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.
Venado
Andean deer (Odocoileus ustus). Llanganates National Park. Photo: Jaime Palacios
Venado
Andean deer (Odocoileus ustus). Antisana Volcano. Photo: Esteban Bastidas León
Conejo
Andean rabbit. Llanganates National Park. Photo: Jaime Palacios
Conejo
Andean rabbit. Termas de Papallacta. Photo: Santiago R. Ron
Oso andino
Andean bear. Cayambe Coca National Park. Photo: Armando Castellanos
Llama
Llama. Cotopaxi south face. Photo: Xavier Vela
Lobo de páramo
Paramo wolf. The Illinizas. Photo: Xavier Vela.
Puma
Cougar. Napo, Pan de Azúcar. Photo: WCS Ecuador
Tapir
Mountain tapir. Cayambe Coca National Park. Photo: Armando Castellanos