Zona reservada Ancón, Protected area in Lima Department, Peru
Zona reservada Ancón is a protected coastal area near Lima combining bay waters, desert lowlands, and hills touched by seasonal moisture from the ocean. The site protects distinct ecosystems within a single landscape where marine and arid environments meet.
The area gained official protection status in 2013 when authorities recognized the need to safeguard its ecosystems and living organisms. This decision marked the beginning of managed conservation efforts to maintain the region's biological character.
The wildlife here reflects how the marine and desert ecosystems support each other, creating a living landscape where seabirds and marine mammals depend on the sheltered waters. This interdependence shapes what visitors see when exploring the protected zone.
The area sits along the coast near Lima and can be accessed through established routes that connect to the city. Conditions change with the seasons, with cooler misty weather in winter affecting visibility and ground moisture in the hills.
Many plant species here grow nowhere else in the world, having adapted over time to survive on coastal moisture and desert conditions. This concentration of exclusive plants makes the hills a living laboratory of how life adjusts to harsh coastal environments.
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