José Ballivián: Pampas del Yacuma and Threatened Animal Species

The pampas around the Río Yacuma and the large lagoons of the Beni savanna are among the main attractions of Pampas del Yacuma. In the José Ballivián destination, the protected area is a distinctive natural landmark. Its character is revealed through its diverse habitats and the animal species found there.

Flooded Savannas and Plant Life

Pampas del Yacuma is important for the protection of the flooded savannas of the Llanos de Moxos, which are poorly represented in other Bolivian protected areas. Annual flooding shapes the composition and distribution of vegetation. Both the landscape and its recurring dynamics are therefore important to understanding the area’s ecology.

The protected area comprises a mosaic of flooded savannas, wetlands, forest islands, and gallery forests. Grasses and sedges predominate among the plants. These are joined by aquatic plants, bromeliads, and palms, as well as tall trees such as bibosi, ambaibo, cedar, and tajibo. The natural environment thus ranges from open savannas to wet and forested habitats.

Wildlife of Pampas del Yacuma

Endemic and highly threatened species include the ash-gray and reddish Lucachi monkeys (Callicebus modestus and Callicebus olallae) and the blue-throated macaws (Ara glaucogularis). Their names make clear that several particularly vulnerable species are part of the area’s natural character.

Other notable animal species in Pampas del Yacuma include marsh deer (Blastocerus dichotomus), gray brocket deer (Mazama gouazoubira), red brocket deer (Mazama americana), jaguar (Panthera onca), maned wolf (Crysocyon brachyurus), river dolphin (Inia boliviensis), river turtle (Peta de río; Podocnemis unifilis), black caiman (Melanosuchus niger), and yacaré (Caiman yacare). Alongside the threatened Lucachi monkeys and blue-throated macaws, a broad range of other notable species shapes the protected area’s wildlife.

Santa Rosa del Yacuma and the Surrounding Area

In the municipality of Santa Rosa del Yacuma, ecotourism is an important economic activity. The municipality is part of the tourism complex of Rurrenabaque and Madidi National Park. Nearby is the Mirador Turístico de la Laguna Colorado, on the Rurrenabaque–Riberalta road, 15 minutes from Santa Rosa de Yacuma. The viewpoint is intended to promote ecotourism in the Área Protegida Municipal Pampas del Yacuma.

Culture in the Wider Beni Destination

Looking at the wider Beni destination also adds a cultural context to the nature themes of José Ballivián. In Beni, crafts are made from palm fibers and fine woods. Forty-eight groups take part in the main procession of Ichapekene Piesta. They wear masks representing ancestors and animals, highlighting respect for nature. In Beni, the Gran Fiesta de la Santísima Trinidad is known as Chope Fiesta.

The rivers of Beni include the Mamoré, Beni, and Iténez; they also serve as transport routes. This regional context complements the specific description of the nature of Pampas del Yacuma and forms part of the wider Beni destination.

Discover more destinations: Rurrenabaque, Cercado, Vaca Diez, Moxos, Marbán.

Go to the overview of the wider destination: Beni.