. Far into the desert, on the slopes of sand dunes there is a sort of vegetation created thanks to the fog coming from the sea, which supplies with humidity, and give life to what Peruvians call “Lomas”

The highest biodiversity is found at the coastal marine zone. The foundations of this ecosystem are its smallest creatures, the planktonic organisms that float on the surface. They are followed by a diversity of worms, molluscs, crustaceans, sea urchins and seaweed, many of which have commercial value. The variety of fish is important because of its ecological and economic value, with the Peruvian anchovy a key species in the marine food chain and the base for the fishing industry. Large marine vertebrates such as turtles, seabirds, marine otters, sea lions, dolphins and whales are also present.

Diverse habitats presents at Paracas represent a refuge or resting place for hundreds of species. Some live here year round, while others come as visitors from remote places, travelling amazing long distances to benefit from the generous conditions of this ecosystem.

While the migratory birds are the most conspicuous when they arrive, they are not the only visitors of Paracas. Four species of marine turtles and some of large whales wander in the waters off Paracas in certain times of the year. All these migrations occur from year to year, pushed by seasonal changes in their living conditions.

In normal conditions, the cold Humboldt Current influences the Peruvian Coast. From time to time, however, warm water masses approach the coast, disturbing the whole marine ecosystem, this event is known as “El Niño” and it is created by the subside of the wind circulation system in the Pacific Ocean.

During El Niño the climate around the world changes dramatically, and marine life is affected from strong fluctuations of food availability causing damage in the life of marine birds, sea Lions, dolphins, etc.
Because the higher temperatures some species are favoured with El Niño. Scallops may grow faster, and tropical fishes and invertebrate may extend their range to visit the Peruvian coast. The intense rains and high humidity brought by El Niño produces an explosive development of vegetation on the upper parts of the hills.

Despite of being a protected area, we find many factors that pollute and deteriorate Paracas, either inside or outside this important place. Marine and air pollution, by both industrial and domestic debris, over-exploitation of natural resources and degradation of restricted zones, are a major threat to the quality of live and survival of their inhabitants.

It depends on our actions, it is not only a nice place, it is a very important place for the survival of many species, a place where we can enjoy nature. We must consider that our visit is producing an impact to the area, as we invade one of the few places left, where several species find refuge and rest.
Don’t forget that nature opens a book for those who know how o read it; let us venture to discover all what nature has in store for teaching us.

Why the Paracas National Reserve does exist? Paracas exhibit unique features, astonishing landscapes, archaeological remains and refuge or several species, some facing extinction. For these reasons, in 1975 the Peruvian government established in this zone, THE PARACAS NATIONAL RESERVE, within the national system of natural areas protected by state (SYNAMPE). This is the only conservation unit of the Peruvian coast including a marine territory. Nature and culture mix in this singular place where visitors and scientists can enjoy and learn.

Sometimes the greatest problem is how we understand things. It has been always believed that humans should domain nature, but we forgot that we are part of nature, without her we would not exist. Remember, Paracas is just a small sample of Peru’s amazing biodiversity. Species are not limited to this area. The conservation of the environments and natural resources should be practiced at any place beginning at our house, neighbourhood and school.

MYSTERY PERU
Adventure Tour Operator
Street: Ignacio Morsesky 126
Telephone: 0051-56-52-23-79
Mobile: 0051-56-969-11-55
Fax: 0051-56-52-23-79
E-mail: info@mysteryperu.com
www.mysteryperu.com
NAZCA – PERU