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Polylepis tree |
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A Black-breasted Puffleg |
Jocotoco has established the new Yanacocha reserve on the slopes of Volcan Pichincha, just an hour outside of Quito, the capital city of Ecuador. The reserve protects a large area (960 ha) of Polylepis woodland on the slopes of Volcan Pichincha. Much of this woodland has been removed for charcoal production and for agriculture.
The reserve protects 964 ha of elfin Polylepis forest which is home to the Black-breasted Puffleg (Eriocnemis nigrivestis). As far as we are aware, the reserve contains the entire world range of this very rare hummingbird. The area is also an important source of water for the city of Quito. It is extraordinary to have such a large area of important and intact habitat so close to a large conurbation like Quito.
The Jocotoco Foundation would like to thank Sr. General Paco Moncayo Gallegos, Alcalde del Distrito Metropolitano de Quito (Mayor of Quito). Ing. Carlos Landin, Director de la EMAP (Empresa Municipal de Agua Potable) for their assistance and vision in helping to create this reserve.
The Yanacocha reserve was purchased using funds provided by the Jocotoco Foundation and with contributions from a number of individuals and agencies from Ecuador, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. Jocotoco would like to thank everyone who provided financial or other types of support and also to Rocio Merino for her special efforts.
On June 23rd the Mayor and Council of the City of Quito announced that the Black-breasted Puffleg has been adopted as the Emblem of Quito. The Puffleg is a Critically Endangered Hummingbird, which only occurs on the Pichincha Volcano, immediately to the north of Quito. They will also declare the Yanacocha Reserve of Fundación Jocotoco, which was created to protect the habitat of a significant population of this bird to be "Natural Heritage of Mankind". There are many visitors to the reserve which is about a 45 minute drive from downtown (along the old Nono road near to the airport). They can enjoy spectacular views of the upper reaches of Pichincha, pleasant walks along the trails and close views of many species of hummingbirds including three species of Pufflegs, at the feeders along the main trail.
If you are interested in helping to contribute to the creation of other reserves, please consider contacting and contributing to Fundación Jocotoco. Contributions made in the United States, United Kingdom, or Canada are tax creditable.
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All photos by Nigel Simpson |
Read about Fundación Jocotoco's other reserves in Ecuador
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