The Podocarpus – El Condor Biosphere Reserve covers an area of over 2 million acres (1 million hectares) in southern Ecuador. This area, which includes the Podocarpus National Park, is considered to be one of the most important sites for biodiversity in the world. It contains 3,500 plant species, over 40% are which are endemic or restricted to this area, including an abundance of orchids, bromeliads, ferns and tree species.
Along with such attractive mammal as the spectacled bear, mountain tapir, ocelot and puma, the Reserve is home to over 400 bird species, including 61 species of hummingbirds and 81 different tanagers. Birds include the spectacular Andean cock-of-the-rock, and many endemic species such as the Neblina Metaltail and the White-breasted Parakeet.
Nature and Culture International has- been working to conserve this lush forest, by seeking protective status of the most important sites as fully protected areas, working with local peoples to improve resource management, and with the Shuar indigenous peoples to protect over 50,000 acres of their ancestral homelands. NCI also operates its San Francisco Biological Station in this area, on 2,500 acres of lush cloud forests.
The Podocarpus – El Condor Biosphere Reserve was formally recognized by UNESCO in October 2007, and has had the support of local public and private institutions, including the Provincial Councils of Loja and Zamora Chinchipe, municipalities of Loja and Zamora, Ministry of Environment, National University of Loja, Private Technical University of Loja, and the MAB-UNESCO Program in Ecuador.
More information: www.podocarpuselcondor.org
Contact us:
Felipe Serrano, fserrano@natureandculture.org
Period of implementation: since 2003
Co-Executor and Collaborators: Honourable Provincial Council of Loja, Honourable Provincial Council of Zamora Chinchipe, Illustrate Municipality of Loja, Illustrate Municipality of Zamora, Ministry of Environment, National University of Loja, Private Technical University of Loja, MAB - UNESCO Programs in Ecuador.
