Since today was filled with lots of traveling, we did not get a chance to see much wildlife. One great event, though, was seeing the circling vultures above the Iquitos airport. We mentioned on Wednesday that these may make our plane landing more difficult. It turns out that these birds are quite common around this city and did not get in the way of the plane.

We also got a chance to get a taste of the Peruvian wildlife. At our first lunch stop as a big group, Ruben told us about one of the menu items. The Paiche fish (Arapaima gigas) is famous in these areas and is on almost every menu in town. The Paiche is highly sought after for its meat, but people also use the scales for a number of arts and crafts.

The Paiche is considered by many to be one of the largest freshwater fishes in the world, reaching up to 10 feet long and weighing up to 200 pounds. This fish differs from other fish because it uses an air bladder as a lung. They are able to get oxygen from the water as well as from inhaling air when they come to the surface. They are called a "lunged fish." These fish inhabit lakes more than rivers because of the calm water. They are also unique because the fathers take care of the "alevinos," baby fish. This is rare amongst fish.

We are looking forward to seeing these cool animals on this trip. Towards the end of our journey we are heading toward Cocha El Dorado (El Dorado Lake). This lake is known for its large Paiche. Because of this, it has suffered much from overharvesting. While this fish is an important game animal to these people, overfishing is threatening the fish population. The local people of the nearest town, Manco Capac, have taken it upon themselves to regulate the fishing in the lake. Deliberate seasonal harvests allow them to utilize this fish without threatening their population. It will be great to talk with these people and see how their conservation practices are working.

Jesse