PacayaSamiria

Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve is a protected area in northern Peru, in the Loreto Region within the Amazon rainforest. Covering about 2 million hectares, it is among the country’s largest protected areas. Established in the 1980s, the reserve is managed by the National Service of Protected Areas (SERNANP) with involvement from local communities.

Geography and ecosystems: The reserve spans a vast network of rivers, flooded forests and lakes in the lower Amazon basin. Hydrological cycles create varzea and igapó forests that host a high diversity of plants and wildlife, including many fish, amphibians and birds.

Biodiversity: Pacaya-Samiria is renowned for wildlife richness, including jaguars, giant otters, pink river dolphins and numerous primates. Birdlife exceeds a thousand species, and the floodplain supports diverse fish communities and reptiles.

Conservation and governance: Classified as IUCN category VI, the reserve aims to conserve ecosystems while allowing sustainable use by local communities. It is managed by SERNANP with partners to monitor populations and mitigate threats.

Tourism and access: The reserve is mainly reached by river travel from Iquitos, with guided boat and canoe trips to observe wildlife and traverse flooded forests. Some lodges and community-run camps operate within or near the reserve, with activities regulated to minimize environmental impact.

Threats and challenges: Principal pressures include illegal logging and mining, river pollution, and habitat alteration. Climate change and unsustainable development also threaten the floodplain ecosystems; conservation efforts emphasize enforcement, monitoring, and community stewardship.