Peru features wildly diverse flora and fauna, thanks to its great natural and geological diversity. One of Peru's leading scientists, Dr. Javier Pulgar Vidal, completed extensive studies of the country in the 1930's, describing no less than eight climatological zones, divided into 96 sub-zones, each of which represents a different biological niche. The eight zones are Chala, or coastland, Yunga, lowland valleys, Quechua, a temperate, middle-altitude zone, Suni, highlands, Puna, inhospitable highlands, Janca, snowy mountain peaks, Omagua, high interior jungle, and Rupa-Rupa, lowland jungle.
The Chala, or coastal, region features islands, mangroves, beaches, some marshes and inland areas up to about 500 meters above sea level. The flora of the Peruvian Chala region is marked by palm trees, coconuts, olive trees, papayas, mangroves and the variety of grape from which Peruvian pisco is made. The region is also home to certain reeds and rushes that are used commercially by the local residents to make baskets, mats, etc. Chala means "maize plant" in Quechua. The fauna includes all sea animals, such as fish and sea lions, as well as marine birds such as frigates and boobies.
The lowland valleys and hills that make up the Yunga ("warm valley") region (500-2300 meters above sea level) are marked by beneficial trees such as the avocado, plum and citrus trees including orange, grapefruit and lime. Peru's extensive sugarcane fields are found in the Yunga region. The region is famous for orchids: more than 200 species are thought to exist in the Yunga. It features many species of birds, including the rare white-winged guan. The region is also home to some small species of wild cats as well as many reptiles, including boas and several types of lizard. The Andean spectacled bear makes its home in the Peruvian Yunga. The Yunga is currently considered a highly endangered ecosystem: a great deal of damage is being done by agriculture and deforestation.
The temperate Quechua region (2300-3500 Meters above sea level) is the most important agricultural zone for Peruvian grains, such as maize and wheat. Tomatoes, papayas and peaches also grow well in the Quechua zone.
The Suni region (3500-4,100 meters above sea level) is a cold, dry region which includes some glacial lakes. "Suni" means "high" in Quechua. The flora of the region is tough, hardy plants and bushes, with very few trees. Little agriculture takes place in the Suni region, but quinua (a local grain) does well, as do some potatoes, barley, oats and the broad bean. The famous guinea pig, long a food staple of Andean cultures, is native to this region. The Lake Titicaca basin is considered to be a combination of Suni and Puna regions.
The Puna zone is the highest zone that supports human populations: the Janca region is too inhospitable for people to stay there for long. The Puna ("Puna" means "altitude sickness" in Quechua) is home to iconic Andean creatures such as the llama, vicuña, guanaco and alpaca. Sheep, which were introduced into the region, also thrive in the Puna. The Puna is home to several highland lakes which are important stop-overs for migratory birds. Potatoes grow well in this zone, as do certain cacti.
The Janca ("white") region is the highest in Peru, and is characterized by glaciers and snow-capped peaks. Some hardy grasses, moss and lichens thrive there, but little else. There are some animals and birds that reside here as well, including the Andean condor.
The Omagua region, or high jungle, gets its name from an indigenous word meaning "region of the fresh water fish." In Peru, there are vast stretches of virgin rainforest classified as Omagua. It is home to several species of mammal and reptile as well as many birds and insects. There are also, naturally, several species of fish that thrive in this climate zone, largest of which is the paiche. There are several important species of plants, including the Brazil nut tree, Mahogany, and the hallucinogenic ayahuasca.
Peru's steamy interior jungle lowlands are classified as rupa-rupa, from a Quechua word meaning "ardent." A thriving, vital ecosystem, it is home to countless species of plant and animal life. Many trees from this region are considered of commercial value, including the balsawood, rubber and oil palm trees.