Nestled between breathtaking Andean peaks, Peru’s Marañon dry forest is “one of the richest in the world,” according to Nature & Culture biologist Iván Mejía. The deep and rugged canyon, known as the Grand Canyon of South America, is an incredibly biodiverse area within the Tropical Andes Hotspot.
Despite its biological significance, the Marañon forest faces serious threats, such as agricultural expansion, logging, hunting and forest fires.
“When we were younger, Andean bears and red deer would walk around here. There were also some parrots we called ‘chichirichis’ and we always followed them,” recalls community member Leoncio Vásquez. Human habitation and deforestation have taken a toll on the ecosystem. Now, the chichirichis, or yellow-faced parrotlets, are a threatened species.
In 2012, residents of nearby towns joined forces with Nature & Culture to protect their home against the construction of hydroelectric dams and further deforestation. With the support of regional governments, the Peruvian Protected Area Service and the Ministry of the Environment, Nature & Culture created two protected areas in the ecoregion – the Seasonally Dry Tropical Forests of the Marañon Conservation Area in the Amazonas region and the Cujillo Private Conservation Area in Cajamarca.
Together the two conservation areas protect 43,000 acres of dry forest, home to hundreds of threatened and endemic species, or species found in only one location on the planet, including the hairy long-nosed armadillo, vulnerable Peruvian night monkey, and spot-throated hummingbird. Its high level of endemism is attributed to its unique microclimate and landscape, as well as the fact that the region served as a refuge for many species during the last ice ages.
The areas also secure essential natural resources for nearby communities, including clean water sources and local plants with medicinal value; and have great potential to boost local and regional economies through tourism.
With the support of our donors, Nature & Culture will continue to collaborate with the regional governments to develop and implement the areas’ Management Plans to ensure effective and lasting conservation impact.
