30/10/2012
Inkaterra Associación (ITA), is proud to announce that they will be working alongside the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (MINCETUR) & PROMPERU as co-organisers, to launch Peru’s first ever Birding Rally Challenge. With 1,836 species of birds (20 % of the world total), of which 120 are endemic, Peru possesses an astonishing ornithological diversity. Long-considered a birding paradise, Peru is now recognised worldwide with over 20,000 bird-watchers expected to visit Peru next year, generating an estimated $50 million USD in revenue. We’re all very excited here at Inkaterra for this forthcoming Birding Rally Challenge.
Competitors and guests will have the privilege of staying at the Inkaterra properties across the competition. Commencing on November 29th at Tambopata, the competition will cover over 700km of Peru as they travel up the high Andes over the South Interoceanic Highway and finish at the biodiverse cloud forests of Machu Picchu.
Competitors will have the chance to see over 739 bird species in just one small geographical spot. This is the first competition that brings together the world top birders, with 4 ornithologists per team: eBirders –Cornell, and LSU-Louisiana Team, from USA; the Falcon Forest Team from UK; The Zululanders from Southafrica; the Tramuntana Birding Team from Spain; and the Ararajuba Team from Brazil.
Here is a detailed overview of the plan for the 6 day competition:
November 27th: Arrive in Lima
November 28th: Press Conference / Teams Introduction
November 29th: Transfer to Puerto Maldonado City – Madre de Dios
November 30th: DAY 1 – Tambopata / Valencia Lake
December 1st: DAY 2 – Tambopata / Sandoval Lake
December 2nd: DAY 3 – Tambopata / Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica Trail Systeym
December 3rd: DAY 4 – South Interoceanic Highway, Machu Picchu Town
December 4th: DAY 5 – Machu Picchu Citadel
December 5th: DAY 6 – Machu Picchu Surroundings / Award & Closing Ceremony
December 6th: Transfer to Lima / Press Conference
December 7th: Teams return to their countries
The competition consists in the registration of as many species of birds by sight or sound during the route (the responsible use of bird calls playback is allowed). The team that registers the largest number of species will be named the winner.
Flickr Image courtesy of Emmanuel DYAN http://bit.ly/1kLEhuk
Stay tuned for more news of the fast approaching Birding Rally, and follow us on Twitter for live updates from the event.
30.10.12
