RiCHES OF THE FOREST

The riches of the forest include the animals, plants, fish, rivers, lagoons, wetlands, insects and spirits such as “Maana“ (mother of animals), "Nunkui” (mother of production) and ”Arutam” (the spirit that gives people power).

Everything is part of Achuar territory, because the animals, plants and fish that abound in the territory provide food and the Spirit gives people power. For that reason, territory is very important to the Achuar people.

Flora

The plants of the rain forest are extremely important to the Achuar people.

They use ayahuasca, tobacco and toé to give them visions of the future and understand their lives. Other plants, such as sangre de grado, hojé, sacha ajos, malva, suelda and others are used medicinally. The forest contains trees that can be used for lumber, such as cedar, tornillo, moena, lagarto caspi, espingo, papelillo, etc. They can be used for woodworking or sold. Other trees — such as estoraque, capolí, trompetero caspi, tangarana, etc. — are used especially for building houses.

Fruit-bearing plants in the forest — such as ovilla, aguaje, hungurahui, chimicua, pan de árbol, granadillo, zapote, etc. — provide food for humans and animals.

Fauna

Many different species of game animals are found in Achuar territory, including peccary, tapir, capybara and armadillo (four-legged animals); various monkey species known as maqui zapa, choro, coto, tocón y pichico; and birds, such as the curassow, guan, toucan, tinamou, etc. There are also other animals, including reptiles. Some are edible and some are not.

Edible: Lizard, tortoise, copiso and others.

Non-edible: Iguana, chameleon, gecko, boa and others.

These animals live in a healthy, unpolluted environment. The Achuar people defend their territory so the animals will not disappear with the arrival of petroleum and mining companies.