Scientists from the Peruvian Amazon Research Institute (IIAP), in collaboration with the Urarina community, have discovered new species of flora and fauna in the flooded forests of the Abanico del Pastaza, Loreto. The findings, revealed on May 21, 2025, highlight the ecological significance of this region.
The Abanico del Pastaza, recognized as a Ramsar Site, is the largest Ramsar site in the Peruvian Amazon. It is known for its exceptional biological diversity and unique aquatic ecosystems, blending clear water from the Andes with black water from the Amazon flooded forests.
The study, led by IIAP, also documented ancestral knowledge on the sustainable use of plants, animals, and fungi. These findings emphasize the critical role of indigenous communities in Amazonian biodiversity conservation and territorial management.