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North of the Orinoco River, in the heart of Venezuela, there's an expansive area that extends east to west covering 300,000 Km2-- nearly a third of the national territory-- known as Los Llanos. Geologically speaking, this area is considered young, its depressed savanna being formed by sediment pushed by the growth of the surrounding sierras, more specifically the Andes. It was on these plains that many of the decisive battles for independence from Spain were fought. Today, battles still rage here, but they are battles to adapt and survive the harsh conditions of the environment.
For geomorphic reasons the plains are divided into: the eastern plains (Anzoategui and Monagas states), where the relief of the mesas predominate; the central plains (Guarico and Cojedes states), with their hills and low mountains; the western plains (Portuguesa and Barinas states); and southern plains (Apure state), which are, almost without exception, completely flat.
There are two distinctive seasons in Los Llanos, the rainy season and the dry season. In the lower lands of the states of Apure, the change of season is more pronounced, varying from extreme drought to constant floods. During the rainy season (June-October) when torrential rains overflow the numerous tributaries of the Orinoco that dissect the llanos, most of the plains become an expansive wetland that extends as far as the eye can see. In the dry season (November-May) the heat and the lack of rain cause the land to parch and the animals to congregate in shrinking waterholes and drying riverbeds.
The violent changes in weather conditions of these parts, and the relatively poor quality of the soil make most agriculture difficult in this region. Since colonial times, cattle-ranching has been identified as the most adaptable enterprise which can be conducted on these open plains. But it wasn't until a few decades ago, when aided by new science in breeding technology, that ranchers began to profit and produce in large scale. Surprisingly, the use of the land for breeding cattle has also helped the wildlife survive and prosper. As trenches are dug out and built to hold water in the dry season, birds, reptiles and mammals have also enjoyed the benefit. Today a significant number of cattle ranchers are avid nature conservationists. Many operate camps and lodges that cater to birdwatchers and nature lovers from all over the world. Through their experience in adapting to nature, cattle ranchers have realized the symbiotic relationship that exists between their cattle-ranching operations and the natural resources of the area.
Los Llanos offers a vibrant spectacle for lovers of nature no matter what the season. This is a land of vast savannas, crisscrossed by rivers with gallery forests, and clusters of palm and deciduous tree forests. More than 400 species of birds, and more than 100 species reptiles and mammals make this place their home. Enormous flocks of ducks, various types of ibises, herons, and storks can be seen congregated around water pools. Capybaras (the largest rodent in the world) and white-tailed deer mingle among the herds of cattle. Macaws and parrots can be heard and seen flying overhead or perched on top of trees. Eagles and hawks watch you closely at extraordinary close distances. Foxes and ocelots cross your path frequently in search of food. Anacondas and caimans (alligators) are never far from the shores of rivers and man-made lakes. Other species of animals commonly found in Los llanos include the puma, the jaguar, the giant and lesser anteater, peccaries, tapirs, the Orinoco crocodile, and capuchin and howler monkeys.
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