I am in the process of adding identifications, links to further information, and a few details of many of the species in my designs.
Madidi Clouds
Great sapphire wing
Pterophanes cyanopterus is a fairly large hummingbird (10g), although the largest, Patagona gigas, is more than twice the size (up to 24g). Hummingbirds are by nature aggressive with each other, and Great sapphirewings could often be seen at my study site bombing around in pursuit of each other, as well as feeding on the turquoise flowers of Puya atra. Great sapphirewings have a range which roughly overlaps the spectacled bear, from Venezuela to Bolivia.
Puya atra
Puya atra is a species of terrestrial bromeliad native to Bolivia. It is a relative of the pineapple, and has a sweet gelatinous material at the base of its leaves which is greatly favoured by Andean bears. Bears eat the leaf bases, and this tough, fibrous food is a real staple for this species, explaining why these bears have amongst the strongest jaws of any carnovire. The amazing turquoise flowers, which appear only very occasionally, produce a large amount of nectar for hummingbirds.
Mutisia lanata
Mutisia lanata is an incredible climbing vine which I collected and drew when doing my field work in Madidi National Park. It was identified for me by the botanists at the National Herbarum in Bolivia thanks to the help of my bear scientist colleague and friend Dr Ximena Velez Liendo. It is a relative of the sunflower, but is extraordinary for its spikey flower bases.
Carolina Tree of Life
Mercia Vines