Lachay National Reserve
Lachay 'National Reserve' is a protected area in the region of Lima, Peru. The reserve is located north of the Peruvian capital, Lima, and protects part of the lomas ecosystem.
Climate
Climate at the reserve is typical of the lomas: there is a wet season, from June to October and a dry season from January to May.Ecology
The Lomas ecosystem consists of areas of coastal desert, mostly hills, that receive enough moisture during winter for plant life to thrive, unlike the drought conditions in summer.Flora
Among the native plant species present in the park are: Tara spinosa, Vasconcellea candicans, Ismene amancaes, Verbena litoralis, Vachellia macracantha, Heliotropium arborescens, Armatocereus matucanensis, etc.Fauna
Some birds found in the reserve are: the Vermilion flycatcher, the Andean tinamou, the Black-chested buzzard-eagle, the American kestrel, the Cactus canastero, the variable hawk, the burrowing owl, etc.Some mammals found here are: the Sechuran fox, the white-tailed deer, occasionally the Pampas cat '', etc.
Archaeology
archaeological remains have been found in the reserve such as: human-made terraces, cave paintings, tombs and pieces of pottery. Archaeologists have determined the occupation of Lomas de Lachay, at least seven times, corresponding to initially hunting and gathering populations until reaching the current shepherds, also called “chivateros”. There is evidence of the presence of populations influenced by the Chavín Culture from the remains of ceramics and buildings found. Likewise, there are remains of tombs that show the presence of the Tiahuanaco Culture, to be exact, between 2500 BC, corresponding to the Theatine period.The hills also suffered the influence of other great regional cultures such as the Mochica, Chimú and Chancay, to finally be subjected to the Inca Empire. During the colony, the hills were gradually vacated due to the degradation they suffered as a result of overgrazing produced by cattle from Europe. In subsequent historical periods, the hills were deteriorating even more, due to the felling of trees as a source of energy, so that the capacity to support cattle was reduced and this resulted in the sporadic presence of settlers.