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Insects and butterflies yet unnamed
inhabit the rainforest. |
These
tropical lowlands in the east of Ecuador cover an area of nearly
40% of the country. The rainforest is home to a wide range of
species, many of whom are yet to be discovered and named. Toucans,
parrots, caimans, freshwater dolphins and a hundred species of
butterflies and insects exist within an incredible biodiversity
of plants. The complex system of waterways begins from the Andean
peaks to the west and flow down into the Amazon Basin.
Many of these rivers are navigable allowing visitors to experience
the depths of the primary forest. Luckily the tourism infrastructure
has been developed with a sensitivity to the delicate environment
with conservation in mind. Tours offer opportunities to see the
wildlife up close while respecting the territories of the indigenous
inhabitants like Shuar, Quichua, Cofanes and Huaorani.
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