Flora and Fauna
The area is home to 1250 species of vascular plants, 200 bryophytes, 300 lichens and 180 macroscopic fungi.
On the lower slopes and in the valleys the Andean wax palms are dominant. The upper Andean forest has trees reaching up to 30 metres (98 ft) in height.
Noteworthy birds include Blue-crowned Motmot, Yellow-eared Parrot, Fuertes's Parrot, Rufous-fronted Parakeet, Andean Condor, Brown-banded Antpitta and Ruddy Duck. The Bearded Helmetcrest hummingbird is endemic to the region. Noteworthy mammals include Mountain Tapir, Spectacled Bear, Northern Pudú, Oncilla and Cougar, White-eared Opossum.
Read more about this topic: Los Nevados National Natural Park
Famous quotes containing the words flora and/or fauna:
“A man’s interest in a single bluebird is worth more than a complete but dry list of the fauna and flora of a town.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)
“The whole fauna of human fantasies, their marine vegetation, drifts and luxuriates in the dimly lit zones of human activity, as though plaiting thick tresses of darkness. Here, too, appear the lighthouses of the mind, with their outward resemblance to less pure symbols. The gateway to mystery swings open at the touch of human weakness and we have entered the realms of darkness. One false step, one slurred syllable together reveal a man’s thoughts.”
—Louis Aragon (1897–1982)