Located in south-central Peru in the Central Andes, the Bicentenario-Ayacucho Biosphere Reserve encompasses diverse mountain ecosystems that rise from between 1,850 m and 4,450 m above sea level. These ecosystems include seasonally dry forests, high Andean wetlands, relict forests and Andean scrubland. The biosphere reserve encompasses the natural protected areas of the Historical Sanctuary of the Pampa de Ayacucho and the Regional Conservation Area of the largest population of the 'titankas' forest (Puya raimondii) in the world. Sometimes referred to as the Queen of the Andes, this elongated, almost giraffe-like flowering plant can grow to up to 15 m in height. The area is also noted for its significant cultural diversity in terms of historical, religious, and social values, including local and indigenous knowledge relating to the management of natural resources. The biosphere reserve has a total population of over 300,000, with the majority living in urban areas, including in the city of Ayacucho located in the transition area. More than half of the population speaks Quecha as their mother tongue. Economic activity includes agriculture, livestock, fish farming, tourism and Andean subsistence herding, as well as service activities.

Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus), Bicentenario - Ayacucho Biosphere Reserve, Peru© José Luis Gutiérrez Gutiérrez

Crested Duck (Lophonetta specularioides), Bicentenario - Ayacucho Biosphere Reserve, Peru© José Luis Gutiérrez Gutiérrez

American Kestrel (Falco sparverius) in the Bicentenario - Ayacucho Biosphere Reserve, Peru© José Luis Gutiérrez Gutiérrez