Introduction - Adventure Guide to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands - page 24

Andean Condors
In and above the highlands of Ecuador lives the largest flying bird in
the world, the Andean condor, with a wingspan of nearly 10 feet. The
condor is an incredible - and incredibly endangered - species, with
only a fewhundredmating pairs remaining. Youmay spot one during
an extended visit to the Sierras. Spending their time circling high in
flight, they are scavengers that land to feed on carrión, but seem to be
able to soar forever.
Carunculated Caracaras
Closer to the ground, particularly in Cotopaxi National Park (see
page 168), is the carunculated caracara. Primarily black, this falcon
has an orange-red face, a yellow bill and legs, and a white underside.
It is one of the more commonly sighted birds in the páramo grass-
lands of the park. The caracara hunts small páramo rodents.
Reptiles & Amphibians
From the 17-foot-long Amazonian anaconda to the bril-
liant poison-arrow frog, these unique creatures all call Ec-
uador home. In total, there are over 350 species of reptiles
and 375 species of amphibians.
Crocodiles & Caimans
Among the notable reptiles in Ecuador is the crocodile, which lives in
mangrove estuaries along the coast. Its smaller cousin, the caiman, is
common in the Oriente. A night hike along water's edge or a silent ca-
noe ride often provides ample opportunity to witness these special
creatures. Floating motionless at the water's surface, their eyes re-
flect the beam of a flashlight as two red, glowing bulbs.
Fer-de-Lance Snakes
The most feared reptile in Ecuador is the deadly fer-de-lance snake.
Camouflaged well within the cover of the forest floor, it has an arrow-
shaped head and diamond patterns on its body. If you cross this
snake's path, stop and back away very slowly. The fer-de-lance is noc-
turnal, so wear rubber boots on a night hike and try not to place your
hands on tree trunks. Even if you are bitten, chances are it won't be
enough to kill you; the snake would rather save its venom for prey. If
it does inject a full load, however, start praying. Still, your chances of
survival on a trek through fer-de-lance territory are much higher
than gambling on the local public-transportation system. Very few
people are ever bitten.