CLOSE ENCOUNTER WITH MANED WOLF

AMAZING WILDLIFE WATCHING TRIP REPORT TO THE BLUE THROATED MACAW NATURE RESERVE

From the 16th-20th of September we visited the remote and spectacular Blue throated Macaw Nature Reserve. This former cattle ranch is one of the only places on earth where nature lovers can observe the critically endangered Blue throated Macaw, a species which is numbered at less than 300 in the wild.

Unlike the normal tourists our objective was not birdwatching, we were looking for one of the most elusive species on the planet, the strange and rarely seen Maned Wolf. 

To find the Maned Wolf which is no easy feat we had to combine very early mornings, late evening searches, also we were also aiming to photography the equally strange Giant Anteater in which this Reserve is a stronghold for the species. Our host Tjalle Boors who manages the reserve was instrumental at showing us the Reserve, however we knew what a task we had ahead of us when he informed us that in 4 years he personally had never had a sighting of the Maned Wolf.

The endemic and critically endangered Blue Throated Macaws.

With knowledge of proven Maned Wolf hotspots we were on constant elert, a few times in the night i heard the strange barking/scream of the Wolf, a positive sign that they were in the area. 

The first few days we had little signs, poor weather didnt help, however we were kept intriqued by huge flocks of Blue and Yellow Macaws, Capybara, Lesser Anteaters, Peccaries, Armadillos and many other species. 

Excellent Savannah habitat with forest islands, home to the Maned Wolf, Giant Anteater and Blue throated Macaw

The first main mammal sighting we had was a close up encounter with a Giant Anteater, these unique animals which can eat thousands of termites daily. Its claws are impressive and have been known to have even killed Jaguars and occasionally the odd hunter who has tried to attack these generally peaceful animals. 

 

As the days passed we ticked up our mammal species, also saw an impressive 3.5 metre Black Caiman as well, however the main species we came to look for was still playing hide and seek.

The 2nd last day again presented us with incredible views of the Blue throated Macaws and even better another close up sighting of the Giant Anteater, it literally walked 1 metre from us, an amazing experience given the hardship of seeing them in other locations.

One of 3 Giant Anteater sightings during this mammal watching trip

 

Our last morning we set off again, with still no Maned Wolf sighting. We were almost losing hope when literally out of nowhere the impressive shape of the Maned Wolf appeared out of nowhere, stunned we could barely take pictures as we were watching one of the strangest and most elusive species in South America. 

With the mission accompolished we left this incredible location , with cameras full of images and even more important memories which will last a lifetime. 

For more information about our wildlife watching trips in Bolivia, visit our website of www.nicksadventuresbolivia.com

CAMERA TRAP IMAGES FROM AMBORO NATIONAL PARK BOLIVIA

At Nicks Adventures Bolivia we are commited to showing the amazing biodiversity this small but spectacular country has to offer. We purchased some camera traps and set them up in areas of the  Amboro National Park and here are some of the results.

PUMA

OCELOT 

This beautiful cat is relativly common however is rarely seen, it preys on birds, mammals, reptiles and is mostly active at night. Its the most common feline species in Bolivia.

JAGUAR

Sady this is the only image we have recorded in 4 years of surveys, this Jaguar was killed 3 weeks after this image was taken by Ranchers on the border of the park. Something we need to change.

SPECTACLED BEAR

Our only image of this shy and elusive species in Amboro. This is the only species of Bear in South America.

MARGAY

 

BUSH DOG 

An incredible capture of this rarely sighted cainine, this is potentially the first ever recording of this species in Amboro National Park.

 TAYRA

This member of the weasel family can be frequently seen running on trails or in trees hunting birds and reptiles.

These are just a few of thousands of images we have captured, for more information about our tours to Amboro National Park, follow us on facebook of Nicks Adventures Bolivia or visit our website of www.nicksadventuresbolivia.com

AMAZING NEW WILDLIFE WATCHING EXPERIENCE IN BOLIVIA

SAN MIGUELITO/PANTANAL ULTIMATE WILDLIFE WATCHING PACKAGE

Our latest Bolivian Wildlife watching package takes you to explore some of Bolivia`s most wild and pristine areas, including combing visits to the spectacular San Miguelito Jaguar Conservation Reserve, Valley de Tucacava  and the incredible yet rarely visited  Bolivian Pantanal. The aim is to explore these pristine ecosystems and photograph a huge variety of species, with luck even catch a glimpse of the king of the Jungle the majestic and elusive Jaguar.

 During this incredible 6 day/5 night journey we will be exploring these different ecosytems by a range of different methods, from hiking, night 4WD spotlighting Safari and canoe trips. 

The beautiful Yellow Anaconda is frequently seen during these tours

Wildlife watching potential during this package is extremley high ,we will be searching for a huge variety of species which include the Jaguar, Ocelot, Anaconda, Giant Otters, Marsh Deer, Macaws, Capybara, Caimans, many monkey and marmoset species and a huge assortment of birds as well.

Spectacular Jaguar sighting during a river trip of San Miguelito Jaguar Reserve

Just an example of some of the wildlife watching on offer here.

For birdwatchers this trip is a paradise, we combining visiting dry Chaco forests, Chiquitania and Pantanal Wetlands which presents a huge assortment of birds, some iconic species include the Toca Toucan , Red and Green Macaws, Trogons, Red legged Seriemas and the emblem of the Pantanal the impressive Jabribu

World class bird watching

Activities during the trip include setting up and checking camera traps, 4WD spotlighting, hiking, piranah fishing and boat trips in pristine rivers

Explore pristine river systems with not another tourist in sight

Try your luck at Piranah fishing

Lastly but not least is the scenery, this trip provides landscape lovers incredible photographic opportunities with some of the most memorable scenery in all of Bolivia.

The incredible Lookout of the Valley of Tucavaca

Some of the viewpoints in San Migelito Jaguar Conservation Reserve

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS INCREDIBLE BOLIVIAN  WILDLIFE WATCHING PACKAGE  THEN VISIT US AT WWW.NICKSADVENTURESBOLIVIA.COM