PN Yasuní--saladeros (Clay Licks)

Amazonia Lowlands Ecoregion - Elevation 400'

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eBird Hotspot Link: Saladero #1, Saladero #2

Species: #1507, #2 406

Checklists: #1513, #2 369

Projected Time at Site: Long (>3 hrs.)

About the Area:

Deep within the emerald expanse of Yasuní National Park, the salt licks—also known as clay licks—are vital ecological hotspots where wildlife gathers to consume mineral-rich soils. These deposits play a crucial role in the diets of many Amazonian species, helping to neutralize toxins from plant-based foods and supplement essential nutrients like sodium and calcium. At dawn, the forest comes alive with the raucous calls of parrots and macaws, including Mealy Parrots, Scarlet Macaws, and Orange-cheeked Parrots, as they descend in brilliant flocks to feed on the exposed clay walls. Mammals such as lowland tapirs, peccaries, and red brocket deer also frequent these sites, often under the cover of night, drawn by the same mineral bounty that sustains their health in this complex ecosystem.

The surrounding lands of Yasuní are among the most biodiverse on Earth, situated at the convergence of the Andes, Amazon, and Equator. This unique geography supports staggering species richness, with world-record levels of amphibian, bird, mammal, and tree diversity within just a few square kilometers. The salt licks are embedded in terra firme rainforest, where towering ceibas and strangler figs form a dense canopy above a labyrinth of vines, epiphytes, and understory plants. Indigenous guides from nearby communities often lead respectful, low-impact visits to these sacred sites, sharing traditional knowledge about animal behavior and forest ecology. In Yasuní, the salt licks are more than feeding grounds—they are windows into the evolutionary intricacies of Amazonian life and the enduring relationship between people and the land.

Most Likely Species:

Map of the Area:

Recap and Reflections (How it played out)

(Stay tuned...)