Deep within the Amazon rainforest lies one of nature’s most fascinating phenomena — the mammal clay lick. These clay licks, also known as colpas, are exposed riverbanks or muddy walls rich in essential minerals like sodium and calcium. Every day, various mammals such as tapirs, peccaries, deer, monkeys, and even giant rodents like capybaras visit these mineral-rich sites to feed on the clay. What seems like a simple act of animals eating dirt is, in fact, a critical survival behavior shaped by nature.
In the dense and biodiverse forests near Huacarpay Lagoon, travelers who embark on wildlife and birding excursions can often witness this spectacle firsthand. While birdwatchers flock to the region for its colorful macaws and waterfowl, the mammal clay lick reveals an equally captivating side of the Amazon’s wildlife activity. During the early morning or late evening, animals cautiously emerge from the forest cover, drawn by an instinctive need to detoxify their plant-based diet. Many leaves and fruits consumed by Amazonian wildlife contain natural toxins. The minerals found in clay help neutralize these toxins, supporting digestion and overall health.
For nature lovers, observing a mammal clay lick is a rare opportunity to see multiple species gathered peacefully in one place. Unlike typical hunting or survival scenes, the atmosphere around a clay lick feels almost ceremonial — a momentary truce among wildlife. Travelers can sit quietly from a safe viewing distance and watch as the animals take turns approaching the clay wall, always alert for predators but too driven by necessity to resist.
Tours around Huacarpay Lagoon offer the perfect blend of birding and mammal observation. The surrounding wetlands, forests, and river corridors create ideal habitats for both avian and terrestrial species. With an experienced guide, visitors can track wildlife movements and position themselves near known clay lick sites without disturbing the natural behavior of the animals.
A visit to a mammal clay lick goes beyond simple sightseeing — it deepens your understanding of how intricately balanced the Amazon ecosystem is. Every creature, from the smallest rodent to the largest tapir, relies on these mineral deposits for survival. Protecting these natural sites is essential, as increasing deforestation and human encroachment threaten their existence.
For travelers seeking raw, authentic wildlife experiences, witnessing a mammal clay lick in action is unforgettable. It’s a reminder that even the mightiest creatures of the jungle depend on the earth itself — quite literally — to thrive. If you’re planning a birding or wildlife tour around Huacarpay Lagoon, be sure to include a visit to a clay lick. It’s one of the Amazon’s most humbling and awe-inspiring natural spectacles.
