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Fauna
The Central Andes has nearly the same fauna as the northern and southern Andes. Like in the other regions, the only animals that survive in the central Andes are those that can subside on the austere plant life. This includes white-tailed deer, rabbits, and many types of rodents. Perhaps the most interesting mammal in the central Andes is the mountain tapir. The mountain tapir appears pig-like with a long snout and a brown-gray hue. It leaves distinctive tracks with four toes on their front feet and only three toes on their back feet.Two carnivorous mammals also inhabit the central Andes, which are the Andean fox and the Spectacled bear. The Andean fox is actually a species of wild dog and has a reddish gray coat. The Spectacled bear derives its name from the white patches of fur that surround its eyes, resembling spectacles. Though majestic, it is shy and rarely seen by tourists even within Cotopaxi National Park, In Cayambe Coca there is more chance of spotting this creature. In the latter it is also possible to see the Andean Lion but this depends on the season. Best months for this are from October to December.
Birds
Like the rest of Ecuador, the central Andes is a world-class region for bird enthusiasts. Some birds that can be found in Andean national parks and the surrounding areas especially the cloudforests include:Andean Condor
Rufous-Bellied Seed Snipe
Andean Snipe
Imperial Snipe
Ecuadorian Hill Star
Andean Tit- Spine Tail
Many-Striped Canister
Stout-Billed Concludes
Bar-Winged Concludes
Grey-Breasted Mountain-Toucan
Jay Inca
Crested Quetzal
Masked Trogon
Golden-Breasted Puffleg
Mountain Avocet Bill
Sword-Billed Hummingbird
Long-Tailed Sylph
Condor
Black-Faced Ibis
Bariable Hawk
Carunculated Caracara
Andean Gull
Puna Snipe
Snipe Nobleman
Ecuadorian Rail
Vermillon Flycatcher
Black Flowerpiercer
Blue-and-Yellow Tanager
Grass Wren
Giant Hummingbird
Black-Tailed Trainbearer
Masked Trogon
Powerful Woodpecker
Chestnut-Crowned Antpitta
Rufous Antpitta
Undulated Antpitta
