Flora and Fauna
One of Piñero’s most beautiful features is the diversity of its trees. In its forests, there are large areas where species belonging to the leguminous family predominate, thus allowing to find sections dominated by the presence of the saman (Pithecelloblum saman), which alternate with other areas where the dragon tree
(Pterocarpus podocarpus) constitutes the heart of the forest. There is also a species of Indian origin, which is almost com-pletely tropicalized known as the mango (Mangifera indica). Locally, the “guaeimo” (Guazuma ulmifolia), the “guacimo cimarron” (Luehea candida), the “dividive” (Caesal-pina coriaria), and the “aceite”
(Copaifera officinalis) are considerably abundant. Frequently, true giants such as the ceiba tree (Ceiba pentandra) can be found within the forests. The branches of the “cañafistolas” or drumstick trees (Cassia grandis and Casia moschata) and those of the coco de mono (Lecythis ollaria) are visited by the capuchin
monkeys, which can be seen and heard beating the fruits against said branches, providing themselves the seeds to eat. The mango and the “guacimo” fruit are the macaw’s favorite fruit. The curassows also visit the “guacimos” while some birds such as the muscovy ducks, the whistling tree ducks, the macaws and the
parrots, nest in the trunk of the “camorucos” (Sterculia apetala). In the impenetrable areas of low bushes, which are periodically flooded and are dominated by the “cacho” and the “lagunero” (Hecatostemon guazumeafolius), and interrupted by “palo de agua” trees (Ruprechtia sp), hundreds of herons meet to form
colorful congregations known as “garceros”.
The list of mammals of Hato Piñero includes some species that have become extinct or are scarce else-where, such as jaguars, pumas, peccaries (two species) and tapirs. Even during a short stay at Piñero, the visitor will be able to observe white-tailed deers, fox (two species), capybaras, rabbits, bats, tayras, red
howler monkeys, capuchin monkeys, squirrels, etc. These are the most common and abundant animals, but it is not difficult during a walk through the forest or on the roads to see ocelots, wild cats, giant and lesser anteaters, raccoons, jaguars and pumas, or to find their traces or remainders of their hunting from the
previous night. The capybara, largest of all rodents, has been a source of food for the inhabitants of the llanos since recorded times. Piñero’s capybara population is large and, presently, biological and behavioral studies of this species are being carried out.
The most important and abundant reptiles on the ranch are caimans, which Venezuelans call “babas” (Caiman crocodilus). At the end of the dry season, when the “baba’s” habitat areas have been reduced to the smallest size, some of the lagoons and “caños” (the latter are natural drainages from the savannas, some
of which have water all year round), carry more than 200 individuals per hectare. Likewise, biological studies are being undertaken to determine the size of this population. Other reptiles include the abundant iguanas and several snake species, among them, the anaconda (Eunectes murinus), one of the worlds largest
water snakes, comparable with the Great Python of India. There are also some types of lizards, turtles, terrapins, and tortoises.
As of birds, Hato Piñero is a true paradise for bird watchers. Today, the list includes more than 340 species identified by biologists and experts. Most of our visitors find new species, namely herons, storks,ibises, hoatzins, curassows flycatchers and seedeaters. Hato Piñero’s fauna is known to be very tame, since
the ranch has always maintained its zealous conserva-tionist program restricting hunting and protecting the environment. The animals, not afraid of man, as opposed to other places, are easy to observe and photograph.
