Seals and sea lions flee the Peru earthquake

The 8.0 magnitude earthquake that devastated southern Peru on Aug. 15 caused substantial damage to the islands and coastal areas - one of the most sensitive natural habitats for seals, sea lions and penguins in the country.

As much as 60 percent of the resting grounds used by seals at the Paracas National Reserve, some 265 kilometers (165 miles) southeast of the capital, have been wiped out. According to a government agency, only 50 of the 150 seals living survived the disaster. The good news is that seal carcasses had not been found in great numbers in the park, indicating that the animals may have migrated to other areas.

The earthquake caused substantial damage to the coastal cliffsides and bluffs up and down the coast but nowhere more than here. One of the most distinctive attractions of the reserve, an arched rock formation known as "The Cathedral" was completely destroyed.

In addition, the earthquake destroyed many resorts, such as The Hotel Paracas, that cater to tourists who wish to national reserve's rich wildlife.

Find out more about Peru, South America and my varied interests over on Klephblog.

Technorati Tags: Peru, Paracas, earthquake, sea lions