Peru 2012 Birding Rally Challenge

Twenty-four globally recognized birding experts representing the United States, South Africa, Brazil, the United Kingdom and Spain will compete in the first edition of “Birding Rally Challenge Peru 2012”, a unique competition in South America.

International Teams in a group photo during a birding session at Pantanos de Villa Near Lima.

The world’s first birding competition got underway in Peru last Thursday in the Amazon Jungle Region of Tambopata. This epic 6 days / 5 nights competition, known as Peru’s 2012 Birding Rally Challenge was designed to help promote Peru as a leading birding destination.

A flock of resident and migratory birds spotted at Pantanos de Villa.

The event which was officially launched last Thursday by José Luis Silva Martinot – Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism and Chairman of the Board of PeruPeru, along with José Koechlin – President of the Inka Terra Association a Non-Government Association dedicated to strengthening eco-tourism in Peru.

Birding Challenge Participants warming up their skill for their birding time in the Peruvian Amazon.

The event aims to highlight international awareness of Peru as one of the world’s leading birding and tourist destinations. During the competition, participants will test their knowledge in the Peruvian jungle, from Puerto Maldonado to Machu Picchu, to record in a given time bird species seen in a checklist. The winning team will be the one that sighted as many bird species during the six stages of the rally.

Peru has 1836 registered bird species, of which 120 are endemic, representing one-fifth of all known species in the world. Peru also has 84 of 104 recognized life zones, making it one of the most bio-diverse countries in the world.

Further information about Peru’s 2012 Birding Rally Challenge can be found on the official website www.birdingrallychallenge.com.