10:30 | Cusco (Cusco region), Dec. 31
Rangers of the
State-run National Service for Protected Natural Areas (Sernanp) spotted a specimen of Sapajus Macrocephalus —also known as Large-headed Capuchin Monkey— on the Inca Trail's route to the
Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
The Wiñayhuayna security post members saw the animal last weekend during a regular patrol, when it was standing a few meters from the stone road —above 2,648 meters above sea level.
Ernesto Escalante Valencia, head of the Sernanp Sanctuary, told
Andina news agency that the animal was feeding on orchid and insects which were under the barks of trees.
According to information provided by Sernanp, this type of monkey may be returning to the sanctuary after half a century. Thus, its return will be studied by experts.
"In the 1970s, it was normal to see this species in the areas of Mandor, Santa Teresa, and even Quillabamba. They (its members) are practically returning," he stressed.
The species is commonly sighted in groups of 8 to 14 or more, which is why monitoring will be done to see if there are more of those individuals in the area.
However, it is recommended that tourists should not give them any foodstuff because that may alter their way of life, or provoke their aggressiveness.
(END) PHS/MAO/MVB
Published: 12/30/2019