Tapichalaca

This reserve is high in the Andes at the extreme limit of the Amazon watershed, and is the only protected habitat of the Jocotoco Antpitta. It also shelters another ten threatened bird species and an astonishing one hundred and fifty threatened plants species, thirty species of which are orchids. A recent survey found nine threatened frog species. It is also a stronghold for Spectacled Bear and Mountain Tapir. This list will undoubtedly lengthen with more biological survey – it is a superlative site.

The Valladolid Valley, Tapichalaca, Ecuador. Tree planting areas on pasture.

Tree planting Podocarpus sprucii, a characteristic montane forest species threatened by over exploitation. © Fundación Jocotoco

The tree-planting work is concentrated in the sub-tropical montane forest edge in the upper Valladolid Valley, with a target of 40,000 native trees being planted on pasture on the valley flanks. The seedlings are grown in family nurseries and are all native to the area. The mix includes Podocarpus, typical of this habitat but threatened by over-cutting.

Reserve map

Tapichalaca reserve map. View larger version of reserve map