At the beginning of the 21st century, most wild mammals had practically disappeared from the Ecuadorian Andes. Since then, the conservation of our national parks and wilderness areas began to be taken more seriously, not only at the level of government policies, but also through the education and constant work of communities and NGOs. Today, it’s still rare and much admiring to see one of these free animals on the paramos; Although deer and rabbit populations have recovered quite a bit, some species still remain vulnerable, including Andean bears, tapirs and cougars.

Odocoileus ustus

Odocoileus ustus

Venado

Andean deer (Odocoileus ustus). Llanganates National Park. Photo: Jaime Palacios

Odocoileus ustus

Odocoileus ustus

Venado

Andean deer (Odocoileus ustus). Antisana Volcano. Photo: Esteban Bastidas León

Sylvilagus andinus

Sylvilagus andinus

Conejo

Andean rabbit. Llanganates National Park. Photo: Jaime Palacios

Sylvilagus andinus

Sylvilagus andinus

Conejo

Andean rabbit. Termas de Papallacta. Photo: Santiago R. Ron

Tremarctos ornatus

Tremarctos ornatus

Oso andino

Andean bear. Cayambe Coca National Park. Photo: Armando Castellanos

Lama glama

Lama glama

Llama

Llama. Cotopaxi south face. Photo: Xavier Vela

Pseudalopex culpaeus

Pseudalopex culpaeus

Lobo de páramo

Paramo wolf. The Illinizas. Photo: Xavier Vela.

Puma concolor

Puma concolor

Puma

Cougar. Napo, Pan de Azúcar. Photo: WCS Ecuador

Tapirus pinchaque

Tapirus pinchaque

Tapir

Mountain tapir. Cayambe Coca National Park. Photo: Armando Castellanos