- Always notify authorities of entry into natural protected areas.

- Always carry a notebook and pen, plus maps, field guides and binoculars.

- Each time when making an entry or observation, note the date, location, climate and facts of interest about the area.

- Ask the inhabitants for the local name of the species and the best places for wildlife watching.

- Take detailed notes of characteristics such as color, size, shape of any unknown species and include data on behavior and habitat. These will be very useful for posterior identification.

- Feathers, nests and even excrement of certain bird species are useful tips to help identify species from a certain area.

- Cooperate actively with the conservation of flora and fauna in Peru by alerting authorities (the National Institute of Natural Resources, Inrena) of any case of deterioration of species' habitats.

- Do not pull up or cut live plants. Remember that government regulations prohibit the extraction, trade or export of wild orchids.

- Do not light fires in the forests.

- Visit collections of specimens in natural history museums to learn more about local species and clear up doubts about registrations.

- On the coast: use sunblock and bring plenty of water.

- In the highlands: use sunblock and carry plenty of warm clothing. High altitude sickness tends to strike over 2,500 masl. Take precautions by resting the first day, drinking plenty of liquid and avoiding heavy food.

- In the jungle: Always bring along insect repellent, a raincoat and sunblock. It is advisable to wear long-sleeved shirts and long trousers to ward off insect bites. Yellow fever vaccinations are obligatory. There are also shots against malaria, tetanus and Hepatitis A and B, as well as clinical treatment for leishmaniasis (uta) and malaria.


Peruvian Nature and Ecological Activities :