Region: |
Sierra
Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia |
Partner: |
Fundación
ProAves |
Initiation: |
December 2005 |
 |
|
 |
| Santa Marta Parakeet. Photo:
Fundación ProAves |
Introduction: The
Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is an ancient and isolated
5,700-meter-high (18,700 ft) massif that is separated from
and pre-dates the Andes. It is considered one of the Americas'
most important biogeographic centers of bird endemism, and
was declared an Alliance
for Zero Extinction site in 2005. Although smaller than
the state of Connecticut, this mountain range contains the
single highest concentration of endemic birds found on the
planet and more resident bird species than the continental
USA. The area also holds the exceptional levels of diversity
and high levels of endemism for plants, amphibians, and
butterflies.
The unique birds that live
in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta include Endangered species
such as the Santa Marta Parakeet (Pyrrhura viridicata),
Santa Marta Sabrewing (Campylopterus phainopeplus),
Santa Marta Bush-Tyrant (Myiotheretes pernix).
In addition, the mountains are important wintering areas
for migrants from North America, such as the Golden-winged
Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera) and Cerulean
Warbler (Dendroica cerulea) , both WatchList
species. In February 2007, participants on an ABC birding
tour discovered a new species of screech-owl for science
beside the new Sierra Nevada EcoCenter.
There are also four species
of threatened amphibians that occur on the massif, the Critically
Endangered Atelopus laetissimus and Atelopus nahumae,
and the Endangered Eleutherodactylus ruthveni and
Eleutherodactylus insignatus.
The Sierra Nevada de Santa
Marta has suffered severe habitat loss and degradation due
to uncontrolled colonization. Its cool montane forests are
just 20 km (12 miles) from the rapidly growing coastal city
of Santa Marta. The cooler climes have attracted people
from the hot and polluted city to seek weekend and holiday
retreats and, in turn, holiday home developments and speculation
have started in the region.
 |
| Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia.
Photo: Fundación ProAves |
Objective:
To establish the first private protected area on the Sierra
Nevada de Santa Marta massif and ensure the survival for
the many endemic and threatened species.
Actions:
1. Establish a 1,000 hectare (2,500 acre) nature reserve
to protect key endemic species.
2. Develop ecotourism infrastructure to ensure long-term
reserve sustainability.
3. Remove invasive and non-native Mexican weeping pines
from the reserve and reforest with native species.
4. Provide artificial nest boxes to assist the Santa Marta
Parakeet population.
5. Monitor threatened and endemic flora and fauna at the
reserve.
Accomplishments:
1. The El Dorado Bird Reserve was established in January
2006 through the acquisition of initial 600 hectares (1,482
acres), and later adding the Cincinnati property (100 hectares
or 247 acres) was purchased (October 2007).
2. The Sierra Nevada EcoCenter, including the Jeniam Ecolodge
and Blue Moon Restaurant opened at El Dorado Bird Reserve.
3. Conservation International made film on AZE amphibians
on the reserve in November 2007.
4. In February 2007 a new species of owl was discovered,
the Santa
Marta Screech-Owl.
Bird
list for El Dorado Reserve
For more information on
how to visit the lodge
and Sierra Nevada EcoCenter at the El Mirador Bird Reserve.
For more information about
this project or ABC’s work in Colombia, contact
Mission and Vision 
Up to Parent Page
