Toads.- Toads. - Toads (and frogs) are the oldest inhabitants of the lake, and have survivied the passage of time despite the altitude of the Andean Altiplano (High Plain) of 3800m, or 12.500 feet above sea level. These toads and frogs lived in lowland regions approximately 150 million years ago and were trapped within the enormous mountain range of the Andes that was formed by intense volcanic activity..

Later, some 3 million years ago, the climate chilled suddenly in a period of glaciation and the frogs and toads of the Andes had but two options; to suffer extinction or to begin a surprising evolutionary adventure.

Today, the subtropical latitude combined with its great altitude exposes the Titicaca region to intense solar radiation (both ultraviolet and infrared), that results in strong dessication and dramatic swings in air temperatures from day to night.. Therefore; What did the toads and frogs do to adapt to such a hostile climate? Simply put, they evolved (Titicaca and the Magic of the Southern Andes, Walter H. Wust).

Suri.- (aka Andean Ñandú, Magellan Ostrich). The suri is a flightless bird with plumage made of long, flexible feathers of a brown colour with white patches. It measures 1.50m tall, with a shoulder height of 1m. The suri is typically found in highland grasslands, and feeds on vegetation. The male builds the nest from vegetation remains, and also incubates, cares for and defends the chicks. The suri is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Peru and Chile in open grass plains, scrublands and mountain valleys. In Peru it lives in the regions of Puno, Moquegua and Tacna at altitudes of between 2000 and 4200 metres above sea level.
http://www.inrena.gob.pe/fauna/manuales/esp_amenaz/fauna_manuales_esp_amenaz_16.html

Vicuñas.-  An endangered species, the vicuña's headcount had fallen to 64,000 in 1982 when Peru began a protection programme for the species. It is now hoped that the vicuña population will soon top 1 million, thanks to economic resources provided by the WWF (World Wildlife Fund), the UIN (Internacional Union for Nature Conservation), the Frankfurt Zoological Society and the government of Belgium, all of whom supported the Peruvian effort and provided human resources including experts with experience with vicuña. Peru is currently contributing to help repopulate vicuña to other zones, such as Ecuador where the vicuña population had disappeared, as well as specific zones inside Peru.

Doctor William Franklin, who has made a study of the social organization of the vicuña, has identified five types of associations:

1. Family groups with permanent territory occupy the preferred habitat for vicuña. The herds are made up of an adult male (called "paco") who tends a varied number of mothers with or without young, and young females. The territory is divided into two parts, one for feeding where the day is passed, and one for the night where the herd sleeps.
2. Family groups in marginal territories
3. Mobile family groups
4. Groups of males expelled from the herds, mobile herds
5. Males that have separated from their herd and are trying to mark their own territory.

 Llamas.-  What is known today as the Andean regions of Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia, the Incas charged the llama with the task of transport over all the Tahuantinsuyo, using them for the transport of all types of objects.

The llama is a very resiliant animal that eats all types of grasses, including dried grasses and can go several days without eating. Although it does not benefit from the water storing capabilities of its cousin the camel, it also supports long periods without drinking. They are docile and relaxed creatures and are very curious. When frightened, they run to higher altitudes and inaccessible places, where it is very difficult to reach them and return them to their herd. They recognize their owners, as well as their home territories. If an excess weight is placed on a llama, they will sit down and not move or get up, even if badly treated.

 Alpacas.-  Alpacas prefer fresh pastures for feeding, and usually congregate in humid places to eat different grasses during the day. Alpaca herders say that their breakfasts, lunches and dinners are of different grasses, and they even have their own "hot sauce", a grass with a spicy flavour. It is normal to see alpacas up to their knees in water looking for their favourite grasses. Dry grasses can cause digestive problems, which lead to a lower quality and quality of both wool and meat. Alpaca wool is world famous for its fine, elegant fibres, especially in the world of haute couture, this being no myth as alpaca wool has shown itself to be one of the best thermal protectors, bettered only by vicuña wool.