Lachay National Reserve

Description

The Lomas de Lachay (Lachay Hills) is a national reserve in the desert foothills of Huaral Province in Lima region of Peru. The reserve is located 105 kilometres (65 mi) north from the capital Lima and features a unique mist-fed ecosystem of wild plant and animal species. It expands across an area of 5,070 hectares (50.7 km2).

The hills are a result of a combination of coastal climate factors, and subject to a peculiar geography called the Yungas. They originate from the primary spurring of the Andes, a location where they contact the clouds which cover the area the majority of the year. There are two distinct seasons in Lachay: the humid season (which is the most important), from approximately June to November and the dry season, from December to May. The first season is emphasized due to its ability to give life to the green vegetation and attract the fauna of the region, while the second season is noted for presenting a drying process which ends when the first fog appears in the fall.

The National Reserve of Lachay was established in 1977 by means of Supreme Law #310-77-AG to restore and conserve the wild flora and fauna, perform research in order to use the hills rationally and encourage recreation that is ecologically sound.

Some 150 plant species have been registered inside the park, among them 25 are on their way to extinction.[citation needed] Among the most notable, are the Peruvian papaya, tara, Capparis prisca, Caesalpinia tinctoria and the nettle Loasa urens, which cover the reserve with yellow attractive flowers. There are also numerous grasses, airplants and succulents, like cactus.

The common mammals found here are the rodents, but there are other species like the Sechuran Fox, the Andes Skunk (Conepatus rex), the mountain mouse, and the vizcacha.

Throughout the reserve there exists approximately 55 bird species pertaining to 15 families, among them are: the Burrowing Owl, the Andean Tinamou, the American Kestrel, and diverse species of hummingbirds.

Among the most notorious reptiles, you can observe the Peruvian snake (Bothrops pictus) and the Curl Tail Lizard. There are also many arthropods.

Cultures that have affected the area include the Teatino, Chavín, Tiahuanaco, Mochica, Chimú, Chancay and the Inca.

In the reserve you can find archeological paintings (petroglyphs) and remains from the Pre-Columbian cultures. At the same time, you can appreciate the huge granite and diorite rocks which have worn away over time leaving concavities and soft contours, which are of great geological interest.